Aya Takano 🇯🇵 Japanese Painter • Superflat • Manga

[gmidd]

Jun 7, 2021 21:45:42 GMT 1 Ottomatik said:

Jun 7, 2021 19:00:03 GMT 1 gmidd said:

Agreed. It may not have been the best method but all the hate towards Avant seems a bit excessive. This seems to be an incredibly highly sought after release and I have to give Avant credit for putting in what sounds like a TON of work to try and get these prints in the hands of collectors. I can only imagine how much time it took to schedule and conduct over 300(!) phone calls. Would've been much easier for them to just throw them all up online and let the bots all grab them in 2 seconds.

Full disclosure, I have bought a few things from Avant in the past but am in no way considered a VIP. I have, however, only had positive experiences with them so far. I did get an email to register interest for what seemed to be an interview, but I don't have the kind of money to buy and hold any of these prints anyway so I passed. 

Didn’t you sell your Thomas S print from them?

Yeah, I did have to sell it. It was an absolutely stunning print and I would've loved to keep it but it was the most expensive piece I owned and I had to unexpectedly buy a new riding mower so I had to let it go. Definitely wish I could've kept it though!

[Christian Avant Arte]

Thank for all the helpful feedback on suggestions. Will get below on some that has been mentioned:

- Be nice to your clients (and potential future clients).
We are really trying, and I am sad to hear that some emails where not answered. I almost can't imagine that happened because we have a clear policy that we answer every enquire even with crazy launches like Calleja. We ourselves are collectors who came outside of the art world so we know the pain of trying to get acces and build relationships and how hard it is when people are not emailing back. If an email don't get answered in 48 hours (on a weekday) feel free to sent me a personal dm on instagram: christianluiten or an email [e-mail] and I will make sure that it get answered. We will talk with everyone, who wanna learn and be part of the Avant Arte community.

- Try to be more inclusive. Every now and then do some open editions, posters, timed editions, small sculptures in less restricted numbers to include these people who will eventually grow to be loyal clients.
Good point, we did a test with the small Paul insect print early this year and that was a big succes, so we wil start working on that more, any artist suggestions from our roster? That you wanna see a more low priced edition and big edition off?

- Be straightforward and transparent with your clients.
I think this is where we fucked up this time, normally we are super transparent and tell everyone how many pre orders we do etc, this time we did it in one of the forums, the reason people know how many vetting calls we did and how many prints where allocated for those calls was because I have mentioned it in this forum. But we should have made a big post on it on instagram and probably quoted somewhere on the site and do a better job of communicating this.

- Open/timed edition
We will definitely try this one time and if it goes well we could potentially do more in the future. But that being said I don't think collectors want Avant Arte only to release open and timed editions, also most artist are not interested in this, and tbh we ourselves are also collectors and we are not really into buying an open edition from our favourite artist.

Happy to answer any more questions

[Morfx]

Jun 8, 2021 20:45:56 GMT 1 Christian Avant Arte said:

Thank for all the helpful feedback on suggestions. Will get below on some that has been mentioned:

- Be nice to your clients (and potential future clients).
We are really trying, and I am sad to hear that some emails where not answered. I almost can't imagine that happened because we have a clear policy that we answer every enquire even with crazy launches like Calleja. We ourselves are collectors who came outside of the art world so we know the pain of trying to get acces and build relationships and how hard it is when people are not emailing back. If an email don't get answered in 48 hours (on a weekday) feel free to sent me a personal dm on instagram: christianluiten or an email [e-mail] and I will make sure that it get answered. We will talk with everyone, who wanna learn and be part of the Avant Arte community.

- Try to be more inclusive. Every now and then do some open editions, posters, timed editions, small sculptures in less restricted numbers to include these people who will eventually grow to be loyal clients.
Good point, we did a test with the small Paul insect print early this year and that was a big succes, so we wil start working on that more, any artist suggestions from our roster? That you wanna see a more low priced edition and big edition off?

- Be straightforward and transparent with your clients.
I think this is where we fucked up this time, normally we are super transparent and tell everyone how many pre orders we do etc, this time we did it in one of the forums, the reason people know how many vetting calls we did and how many prints where allocated for those calls was because I have mentioned it in this forum. But we should have made a big post on it on instagram and probably quoted somewhere on the site and do a better job of communicating this.

