Art and Fame: Navigating the Modern Art World with Marek Claaßen

Welcome to the Art Business Podcast, where we delve into the intricate world of art and commerce. I'm David Bellingham, the Programme Director of the Master's Degree in Art Business at Sotheby's Institute of Art in London. In this episode, we are joined by Marek Claaßen, co-founder of ArtFacts.net, a Berlin-based platform providing comprehensive data and analysis on the relative 'fame' of artists and galleries, including world rankings. Join us as Marek shares his journey from growing up in a middle-class family with a passion for German expressionism, to becoming a musician in Berlin, and eventually entering the art business world. He discusses the founding of ArtFacts in 2001, the challenges faced during the dot-com crash, and the platform's unique approach to factuality and cultural significance in the art world. Marek also sheds light on the evolving digital art landscape, the role of NFTs, and the importance of networking and finding a niche for those entering the art industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation on art, technology, and the future of the art market.   Links: https://artfacts.net/    music ‘Baby, I Miss The Internet’ (Rama, Rama, Rama)  by TOT TAYLOR is used by kind permission of the artist ©Tot Taylor/Songmatic Music (2020)