A Painting Student’s Take on Breaking Into the Art Market

Fairs like Art Market Budapest serve as spaces not only to appreciate art but also to understand the current art scene and discuss its challenges and possibilities.

We met Zsófia Teodóra, a painting major and volunteer representing the University of Pécs (PTE) at the fair. Zsófia and I debated how to stand out in the art market and the difficulties of being an artist outside Budapest.

Could you describe the profile of the students you are showcasing? What themes or styles do they typically explore?

We don't have a theme, but more of a code. Teachers choose students in their classes and they represent this code through their art. There are a lot of figurative and abstract art pieces and sculptures too. It is about showing the diversity of art techniques.

What challenges do emerging artists face in today's contemporary art market?

The hardest part is to make a debut because the art industry is not that open. Unfortunately, it is mostly money-oriented. So it's really hard for it to open doors for the newcomers, the new artists.

If you simply follow a trend, you cannot establish yourself. Real artists create trends. It is better to experiment in [and with] your art and improve it instead of following something.

In your opinion, what qualities make an artist stand out in the current art landscape?

If you can create a trend, you can strive.

We need to learn from the ones who came before and then find how to make something new based on them. Artists need to experiment in [and with] your art and improve it as much as they can to find their style.

What role do you believe universities play in shaping the careers of fine arts and photography students?

Budapest is the most important [place in Eastern Europe] when it comes to art dealing - auctions, galleries, everything is in Budapest. At PTE (University of Pécs) it is actually really hard because we don't have many galleries and auction houses [around]. The university can't really help us [to go that big], unless you’re in the capital.

How does the curriculum offered by PTE (University of Pécs) prepare students for the realities of the art market?

That’s a bit tricky. We are well prepared when it comes to the theoretical side of art, such as art history, and practical work, such as anatomy. But in terms of business… Unfortunately, we don't have classes on how the industry works. I hope this changes in the future.

What resources or platforms does the university provide to help students display their work beyond the university setting?

We have one auction a year and two exhibitions managed by the department. We also have a grand prize given to an outstanding painter. We used Instagram for a while but not anymore. So mostly, we participate in Art Market Budapest and have exhibitions at the university when possible.