Introduction to the Economics of Art

Author: Gu Zhao Gui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-09-01
Features: Introduction to the Economics of Art provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between specific labor in art, the use value of art commodities, and the social benefits of art products, as well as the relationship between abstract labor in art, the value of art commodities, and the economic benefits of art products. It theoretically clarifies the dialectical unity between the two benefits. It systematically explains the determination of the value of art commodities, emphasizing that artistic creation cannot be centralized, mass-produced, or standardized. Therefore, the value creation of original art commodities can only be achieved through the independent creation of art laborers from different categories. It is an individualized and independent creation, and its value cannot, nor should it be measured by the "socially necessary labor time." However, the value of original art commodities is not equal to the mere "individual labor time" of creating it, such as the "one minute on stage." Instead, it is determined by the cumulative labor time based on long-term training and exploratory labor, as well as repeated practice and experimental labor ("ten years of effort behind the scenes"). This is grounded in market recognition of individual necessary labor time, acknowledging the differences in artistic creation experience, skills in artistic expression, and personal talents, as well as social influences. These analyses and viewpoints are fact-based and rigorous, holding significant practical value in promoting the industrial development of art production in China, driving artistic creation and production, regulating the art market, revitalizing art circulation, and guiding art consumption.