The $12,000,000 Stuffed Shark, Non-Fiction

The $12,000,000 Stuffed Shark refers to the price paid for Damien Hirst's taxidermic shark embedded in formaldehyde.  This engrossing & mystifying book by Don Thompson, examines "The Curious Economics of Contemporary Art." Thompson seeks to clarify the definition or parameters of contemporary art as well as the intent of art.  He delves into the factors driving the interest & monetary value of contemporary pieces of art. Thompson rationally dissects the emotional calculations of the purveyors in the art world as well as its consumers.  The candor of the author is beguiling, "I have long been puzzled by what makes a particular work of art valuable."  The value I gained from this book is priceless.  I came away with some keen insights into an enigmatic & compelling world to which I'm already drawn.  However, I came away feeling further perplexed.  Art holds the power to to illuminate & align both our thinking & visceral responses.  Contemporary Art has blurred the boundaries between business and visual creations.  "Never invest in a business you can't understand.  Only buy something that you'd be perfectly happy to hold if the market shut down for ten years."  W. Buffett