- Open/timed edition
We will definitely try this one time and if it goes well we could potentially do more in the future. But that being said I don't think collectors want Avant Arte only to release open and timed editions, also most artist are not interested in this, and tbh we ourselves are also collectors and we are not really into buying an open edition from our favourite artist.

Happy to answer any more questions

This is what I personally like to see..

If I miss out fair enough..

Honesty and transparency 👏👏👏👏👏

[sandworm]

Jun 8, 2021 9:44:37 GMT 1 Christian Avant Arte said:

Hi guys

Really sorry to hear all the pissed off comments on this thread after our release with Javier. I wanted to just explain our thinking and intentions, as well as the challenges of a launch like this — we’re still learning and have learnt so much from this forum (including our very first release when the packaging caused loads of issues and you helped us with a solution) so we’re really open to ideas on how to handle a release like this in the best way.

As you know, there are way more collectors trying to get hold of Javier’s work than there are pieces available and some of those people want to buy a piece so they can resell it quickly and make a profit. We as Avant Arte and the artist always want their work to get to people who want to enjoy it and for them not to pay over the odds buying it on the secondary market on day 2. If lots of pieces come up on auction sites quickly, it can also really impact their overall market, especially when prices are going up quickly like with Javier. If we released every print on a first come basis with no calls, the risk is that lots of them end up on eBay — we saw someone on this forum offering to take people’s money for a piece before it was even allocated for example — and so we try to minimise the risk of this happening by selling to loyal clients we know already won’t resell like that and also having calls to understand a bit more about the collectors we don’t know who we allocated some of the pieces for. We did 300 calls, which was a lot of work for the team, because we wanted a decent number of people who were new to be in with a chance of getting a Javier piece. Maybe this was the wrong approach, and would love any ideas on how to manage it better, but it didn’t come with bad intentions or any lack of thought. I think we could do a much better job of managing people’s expectations up front and communicating in a good way afterwards.

On pricing, as you guys know we care a lot about quality and wanna do the artist his/hers best edition that they have ever done. And we are working with bigger and bigger artist, and also artist that we have worked with from the beginning are getting bigger and bigger and prices are starting to rise. So yes back in the day we did prints with Matsu for 700 euro's or with Michael Kagan and even works on paper with Robert Nava for 900. We like to build up long term relationships with these artist and it is just not realistic to still sell those same artist for the same prices (remember artist also have a huge influence in deciding the pricing). And we are still working with artist that are less hyped or known, last month we did Makiko Kudo print for 400 for example. But fair and good feedback that you guys still wanna see artist and their prints around this price point, this is something we will work on. But hope you guys understand that it won't be possible to release a print by Calleja for 500 euro's or a Haroshi sculpture for 1500..

On all of this stuff, we’d really love any suggestions from you on how we can do things better. As I said, we’ve learnt a lot from this forum over the years — from our first release till now. And I wanted to come here to reply, explain the challenges and the thinking, as well as hopefully communicate that we don’t come to any of this with bad intentions but we're sorry for all the frustration.

I like the principle behind this but I can see and also feel to certain extent the frustration voiced by others.

I think the important thing here is clarity and transparency on how you become classified as one of your 'loyal clients'. I don't think anyone expects that to happen over night and its a relationship built over time but if people could see the pathway and work towards that goal then personally I'd feel a lot happier if everyone has got the same opportunity to get there and be offered these top pieces, just some are further along that journey and have developed their relationship with AA further. 

[sandworm]

Jun 8, 2021 21:25:42 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 8, 2021 21:16:13 GMT 1 sandworm said:

I like the principle behind this but I can see and also feel to certain extent the frustration voiced by others.

I think the important thing here is clarity and transparency on how you become classified as one of your 'loyal clients'. I don't think anyone expects that to happen over night and its a relationship built over time but if people could see the pathway and work towards that goal then personally I'd feel a lot happier if everyone has got the same opportunity to get there and be offered these top pieces, just some are further along that journey and have developed their relationship with AA further. 

Loyal clients are those who spend the most money and buy the most. It's a money game.

I'd like to think that there is more more too it than that but if that really is the case then what figures are we talking, Avant Art could even be transparent on that. e.g. all our VIP's have spent in excess of 20k etc. It would rule a lot of people out but at least the honesty was there regarding what they're looking for / the criteria. 

