Bianca Bosker, acclaimed author of "Cork Dork," now sets her sights on contemporary art in her latest book. Known for her fearless approach to immersive journalism, Bosker delves headfirst into worlds that often resist intrusion. In her literary debut, she conquered the domain of wine enthusiasts and sommeliers. Now, she shifted her focus to uber-cool gallerists, wealthy collectors, and struggling artists in the fast-paced world of contemporary art.

She aims to understand why contemporary art holds significant value in terms of money, status, and talent. She did entry-level jobs in galleries and artist studios for several years to gain insight into class dynamics and cultural distinctions.

Bosker revealed that gaining access to the art world was no easy feat. Describing her efforts to win over art world sources, she likened it to showing up for an FBI interview with the mob. Threats, warnings, and a prevailing message to back off became commonplace. As Bosker portrays in the book, the art world relies on secrecy to safeguard social and economic capital, perpetuating astronomical price tags.

Decoding the Art World

In her new book, "Get the Picture," Bosker immerses herself in the art scene, exploring the lives of artists, collectors, and curators. Through hands-on experiences like stretching canvases and attending elite art parties, Bosker delves into the heart of the art world.

Bosker fearlessly dissects the peculiar codes and customs of the contemporary art world. She introduces the exclusive language of "Artspeak," a restrictive code in which each word must be bigger than it should be. An example is how galleries use place rather than sold. Bosker offers insights into the unwritten rules and unique vocabulary that perplex outsiders.

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Bosker says that art enthusiasts talk as if they are stuck in dictionaries. When she told a curator that a performance art piece was 'boring,' the curator disagreed, labeling it as 'durational' instead.

The book promises to change how you see art, discussing its significance in culture, the economy, and our emotions, from cave paintings to the era of Instagram. It is a captivating adventure that aims to deepen our engagement with art and broaden our perspective on life.

From Lost Joy to Profound Understanding

Bosker's exploration into the art world is not merely a journalistic endeavor but a personal journey to reclaim a lost joy. As a gifted artist in her youth, she sought to reconnect with the fundamental joy she once found in art. Bosker details her experiences shadowing insiders, painting gallery walls, and immersing herself in the art scene, shedding light on the emotional and expressive world that often goes unnoticed.

Through her extensive reporting, Bosker uncovers a fascinating aspect of the art world where discussions often revolve around everything but the artwork itself. The context, encompassing an artist's background, connections, and social standing, plays a pivotal role.

Bosker's book challenges the notion that art requires elaborate secrecy and snobbery to be appreciated. With a side-eyed and wide-eyed approach, she advocates for a more open and inclusive art world. She encourages readers to find art in unexpected places. Bosker believes that looking at art is a training ground for perceiving the full beauty and chaos of the world around us.

Immersing in the world of art, Bosker now finds art in everyday moments, from steam escaping a sidewalk vent to a fleet of ice-cream trucks on a street corner. Her journey is a testament to the power of art to move and stand on its own, free from unnecessary barriers. Bosker's experience teaches us that, by training our eyes to see differently, we can embrace the beauty and chaos of the world with patience and observation.

"Get the Picture" will be out on February 6. 

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