Abstract:

The relationship the artist has with the buyer has varied during the historical process of art. The manner in which society perceives art is the foremost reason that creates this variation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to identify what the developments and changes between the artist and the buyer are. The scope and topic of the study has been limited to artists who emerged in the first quarter of the 20th century, art events in the 1970’s, and artists participating in the 15th Istanbul Biennale. The primary problem that is posed in the research is as follows: in art history, how has the buyer changed when faced with the artist and the art work? Does the buyer have an influence on the commodification of art works? According to contemporary art’s post-structuralist and eclectic understanding, how should the relationship between the artist, work, and buyer be evaluated? The reasons why artists such as Édouard Manet, Alejandro Pereda, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby were included in the subject matter was that they are outside the stereotypical moulds and the manner in which they approach conceptual inquiry. In addition, the works of these artists were selected considering they would shed light on the commodity phenomenon in art. A document analysis will be carried out using qualitative research methods.

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