In a Musical Frenzy Over Art

One reason some contemporary paintings sell for millions of dollars is that most of the world’s true art is not floating around in pricey auction galleries but rather is permanently hung in the great museums. It is literally priceless, is not for sale, and can’t be purchased at any price.

Consequently, so-called New York intellectuals “with a little money” are forced to bid on whatever is leftover--that leaves contemporary art, which is a dime a dozen. Its price can easily be manipulated by creative marketing, auction scheduling, gallery showings, art dealers, etc.

As I recall, toward the end of his life, Spanish contemporary “artist” Jean Miro was turning out six or seven pictures every day. How much thought or talent goes into one of those million-dollar “works”?

JIM FUHRMAN

Los Angeles