[Riotcops]

Jun 8, 2021 21:25:42 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 8, 2021 21:16:13 GMT 1 sandworm said:

I like the principle behind this but I can see and also feel to certain extent the frustration voiced by others.

I think the important thing here is clarity and transparency on how you become classified as one of your 'loyal clients'. I don't think anyone expects that to happen over night and its a relationship built over time but if people could see the pathway and work towards that goal then personally I'd feel a lot happier if everyone has got the same opportunity to get there and be offered these top pieces, just some are further along that journey and have developed their relationship with AA further. 

Loyal clients are those who spend the most money and buy the most. It's a money game.

But who is more loyal - someone who bought an Insect, a Kagan, a Matsuyama, a Succo, a Pomet and a Pantone or someone who bought a single Haroshi sculpture? 

[Winks]

Jun 8, 2021 21:32:06 GMT 1 goose said:

Jun 8, 2021 9:44:37 GMT 1 Christian Avant Arte said:

Hi guys

Really sorry to hear all the pissed off comments on this thread after our release with Javier. I wanted to just explain our thinking and intentions, as well as the challenges of a launch like this — we’re still learning and have learnt so much from this forum (including our very first release when the packaging caused loads of issues and you helped us with a solution) so we’re really open to ideas on how to handle a release like this in the best way.

As you know, there are way more collectors trying to get hold of Javier’s work than there are pieces available and some of those people want to buy a piece so they can resell it quickly and make a profit. We as Avant Arte and the artist always want their work to get to people who want to enjoy it and for them not to pay over the odds buying it on the secondary market on day 2. If lots of pieces come up on auction sites quickly, it can also really impact their overall market, especially when prices are going up quickly like with Javier. If we released every print on a first come basis with no calls, the risk is that lots of them end up on eBay — we saw someone on this forum offering to take people’s money for a piece before it was even allocated for example — and so we try to minimise the risk of this happening by selling to loyal clients we know already won’t resell like that and also having calls to understand a bit more about the collectors we don’t know who we allocated some of the pieces for. We did 300 calls, which was a lot of work for the team, because we wanted a decent number of people who were new to be in with a chance of getting a Javier piece. Maybe this was the wrong approach, and would love any ideas on how to manage it better, but it didn’t come with bad intentions or any lack of thought. I think we could do a much better job of managing people’s expectations up front and communicating in a good way afterwards.

On pricing, as you guys know we care a lot about quality and wanna do the artist his/hers best edition that they have ever done. And we are working with bigger and bigger artist, and also artist that we have worked with from the beginning are getting bigger and bigger and prices are starting to rise. So yes back in the day we did prints with Matsu for 700 euro's or with Michael Kagan and even works on paper with Robert Nava for 900. We like to build up long term relationships with these artist and it is just not realistic to still sell those same artist for the same prices (remember artist also have a huge influence in deciding the pricing). And we are still working with artist that are less hyped or known, last month we did Makiko Kudo print for 400 for example. But fair and good feedback that you guys still wanna see artist and their prints around this price point, this is something we will work on. But hope you guys understand that it won't be possible to release a print by Calleja for 500 euro's or a Haroshi sculpture for 1500..

On all of this stuff, we’d really love any suggestions from you on how we can do things better. As I said, we’ve learnt a lot from this forum over the years — from our first release till now. And I wanted to come here to reply, explain the challenges and the thinking, as well as hopefully communicate that we don’t come to any of this with bad intentions but we're sorry for all the frustration.

There isn't a perfect solution - never has and never will be.  Whenever there is money to be made it's almost impossible to weed out those who are solely in it for the money.  I think the fact that there aren't a shed load of your prints on ebay goes someway to prove you're doing something right.  As to what you could improve?  There is a general feeling that there is always a slim to none chance of securing a print from your site, which is why I have rarely even bothered trying.  There is just a general perception that most the prints are always sold out before even going on sale.  Which isn't great if you're looking to attract new customers/more diverse collector base.

They are not interested in new customers or a diverse customer base unless that customer has vip entry level money.
They are happy for the have nots to have their noses pushed up against the sweet shop window.
Asking for suggestions for a fairer process is merely lip service; a mirage of inclusion. The same illusion that is used on the countless Instagram posts promoting this drop. The untouchables thinking that they have a chance.
AA’s model is working already why would they really want suggestions from the unwashed on here?

