I Bought Andy Warhol

Rating:
Summary: In Pursuit Of Pop.
Review: Though I found this a pretty entertaining and amusing book, I don't know how interesting it would be to someone who hasn't been a "dealer" of some sort. Having myself been a dealer/collector on a comparatively modest scale for many years, I found many of the traits of the author to be homourously recognizable. Having heard numerous times from people "who cares if it holds it's value or increases, do you LIKE it??", only someone who has been there knows that the pursuit of a deal or hopeful investment is as important (sometimes more so) than any admiration you may have for the object of your pursuit. Most dealers start out as collectors, and they (at least many of the one's I've been exposed to) are a bizarre group of people, and suspicions and competitions run high. When you're dealing with someone in the league of Warhol,(which is way out of my league)you're going to be confronted by some snobby people. Author Polsky's look into this insular world is pretty accurate, and I did find his candor comical, such as his admission that he wanted to sit on Jackson Pollock's toilet. That's the kind of star-worship many feel but few would have the guts to admit to. A pretty down -to earth guy in a world of snoots. And though he is a big admirer of Warhol, this book has little to say about The Father Of Pop. But, if you're curious about the inner workings of the art world, I think you'll find this an interesting read.

Rating:
Summary: I bought Richard Polsky
Review: What a fun anecdotal behind the scenes view of the artworld.
A non-pretentious well written tour by a just slightly neurotic guide...think Woody Allen as art dealer.
Pop Arts gift to the summer reading list.

Rating:
Summary: All True
Review: When you buy "I bought Andy Warhol", you will find many "characters" named by name. I am one of them. I can tell
you that Richard's accounts of the bizarre world of art dealing are true to a fault. Richard went off the reservation when he first started writing his guides to assessing the future appreciation potential of various artists. He did not make many friends with his sell recommendations. Thus, he decided he had nothing to lose in telling the truth about what goes on behind the scenes of the art world. If you have ever bought a piece of art for more than $1000 or think you will at some time in the future, Richard's book is must reading.
And yes, I still own my Warhol thanks to Richard. And no, it is not for sale.