Unsold items hold value: Changing perspectives at Shifting Perspectives exhibition.

Unsold ≠ Worthless: A Fresh Perspective on Art

De Sarthe Gallery in Aberdeen is currently showcasing a group exhibition featuring artworks that have not yet been sold from previous shows. The gallery intentionally curated this exhibition to challenge the prevailing notion in today’s speculative art market that unsold pieces are considered worthless. Instead, they aim to highlight the importance of preserving a healthy art ecosystem that goes beyond market manipulation.

One of the striking pieces in the exhibition is Chan Ka-kiu’s light box window titled ‘After’. This artwork features a collection of found and AI-generated images arranged in a seemingly random manner, creating a fictional landscape. The juxtaposition of these disparate elements invites viewers to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination, challenging conventional notions of art.

Another captivating artwork on display is Xinyan Zhang’s ‘Out of the Time No. 5’. At first glance, this piece appears colorful and playful, drawing viewers in with its vibrant hues. However, upon closer inspection, the work reveals itself to be a reinterpretation of chilling true crimes. Through this artwork, Zhang prompts viewers to consider the darker aspects of human nature, urging them to reflect on the complexities of society.

The exhibition at De Sarthe Gallery serves as a reminder that unsold artworks are not synonymous with being worthless. Each piece on display represents a unique perspective and artistic expression that deserves to be appreciated and acknowledged. By showcasing these unsold works, the gallery challenges the prevailing narratives of the art market and advocates for a more holistic understanding of artistic value.

In a world dominated by commercial interests and market forces, it is refreshing to see a gallery take a stand against the commodification of art. By highlighting the significance of preserving a diverse and inclusive art ecosystem, De Sarthe Gallery encourages viewers to engage with art beyond its monetary value. The exhibition invites us to rethink our preconceptions about unsold artworks and to appreciate the depth and complexity of artistic expression.

Ultimately, the exhibition at De Sarthe Gallery encourages us to shift our perspectives on art and value. By challenging the notion that unsold artworks are worthless, the gallery prompts us to reconsider how we measure the worth of art. Through thought-provoking pieces like ‘After’ and ‘Out of the Time No. 5’, viewers are invited to engage with art on a deeper level, exploring the nuances and complexities of artistic expression.

In a world where art is often reduced to its monetary value, exhibitions like this remind us of the intrinsic worth of artistic creation. By showcasing unsold artworks, De Sarthe Gallery invites us to look beyond market trends and embrace the beauty and meaning inherent in every piece of art. Visit the exhibition before it closes on March 15th to experience a fresh perspective on the value of art.