Kvinnliga konstnärer till salu

Bukowskis försäljning och marknadsföring av kvinnliga konstnärers verk 2019–2024

Abstract

This article examines the representation of women artists in the online modern art auctions of Bukowskis, one of the leading auction houses in the Nordic region. The study finds that women artists are significantly underrepresented compared to their male counterparts, both in terms of the number of listed works and in dedicated thematic auctions. Drawing on Bourdieu’s theory of cultural production, the article analyzes how Bukowskis’ marketing strategies contribute to the transformation of works by women artists into symbolic goods within the art market. In particular, the marketing highlights the artists’ education, connections to established male figures, international influences, and institutional recognition. Through these strategies, Bukowskis portrays women artists as historically significant figures. The promotion of artistic recognition is thus positioned as a key component of the auction house’s broader commercial strategy, thereby contributing to the canonization of artists.