Comedian, actor and musician Steve Martin has a few things to say about the art world, and he’s made them known in his new novel, An Object of Beauty. Primarily focused on the late nineties art industry, and it’s often-unsavoury figures, Martin tells the story of manipulative dealer (art dealer, that is) Lacey Yeager, a high flyer in New York who won’t let good morals stand in the way of her dream. We watch her claw her way up her career ladder – lying, backstabbing and sleeping around if she can’t get onto the next rung through talent and hard work alone.
The story of these ruthlessly ambitious types and their quest for achievement is one which has been told many times before. Likewise, using such stories to cast disapproving glances at the excesses and immoralities of by-gone, wealthier eras is not a new idea either – and I doubt Martin’s attempt at doing so will be as successful as that other Martin (Amis), with his legendary Money.
However the fact that the novel is narrated by a cynical and disillusioned art writer (not sure why, but I think I’ll identify with this guy) gives me hope to cling on to. There’s also the fact that, as a collector and regular gallery-goer himself, Martin should be able to give us an insight into the industry that is well-informed and realistic; rather than the stereotyped and fanciful tales you’d expect from an outsider. The art industry is often misunderstood and misrepresented (based on my experiences, anyway), so let’s hope he does it justice.
Rosa Abbott is an arts, fashion and culture obsessive originating from Yorkshire, England, and currently living in Dublin, Ireland. On top of being a student at the illustrious Trinity College, she is a freelance journalist, writing for a number of Irish publications, and also edits the visual arts section of entertainment magazine Totally Dublin.
When she’s not up to her eyeballs in writing, Rosa works as an assistant to stylist Aisling Farinella and volunteers at various art galleries. Her musings on life, style and art can also be found over at her blog, Too Gallant.
