Fear and Loafing in Las Vegas: Ralph DeLuca on the Art Market Cool-Off

Ralph DeLuca | Cultured | 21st August 2025

Some view the art world as dealing in cultural objects that embody ideas. Others see it as simply trading precious objects. Both views have merit. News that the art market is “cooling” may thus cause alarm – people are no longer interested in ideas – or merely a yawn – prices go up and down. Perhaps, says the writer, art prices are falling because “politically correct” art no longer resonates. The suggested remedy is to buy memorabilia and fossils, “objects that strike a personal chord, not just ticking an art world box”.