[Riotcops]

Jun 8, 2021 22:45:03 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 8, 2021 22:06:25 GMT 1 Riotcops said:

But who is more loyal - someone who bought an Insect, a Kagan, a Matsuyama, a Succo, a Pomet and a Pantone or someone who bought a single Haroshi sculpture? 

It's always the repeat customer. One off purchases don't matter to the business.

That's exactly my logic. Though, someone may have bought 5 or 6 prints for less than the price of a single release. I have the inclination that the big spenders are being targeted/favoured. I'd be very surprised that someone who bought the Haroshi would be denied the Calleja. 

[d.r. perseus]

Jun 8, 2021 23:24:35 GMT 1 goose said:

Jun 8, 2021 22:39:53 GMT 1 Winks said:

They are not interested in new customers or a diverse customer base unless that customer has vip entry level money.
They are happy for the have nots to have their noses pushed up against the sweet shop window.
Asking for suggestions for a fairer process is merely lip service; a mirage of inclusion. The same illusion that is used on the countless Instagram posts promoting this drop. The untouchables thinking that they have a chance.
AA’s model is working already why would they really want suggestions from the unwashed on here?

AA's maybe making money but I wouldn't say their model is working. The thread is testament to how poor their reputation seems to be. Getting a steady supply of a new customer base is fundamentally important for any business to survive longterm.  

I can’t say whether their model works but there is a little poster bias as most forum conversations do to skew toward the negative or critical. . I’ve been taken care of by them by for a few prints, they have tried to accommodate for another, and they are always responsive to me. I am happy with the opportunities I have had to purchase and the pieces remain on the wall. Curtis has been particularly helpful.

I am not a VIP. As they expand i assume my access may decline, but that’s just an assumption.

[Jimini Cricket]

They should do what the Asian galleries do. Ask for your Instagram handle and do a deep dive. Got no art on the wall photos? No problem,you get nothing.
Have a private account? No problem, you get nothing.
Always stick a photo of the art inviting DM for enquiries? No problem, you get nothing.

[nighthawk]

Jun 9, 2021 0:48:49 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

They should do what the Asian galleries do. Ask for your Instagram handle and do a deep dive. Got no art on the wall photos? No problem,you get nothing.
Have a private account? No problem, you get nothing.
Always stick a photo of the art inviting DM for enquiries? No problem, you get nothing.

You know we’re talking about prints right?!

[Jimini Cricket]

Jun 9, 2021 1:09:55 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

Jun 9, 2021 0:48:49 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

They should do what the Asian galleries do. Ask for your Instagram handle and do a deep dive. Got no art on the wall photos? No problem,you get nothing.
Have a private account? No problem, you get nothing.
Always stick a photo of the art inviting DM for enquiries? No problem, you get nothing.

You know we’re talking about prints right?!

You've never bought from Gallery Target have you?

[d.r. perseus]

Jun 9, 2021 1:09:55 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

Jun 9, 2021 0:48:49 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

They should do what the Asian galleries do. Ask for your Instagram handle and do a deep dive. Got no art on the wall photos? No problem,you get nothing.
Have a private account? No problem, you get nothing.
Always stick a photo of the art inviting DM for enquiries? No problem, you get nothing.

You know we’re talking about prints right?!

All Rights Reserved asked for ones social footprint (names) for the recent Paul Insect Sculpture release.

I thought it weird but whatever. I was also selected for the limited release in August for a different version, and the gallery took the time to ask me about my collection and what I like beyond that. They were also patient about me committing to the piece.

Seemed nice to me.

Just throwing in ideas and things I’ve encountered that I like.

[nighthawk]

Jun 9, 2021 1:21:06 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:09:55 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

You know we’re talking about prints right?!

You've never bought from Gallery Target have you?

Asked about Kyne a while back - not much love for sure. But that was also for a painting.

[nighthawk]

Jun 9, 2021 1:21:40 GMT 1 d.r. perseus said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:09:55 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

You know we’re talking about prints right?!

All Rights Reserved asked for ones social footprint (names) for the recent Paul Insect Sculpture release.

