"Мир искусства" как социальная система в ракурсе профессиональной карьеры художника

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This study embarks on an insightful exploration of the contemporary “world of art,” focusing on analyzing it through the lens of a professional artist. It aims not merely to outline the theoretical aspects but also to provide an actionable framework that could assist aspiring artists in navigating their professional journey within the labyrinthine structure of modern visual arts. By performing a meticulous review of existing career development models in the Anglophone academic discourse, the research amplifies the foundational knowledge in the subject, linking theories to practical implications. A unique aspect of an artist’s career is its inherent flexibility and autonomy, standing in stark contrast to traditional corporate career paths that are often strictly regulated. However, this freedom comes with its complexities and challenges, warranting the necessity for professional artists to engage in a broad spectrum of personal and professional interactions with multiple stakeholders – both institutional and market-based – without being tethered to a particular agent. To categorize and understand the functions and roles of these various elements within the art community, the paper employs the seminal AGIL framework by sociologist Talcott Parsons. Educational organizations fulfill the “adaptation” function, providing foundational training and socializing artists into the broader art community. Market agents and institutional players jointly engage in “goal-setting,” albeit with distinct objectives: while market agents aim for commercial success through gallery affiliations and art fairs, institutions strive for the historical preservation and recognition of artists’ works. The “integration” function is carried out by intermediary bodies, such as art-supporting foundations and artist residencies, which serve as vital connectors between artists and the multifaceted “world of art.” The “latent pattern maintenance,” or the sustenance of the system’s values and goals, is organically maintained by the art community as a whole. This exhaustive analysis culminates in a comprehensive schema that elucidates the often nebulous trajectory of a professional artist’s career. It offers valuable characterization of each participant in the art community, shedding light on their respective roles and functions in the labyrinth of career advancement, thus filling a crucial gap in the existing literature.