[Book Review] "Art Must Be Difficult": The Art World's Exclusive League That Shuns the Public

Bianca Bosker's "There Is a Spy in the Museum"
Penetrating the Art World to Seek the Meaning of Art
From Gallery Assistant to Curator to Security Guard
Uncovering the True Face of the Art Industry Through Firsthand Experience
"Popularity Is Trivial" "Accessible Art Is Stupid"
Obscure Language and the Power of Elite Networks
Art Exists Everywhere, Standards Are Fluid
Experience Many Works Slowly, Trusting Your Own Senses

In front of an artwork, some people wonder, "What on earth is this? Is this really art?" There are usually two responses that follow: either reluctantly accepting the experts' evaluations, or distancing oneself by saying, "Art is just too profound." However, the author of this book chooses a different path. By asking, "Why does contemporary art turn its back on the public?" the author dives into the heart of the art world to personally explore what defines art and how its value is determined.

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Journalist Bianca Bosker, who previously exposed the hidden side of the American fine wine industry, now investigates the art world. In this fiercely competitive field, where "a post by an unknown artist seeking an unpaid assistant draws 100 applicants, and three times as many compete for gallery assistant positions," she manages to break through suspicions of being a "spy" and enters a small gallery in Brooklyn, confronting the harsh realities of the industry.

Jack, her first employer, viewed art as the exclusive property of a wealthy minority and dismissed popularity as trivial. He deliberately used obscure "International Art English," describing a "stain made of flowers" as "all signs were produced from organic materials" and often using ambiguous phrases like "the power of indexicality and iconicity is summoned." This served as a sort of "code of exclusion," separating those who understood art from those who did not.

In this world, the standard for success was not popular appeal but "recognition from influential groups." The context and reputation attached to a piece were more important than the work itself. "In this scene, if an influential insider called something art, then it became art."

In the art world, context refers to more than just the visual background of a piece. The key asset was a network that could invite major artists and curators to after-parties, all while remaining free from financial constraints-a "golden umbilical cord." Jack argued that the art world operates as it does precisely because it is not accessible to everyone, and that this exclusivity is the source of its intrigue and appeal. To him, the idea of "making art more accessible" was no different from "making art stupid."

The author also points out that until the 19th century, the global standard for art was whether a work was purchased by a famous figure in the French art world, and that following such trends was a primary art activity. In modern Art Basel, admission times vary by VIP level, and galleries determine VIP status based on loyalty, purchase history, and place of residence.

The art world is divided between those who disdain money and those who strictly follow market principles. Elizabeth, whom the author met at her second gallery, was firmly in the latter camp. No matter how talented an artist was, if transportation costs were too high or sales were not guaranteed, she considered them a "bad artist."

Ultimately, the author finds her own answer while working as a museum security guard. After spending an hour each day closely observing the same artwork, she realizes that the value of art lies in its ability to open new perspectives beyond the familiar world. This is scientifically proven as well. Medical students trained in art appreciation observed patients more attentively, and the New York Police Department, FBI, and U.S. Navy SEALs also train their "ways of seeing" through art.

She advises experiencing as many works as possible, slowly and relying solely on one's own senses. In response to the questions, "What is art? What is good art?" the author answers that art exists everywhere and that its standards are fluid. She encourages readers to look beyond institutional barriers and discover art within everyday life. Art, she emphasizes, helps us understand and empathize more, savor life, and practice creativity.

The author's journey-ranging from gallery assistant to curator to museum security guard-in search of answers has been praised as "not an easy book to write." Simply following her challenges is a powerful stimulus for readers, and her experiential storytelling and humorous expressions add to the enjoyment of reading.

There Is a Spy in the Museum | Written by Bianca Bosker | Translated by Oh Yunseong | RH Korea | 480 pages | 23,000 KRW