I thought it weird but whatever. I was also selected for the limited release in August for a different version, and the gallery took the time to ask me about my collection and what I like beyond that. They were also patient about me committing to the piece.

Seemed nice to me.

Just throwing in ideas and things I’ve encountered that I like.

I don’t post anything on my IG (or very little). If I’m interested in an artist from a gallery that I’ve never dealt with, I write a nice email and include pics (if necessary) of my collection. Seems to work fine. Privacy is still cool.

Weren’t editions meant for people who can’t really afford paintings anyways?

[d.r. perseus]

Jun 9, 2021 1:28:10 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:21:40 GMT 1 d.r. perseus said:

All Rights Reserved asked for ones social footprint (names) for the recent Paul Insect Sculpture release.

I thought it weird but whatever. I was also selected for the limited release in August for a different version, and the gallery took the time to ask me about my collection and what I like beyond that. They were also patient about me committing to the piece.

Seemed nice to me.

Just throwing in ideas and things I’ve encountered that I like.

I don’t post anything on my IG (or very little). If I’m interested in an artist from a gallery that I’ve never dealt with, I write a nice email and include pics (if necessary) of my collection. Seems to work fine. Privacy is still cool.

Weren’t editions meant for people who can’t really afford paintings anyways?

That’s valid too but not entirely the world we live in. And yes, but the print game seems to have changed drastically in the last 3 years

[Jimini Cricket]

Jun 9, 2021 1:24:35 GMT 1 nighthawk said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:21:06 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

You've never bought from Gallery Target have you?

Asked about Kyne a while back - not much love for sure. But that was also for a painting.

Yeh. They deep dive for prints too because of the value, which is comparable to AA. Might be more work for gallery, but it reduces the flipper risk, not eliminate it altogether.

[Jimini Cricket]

Where was this outrage and umbrage when Boafo released his $17.5k prints?
Seems like he got an easy pass and you all let Marianne Ibrahim off lightly.

And Alex Katz regularly charges 20k for his new release giclee prints. Why has no one uttered a single word?

[Jimini Cricket]

Jun 9, 2021 1:51:42 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:47:19 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

Where was this outrage and umbrage when Boafo released his $17.5k prints?
Seems like he got an easy pass and you all let Marianne Ibrahim off lightly.

And Alex Katz regularly charges 20k for his new release giclee prints. Why has no one uttered a single word?

I think the difference is avant arte claims to "make art more accessible" and does the complete opposite every time

The problem they made was to engage one to one with customers on a public platform. A lot of rabble.
They've built a sustainable customer base and no longer need to entertain the masses.
They should follow in the Kaikai Kiki model, where two personal references from existing customers are what it takes to get you offered a hot release.

[Gentle Mental]

I think Avante Arte is doing the right thing - it’s harder.s**t ton of work. But right.

[Jules Leotard]

Jun 9, 2021 1:39:27 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:35:00 GMT 1 mattmma22 said:

[state]

yall realize it's impossible to please every collector who wants a limited edition print right?

9k might sound steep but then again his originals are going for 400k + on secondary. Compare Boafo's sales to Callejas and 9k all of a sudden starts to make sense. Yes, Boafos auction sales are double Calleja's hence why his prints are... also double. And did you or anyone you know have a chance at that?

Also, imagine how many more inquiries AA would get if the price was cheaper, wouldn't help your chances of getting one and would be an absolute cluster. Correct me If I'm wrong, but it seems the members who complain about the price are the ones who weren't even able to purchase...

So many collectors, so few editions. Want to be VIP, spend more money. Don't have the money, buy-in early

Much respect to Curtis, he helped guide me to building a small collection even though I'm not VIP. To this day he replies to any of my questions and shares insight. To me personally, that's how AA stands out and obviously cares about future customers.

[state]

well poor people dont complain about Ferrari prices right? Act your wage and acquire artists within it. We all had a chance to purchase Javi's works at cheaper prices. Why didnt you buy a calleja when they werent as hot? Seems to me you want to acquire a print for cheap of an artist who does 6 figure auctions sales...

there are plenty of cheaper prints available. AA doesnt only sell 9k prints you know 

[Winks]

Jun 9, 2021 1:51:42 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 1:47:19 GMT 1 Jimini Cricket said:

Where was this outrage and umbrage when Boafo released his $17.5k prints?
Seems like he got an easy pass and you all let Marianne Ibrahim off lightly.

