Art is inherently fraught with controversy. They often outrage not only the works themselves, but also the attitudes of eccentric artists, and above all the prices of their works. However, the document “How much per piece?” it is not based on a cheap sensation, it does not mindlessly calculate large sums and it does not tempt with information that could attract even unwanted recipients. The creators respect both the works and the artists who trusted them, sharing their intimate world and sensitivity. The authors of the document are very aware of the expectations of the industry – both art critics, collectors, artists and amateurs, which also translates into the quality and way of telling these stories.
“It’s always a good time to talk about art”
Working on “How Much Per Piece?” lasted three years. During this time, there have been so many changes in the industry that the creators had to approach the concept of the film differently. Andrzej Miękus initially wanted to focus on history, but the development of the market pushed him towards the youngest art. When the filmmakers started working on the documentary, the works of one of the protagonists of the documentary, 32-year-old Karolina Jabłońska, cost about PLN 20,000, during the shooting the amount increased to PLN 40,000, and today it exceeds PLN 100,000.
‘How much per piece?’ promotional materials
The producer of the film, Krzysztof Jakubowski, emphasizes that, paradoxically, the pandemic has had a positive impact on the documentary. It was during the lockdown that interest in art began to grow, and the contrast between the reality of artists debuting in the 80s and 90s and those taking their first steps today has become even more acute. The creators managed to capture it. In “How Much Per Piece?” several generations of artists talk about the realities of their work and earnings. For example, Mirosław Bałka, a Polish sculptor, appears on the screen, recalling the times when the art market in Poland did not exist at all. Moreover, any commercialization of art was criticized and perceived as a betrayal of ideals. As a result, the artist spent months working hard abroad for years, only to be able to live and create in Poland.
Changes came only after the political transformation, but art still does not mean “easy bread”. The document makes a significant statement that only the best count in the industry, because no one wants to buy poor paintings. However, even great creators often have to wait years for their moment. A moving example of this is Monika Misztal, the heroine of the documentary representing the generation of artists in her forties, who started earning money from her works after eight years of living in poverty. “I’m the only person who knows a rat-catcher” – says the artist, recalling the hardest period in her life. Fortunately, the effort paid off, and her works enjoy great interest today. The painter no longer has to fight for decent rates for her works.
Monika Misztal promotional materials
“How much a piece?” at Millennium DOCS Against Gravity. Where to watch the movie?
Contrary to the title of the documentary, the film does not only deal with material issues. Thanks to the image, we can also get to know the backstage of the artists’ work, creating catalogs, collectors’ motivations to buy another work, and hear reflections on the market by experts who have been following the industry for years. In turn, one of the most interesting threads in the film is addressed by the aforementioned Karolina Jabłońska. The artist notices that art is not a product, and her studio is not a shop. She emphasizes the bond with her paintings and points out that the final decision to whom, when and whether she will sell the painting at all is always her, not the client’s.
It is also worth noting that the film was made in a very modern standard. Dynamic editing and suggestive music were used, and yet the creators managed to maintain a sense of intimacy and mystery, as well as a perfect balance between documentary and journalism.
“How much a piece?” is the first feature-length documentary about the Polish art market. The premiere of the production is scheduled for May 17, 2023 as part of the 20th jubilee edition of the Millennium DOCS Against Gravity festival. The documentary will be screened at 20:15 in Warsaw’s Kinoteka (next screenings will be available in the cinema from May 22), the next screening of the film as part of the festival will take place on May 20 at the Luna cinema.
Source: Gazeta
Bruce is a talented author and journalist with a passion for entertainment . He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the industry.
