Tretchikoff, often dubbed the "King of Kitsch," offers a fascinating case study in the politics and economics of the art market. As quoted in a newspaper article about the artist, critics have long been his best publicity agents, perpetuating discussions that kept his work in the public eye far longer than many of his counterparts. This paradox—much like works mocking the capitalist and cultural establishment that fetch exorbitant prices at major auction houses—illustrates how the art market has come full circle. The art world, it seems, is now a domain where anything marketable can be commodified and manipulated.
Tretchikoff's works, once dismissed by the art elite, have become valuable assets in an art market where art functions as a new form of currency. This evolution reflects broader changes within cultural institutions like the exhibition at Iziko South African National Gallery, which posthumously honours artists it once excluded. The museum's shift from a traditional paradigm to a more inclusive environment mirrors the art market's transformation.
Today's art market, driven by investment rather than connoisseurship, favours artists who can command attention and generate profit. Tretchikoff's ghostly presence in prestigious halls signifies this shift. The art museum's role has morphed into a stage for nostalgia and cultural contradictions, an environment Tretchikoff would have thrived in.
During his career, Tretchikoff embraced popularism, catering to public tastes and creating an accessible art market for his works. Despite being snubbed by the art establishment, his strategy of mass-producing reproductions and cultivating a personal brand proved financially successful. His prolific output and celebrity status attracted a devoted fan base, eager to purchase his prints.
In essence, Tretchikoff mastered the art of self-promotion and market manipulation. His ability to turn out reproductions and capitalise on his fame laid the groundwork for his financial success. As a result, he enjoyed widespread recognition and commercial triumph, despite ongoing criticism from the art world's elite. This dynamic—between popular success and critical disdain—underscores the complexities of the art market and Tretchikoff's unique place within it.