Undergraduate Research Thesis 

Research

The exclusivity of the art market in the United States (and internationally) and how young artists are challenging the status quo in the art markets across the globe alongside understanding the perspectives of art museums, galleries, and auction houses in the turmoil the everchanging modern art market. Some of the goals I aim to achieve: understand how the art market has evolved over the decades into the current, modern art market through its influences of value of art and how small groups of people create this, understand how youth artists of today are being impacted due to the wealthy class ruling of the art market, find out why some artists are able to break into the art market and others are not, and understand the art market trends and help youth artists navigate this modern market. From this research, I will be able to gain insights into the art market from personal experiences and perspectives which would supplement my literature research. The benefits associated with this study are helping make the art market more transparent for the future and opening up a dialogue for potential change in the art market that would benefit youth artists who are trying to enter it. 

Interviewees

Communication: Through my research experience of interviewing individuals in the arts, youth and adult professionals, I learned that communication (oral, written, verbal) were key to articulating my research and why their opinions to my research topic were so important to study. I was an active listener during our interviews, and framed our interviews to their learning styles, varied individual communication abilities, and cultural differences for each individual to feel comfortable expressing their opinions and ideas on the art market + their own experiences. 

Critical Thinking: During the beginning processes of my research as well as the process throughout the several semesters I have dedicated to my research, I have used critical thinking through all assets of my research. I had to make decisions on how I would gather data, who I would interview, and who I would benefit the most from interviewing as well. I had to frame questions correctly to the individuals I interviewed to get the best response and solve any issues I had revolving time management and clashing schedules. I proactively created action steps with my advisor to finish my research on time as well as to effectively communicate my research in a well-deserved manner. From the data and opinions, I collected from my interviewees, I had to summarize and interpret their words to fit into my research topic. 

Equity and Inclusion: As my research focuses on creating discussion on youth artists entering the art market and their experiences with selling their art VS professionals and their experiences with the art market, my whole research relies on equity and inclusion through the whole process. I seek to advocate through this research the struggles younger artists go through and the fast-pace, ever-changing art market that young artists need to fight against. Through this research, I am actively bringing awareness to how the art market is elitist and framed for the wealthy, even though much of the art creating change in communities is done by ordinary, everyday citizens. I have created through my interviews with the youth artists a way for them to discuss the problems they have faced and talk about the art they make and how they want to change the world. As a student at Miami University, and an artist, giving space to other youth artists to speak on the hardships they have faced has made my research dimensional, full of multiple perspectives and a sense of empowerment for these youth artists. 

Technology: With my research, I felt compelled to test out how technology can advance the data I receive and the way I articulate my data. I video-taped all my interviews with my interviewees, created transcripts, and used online sites to go through my transcripts and seek out which information is most vital to my research topic. After this, I aim to edit and create a Youtube video showcasing all my interviewees discussions. Before this, I had little to no experience with editing nor video production. This research has caused me to learn more about technology and presenting important information in the format of a video. I am actively using technology to construct a new space for this discussion to achieve my goals of my research.