The Work by Bri Lee is published by Allen & Unwin
Appreciation by Liam Pieper is published by Hamish Hamilton in Australia
In the realm of contemporary art, an arena that captivates with its splendor, courage, and communal spirit, lies an underbelly ripe with discord and paradox, enticing Australian authors Bri Lee and Liam Pieper. Their latest novels, released this month, The Work and Appreciation respectively, delve into the complexities of this world, blending fact with fiction to engage their readers in a thought-provoking narrative.
Lee’s debut novel introduces us to Lally, an ambitious young gallerist in New York who faces both a boon and a crisis: the death of an artist under her representation, which ironically benefits her financially, and the public condemnation of another artist accused of sexual assault. Amidst this turbulence, she encounters Pat, an individual fervently climbing the ranks of a prestigious Sydney auction house through whatever means necessary.
The narrative is peppered with references that resonate with those familiar with the art scene, from mentions of critic Jerry Saltz to the Frick Collection’s stringent security protocols. Lee artfully crafts characters and settings that echo real-life figures and events, although she maintains, through a disclaimer, that any similarity is purely coincidental. Yet, the tale at times ventures into the realms of fantasy, particularly through Lally’s seemingly limitless resources and influence, drawing parallels to the exaggerated lifestyle of Sex and the City’s Carrie Bradshaw.
Lee’s narrative also touches on the superficiality permeating the art world, illustrated by Lally’s strategic use of an Asian American employee to enhance the gallery’s image and her manipulation of art critics to generate buzz for her shows. These elements, while grounded in reality, occasionally feel disingenuous to those intimately acquainted with the art scene.
Pieper’s Appreciation, on the other hand, presents a narrative centered around Oli Darling, an artist whose identity and background are meticulously curated to enhance his career. Oli’s journey is emblematic of the performative nature of identity politics within the art world, where public persona often overshadows genuine conviction.
Pieper skillfully weaves in elements that draw from real-life figures and events, capturing the essence of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and the cultivated celebrity of Andy Warhol. However, the narrative primarily serves as a critique of the art industry’s inclination towards superficiality and the precariousness of public favor, exemplified by Oli’s downfall following a controversial TV appearance.
The novel explores the intricate web of relationships between artists and the influential figures who sustain them, such as wealthy patrons, critics, and cultural gatekeepers. Pieper’s portrayal of these characters, though exaggerated, underscores the transactional nature of the art world and the delicate balance between artistic integrity and commercial success.
Both novels offer a multifaceted examination of the art industry, highlighting the tension between creativity and commodification, the pursuit of success, and the vulnerability of artists in the face of “cancellation.” While The Work delves into the intricacies of the art market and personal ambition, Appreciation reintroduces the enchantment of art, offering a poignant reflection on its intrinsic value beyond the confines of capital and controversy.
The Work by Bri Lee and Appreciation by Liam Pieper emerge as compelling contributions to Australian literature, offering a satirical yet insightful commentary on the art world’s complexities and the eternal struggle for creative authenticity amid societal and economic pressures.