Author Description

The Jesuits, Rosicrucians, freemasons, CIA, Mafia, IRA and al-Qaeda are all secret societies, covertly working away behind the scenes to create a world they envision, be it good or evil. The concept behind this exhibition, and its accompanying catalog, is that the contemporary art world is also a secret society, with a small circle of initiated members who possess arcane knowledge. In absorbing essays, Michael Bracewell, Ina Blom and Gary Lachman look at how the contemporary art economy is its own exclusive club. A large selection of artworks chosen by curators Cristina Ricupero, Alexis Vaillant and Jan Verwoert responds to the theme.