What in the world is happening in contemporary art? After a decade of phenomenal growth, is the art world poised to go the way of hedge funds and the property bubble?

What in the world is happening in contemporary art? After a decade of phenomenal growth, is the art world poised to go the way of hedge funds and the property bubble?

If anyone knows the answer to this, it’s prominent economist and art commentator Don Thompson, author of the cross-over hit of the arts and business world, The $12 Million Stuffed Shark, who is the keynote speaker at Auckland Art Fair 09, on 1 May.

Thompson has held positions at Harvard University and the London School of Economics and is presently Emeritus Professor of marketing and strategy at York University in Toronto, Canada.

His keynote lecture, Sharks in the Antipodes, presented by the ANZ Private Bank, takes place on Friday May 1 as part of the three day Auckland Art Fair at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland City from 1-3 May.

Auckland Art Fair 09 director Jennifer Buckley says, “Don wrote the book on the business of art collecting and he’s not afraid to take pot shots at the big names. This will be an entertaining insight into the business of art collecting, and very relevant in these changing economic times. The tickets will sell out quickly.”

The Fair features a select contingent of 40 of New Zealand and Australia’s leading galleries and their artists and offers a snapshot of what’s current in contemporary Trans-Tasman art.

In addition to the feast of artworks, Auckland Art Fair 09 offers the public a chance to discover more about art through twice-daily public lectures by a host of local and international speakers. Plus there’s a sumptuous opening night Vernissage, a specially commissioned installation by an exciting emerging artist and an enhanced sculpture court.

“It’s the only event of its kind in New Zealand and it provides a unique opportunity for people to really ‘get their heads around’ contemporary art,” says Ms Buckley. All artwork at Auckland Art Fair 09 is for sale and Ms Buckley says that, so far, the market for contemporary art worldwide continues to sidestep the recessionary mood.

“Art fairs satisfy a desire for anyone, from art appreciator to committed collector, to browse, question, learn about and indulge their love of art in one place, at one time.”

'If you read no other book about art in your life, read the one that’s gripped me like a thriller… it’s called the $12 Million Stuffed Shark.'– Richard Morrison, The Times (London)