The celebrated art advisor reveals surprising truths, hidden deals, and the shifting dynamics of today’s global market

Barbara Guggenheim, widely regarded as the dean of art advisors, today announced the release of the second edition of her acclaimed book, Art World: The New Rules of the Game.

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With a doctorate in Art History, a career that includes positions at Sotheby’s and Christie’s, lecturing at the Whitney Museum, and more than four decades advising cultural icons such as Tom Cruise and Steven Spielberg as well as corporate giants like Sony and Coca-Cola, Guggenheim brings unparalleled authority and insider perspective to one of the world’s most secretive industries.

In this updated edition, Guggenheim unveils the fast-evolving world of art collecting, exposing the unwritten rules that shape artists, galleries, auctions, and museums today. Among the revelations:

• Inside the Gallery World: The behind-the-scenes dynamics between galleries and artists, including the rise of multimillion-dollar signing bonuses for young, in-demand artists — a practice reminiscent of professional sports.
• Museums as High-Stakes Showrooms: With the soaring costs of shipping, insurance, and mounting exhibitions, many museums now rely on galleries to foot the bill. In return, artists gain coveted institutional shows, galleries extend their influence, and trustees gain early access to buy works years before the public.
• The Rise of Auction Guarantors: A new class of financiers now offers sellers minimum payouts ahead of auctions — while sharing in the upside when works exceed expectations.
• The Future of Collecting in the Age of AI: As digital creativity blurs traditional boundaries, Guggenheim considers how artificial intelligence may redefine both what we value as art and how it is sold — including the possibility of bypassing galleries entirely as collectors discover artists directly on social media.

“People see the glamour of art — red-carpet openings and record-breaking sales — but few understand the financial, political, and personal maneuverings that make the art world what it is,” Guggenheim says. “This book is my way of pulling back the curtain to show readers not just how the game is played, but how the rules keep changing.” Whether you are a seasoned collector, an aspiring buyer, or simply fascinated by the intersection of culture and commerce, Art World: The New Rules of the Game offers a lively, eye-opening tour of a marketplace where beauty, money, and power collide.

About the Author

Barbara Guggenheim holds a doctorate in Art History and began her career at Sotheby’s and Christie’s before founding Barbara Guggenheim Associates, one of the nation’s leading art advisory firms. For more than forty years, she has guided private collectors and corporations in building world-class collections and designing strategies for acquisitions and de-accessions. A frequent lecturer and media commentator, Guggenheim is celebrated for her ability to demystify the art world with wit, candor, and authority.

Availability

Art World: The New Rules of the Game (2nd Edition) is available now wherever books are sold.

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