The Art of Capital

Art Style | Art & Culture International Magazine Abstract This essay addresses the mercantile relationships between artistic production and capitalist society. From the end of feudalism and the beginning of the Renaissance to the present day, art—as a product that requires creativity and talent from its author—is a creation that enjoys very high prestige as an integral part of capitalist society. The essay’s aim is to analyze how both art and capital are situated contemporaneously. In complex societies, as we know, the role of the media is of great significance, due to the decision-makers characteristics. For this reason, art criticism is systematically included in the media. Thus, the media is analyzed for artistic production in its various segments, and also the relationship between artists, galleries, consumers, and media. The background of this analysis focuses on how artwork adopts the position as another commodity in capitalist society. Like any other good, art becomes a product to be traded by artists, gallery owners, art dealers, and consumers who ultimately play the role of people in the business. However, none of this is new, insofar as we can empirically perceive; the logic of Capital is capable of transforming everything into something merchantable—that is, into merchandise. At another point in the essay, I devote myself to the discussion for establishing the aesthetic quality of a work of art. I attempt to interpret the role of the art critic that adopts—almost—the right to establish and make public the quality of some work, where the aesthetic criteria—beauty and quality—are in question. At this point in my discussion, I anticipate the very probable possibility that, in the analysis of art criticism, the values of a class culture prevail and that a critical review or speech reflects the values of mainstream culture, as consumption in capitalist society is stratified.Art Style, Art & Culture International Magazine is an open-access, biannual, and peer-reviewed online magazine that aims to bundle cultural diversity. All values of cultures are shown in their varieties of art. Beyond the importance of the medium, form, and context in which art takes its characteristics, art is considered the significance of socio-cultural, historical, and market influence