Network of relationships as a transitional mechanism in professionalization: A descriptive case study of five young artists

This multiple case study describes the network of relationships that emerge in the artistic pursuit of five academically educated artists including experimental film maker Stephanie Barber, photographer Elinor Carucci and Chris Verene, painter Tianbing Li, and multi mixed media artist Rainer Ganahl. The artists' system of relationships is examined from two perspectives: (1) the art world where artwork is exhibited and promoted, and (2) the ancillary jobs that creatively and financially support the artists. Thus, the study sought to identify the shared dimensions of the practices of artists and the art world by exploring the negotiations that take place regarding aesthetic and cultural issues surrounding the production of artwork, as well as those market concerns related to ways of generating financial income so the artists continue producing their artworks.; This descriptive multi case study gathered data from various sources of information including document collection regarding the artists' works, personal interviews with the artists, interviews with art world professionals connected to their practice, and observations of some of the artists' teaching. The study documents, describes, and analyzes how the individual artist's diverse networks emerge, and in which ways these connections contribute to the professionalization of the artist. The cross case analysis identifies three roles of emergent network of relationships: artistic role, dealers' role, and the teaching role within institutions, and argues that these different roles are interwoven in shaping the artists' career paths.; The research suggests that contemporary artistic practices call for collaboration among the individuals involved. The artists' practices are contextualized with reference to the art world, and in a similar way, the art world professionals are constantly challenged to accommodate newly developed artistic ideas. The changes in the artists' practices require changes in dealership and art collecting practices. This study shed light on these integrated operations among artists and the art world that creates room for the development of innovative artworks.