Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Art Business
Abstract
This dissertation analyses the impact of gallery representation on the career progression of emerging artists in the London art ecosystem. The research draws on qualitative data, gathered through the completion of four semi-structured interviews. Participants were selected between two London galleries - Almine Rech and Gallery Rosenfeld - and included two artists and two managers. The study examines four interrelated themes: the negotiation between representation and independence; the role of trust and informality in shaping artist–gallery relationships; the influence of visibility through social media platforms; and the participants’ definitions of success. The research reveals that representation and independence are not contradictory criteria but rather interrelated elements that artists navigate to create successful careers. According to participants, trust-based and often informal connections have become essential for cultivating fruitful collaborations and supplanting conventional contracts. Moreover, while digital platforms enhance visibility, they cannot substitute the gallery's function in providing institutional recognition. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that career progression relies on mutually beneficial collaboration where both sides create value, integrating creative freedom with strategic positioning.
Recommended Citation
Fazzini Matteucci, Filippo, "Negotiating Independence and Representation: The Role of Galleries in Shaping Emerging Artists’ Careers in London" (2026). MA in Art Business Dissertations. 11.
https://digitalcommons.sia.edu/ma_art_bus/11