And Alex Katz regularly charges 20k for his new release giclee prints. Why has no one uttered a single word?

I think the difference is avant arte claims to "make art more accessible" and does the complete opposite every time

Exactly.
Better for them to own that than come on here and Instagram with their platitudes. Nothing earth shattering about galleries looking after their vips, it’s just this whole facade of inclusion is tiresome.

[state]

i disagree, they're definitely making art more accessible by doing editions with artists in their early careers. Hell, Christian even asked if theres any artists you'd like to see them collaborate with. You're just focused on a very hot artist

[state]

Jun 9, 2021 4:28:34 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 4:22:42 GMT 1 state said:

well poor people dont complain about Ferrari prices right? Act your wage and acquire artists within it. We all had a chance to purchase Javi's works at cheaper prices. Why didnt you buy a calleja when they werent as hot? Seems to me you want to acquire a print for cheap of an artist who does 6 figure auctions sales...

Why didn't I buy a calleja? Because it's a poor man's yoshitomo Nara and extremely hollow and sterile. I think the current
"Main stream/hypebeast/influencer" art scene is being exploited by a handful of artists and galleries/companies (it always has been to an extent, but something has been going sideways in the past 2 years).

Avant arte, hypebeast, and league oto have everyone wading in the shallow end of the art world and you're all fighting and overpaying for largely uninspired and hack artists. Anyways, how are the latest color ways for your yeezys or air Max?

so stop whining. You've said this in a pervious thread. Your opinion wont change others so move on. Ive actually stopped purchasing sneakers and started saving up for originals. Originals from artists in their early careers, i figured who knows he or she may be the next big thing and if not i get to enjoy a piece of art that doesnt get worn/torn down. Thank you for asking  

[Gentle Mental]

Ok I think 9k is fair. Looking at how a toy ed of thousand can fetch 10x easy. And canvases at 1m. And rising.

And supply is dwindling.

And these are quite fun to look at. And very in demand.

AA is going in the right direction.

Yea being rich is nice.

[Jimini Cricket]

Jun 9, 2021 4:17:20 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 4:14:44 GMT 1 state said:

yall realize it's impossible to please every collector who wants a limited edition print right?

9k might sound steep but then again his originals are going for 400k + on secondary. Compare Boafo's sales to Callejas and 9k all of a sudden starts to make sense. Yes, Boafos auction sales are double Calleja's hence why his prints are... also double. And did you or anyone you know have a chance at that?

Also, imagine how many more inquiries AA would get if the price was cheaper, wouldn't help your chances of getting one and would be an absolute cluster. Correct me If I'm wrong, but it seems the members who complain about the price are the ones who weren't even able to purchase...

So many collectors, so few editions. Want to be VIP, spend more money. Don't have the money, buy-in early

Much respect to Curtis, he helped guide me to building a small collection even though I'm not VIP. To this day he replies to any of my questions and shares insight. To me personally, that's how AA stands out and obviously cares about future customers.

Tl;dr: don't be poor. Got it.

"Should have studied harder in school."

[Jimini Cricket]

Jun 9, 2021 4:28:34 GMT 1 derivitive said:

Jun 9, 2021 4:22:42 GMT 1 state said:

well poor people dont complain about Ferrari prices right? Act your wage and acquire artists within it. We all had a chance to purchase Javi's works at cheaper prices. Why didnt you buy a calleja when they werent as hot? Seems to me you want to acquire a print for cheap of an artist who does 6 figure auctions sales...

Why didn't I buy a calleja? Because it's a poor man's yoshitomo Nara and extremely hollow and sterile. I think the current
"Main stream/hypebeast/influencer" art scene is being exploited by a handful of artists and galleries/companies (it always has been to an extent, but something has been going sideways in the past 2 years).

Avant arte, hypebeast, and league oto have everyone wading in the shallow end of the art world and you're all fighting and overpaying for largely uninspired and hack artists. Anyways, how are the latest color ways for your yeezys or air Max?

I agree with the observations.
I don't think poor man's Nara still applies though.
Did you see that last one sell for HKD 6mil?
Is it standard for poor people to have HKD6m to spend on art?

[jimmyjam]

Did you see Nara today?