Don’t go in blind – here’s how to master the art of the gab at every creative soirée
Renaissance Man. Standing as CEO by Dean Reilly
Courtesy of The Gallery Eumundi, Australia
Say it right
Always wondered where the name of the world’s most-coveted art fair came from? Simple. Basel, a picturesque, postcard-worthy city in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, is where it all began. And it is pronounced Bah-zul, not Bae-zil!
Love to hate Art Week
There is no doubt that Art Week – which really is a month – is overwhelming and exhausting. The sheer number of gallery shows, fairs, events, and artist dinners is far too much for one aficionado to handle. It comes in like a storm and leaves behind Instagram pictures of wacky installations, a hangover too many and a few holes in some bank accounts. So this week, don't complain about the weather, complain about the madness. And take comfort in the fact that it only comes around once a year.
State your opinion first
Wondering what those huge colourful satellite dishes are doing against the wall? Chances are that you are not the only one – but the risk that someone will strike up a conversation about it and ask your opinion is high. Be that someone; declare how beautiful the use of vermillion red is and leave it up to others to discuss further. You'll look far more intelligent by starting the conversation among your neighbours.
"Did you taste the lobster?"
During Art Week, the next best thing after the art is the food and that is a perfectly acceptable topic of conversation. What would an art event be without champagne and canapés, after all? Check out our hit list of the best places to get fed during art week.
No, your child did not make this
Even though it can be tempting to dismiss an artwork by calling it childish, no one likes a philistine. Aside disregarding historical significance, it will immediately blow your bluffer’s cover.
Know your YBA
Young British Artists are a group of artists who gained prominence in the late 1980s while studying at Goldsmiths College and are, in fact, not that young anymore. The movement is said to have started with Freeze, a forward-thinking group show organised by Damien Hirst (you know, the one who covers skulls in diamonds and immerses sharks in formaldehyde) and the artists are praised for their controversial choice of subject matter and entrepreneurial outlook. Other notable members include our cover star Tracey Emin and Sarah Lucas.
Larry who?
The one and only Lawrence Gilbert "Larry" Gagosian. At the helm of 15 galleries worldwide, the LA-born art dealer has built an empire and clearly no longer needs introduction within the art world.