Paper short abstract:

This paper explores auction participation as a process of legitimation for artistic careers and professional development of Iranian artists.

Paper long abstract:

Since the mid-2000s, the British auction houses Christie's, Sotheby's and Bonhams have developed bi-annual auctions focused on Middle Eastern art. The move of these auction houses into this market has had an unprecedented effect on not only the price of art works but the development of arts infrastructure and institutions in the region. In this paper I explore how the category of Middle Eastern art has been developed within this auctions houses through an analysis of auction catalogs and changing nomenclature. I then explore the particular ways participation within these auctions both enhances the careers of Iranian artists while at the same time exposing them to potential market bubbles. I ask how the auctions are seen as a marker of success beyond the commercial and in what ways these British institutions trade on their histories and expertise in an emerging market. Furthermore, how do artists and galleries mitigate against the potential pitfalls of auction participation and protect artistic autonomy from market interests?