In 'The murmuring of the artistic multitude' art sociologist Pascal Gielen defends the hypothesis that the globalized art scene is an ideal production entity for economic exploitation. How can the art world preserve its won dynamic and freedom? Gielen's quest leads to places of intimacy and "slowability" in the hectic global flow of artistic events and artistically-minded trends. This third edition has been thoroughly updated with Gielen's latest insights into the political dimensions of art, autonomy and the relationship between art, ethics, and democracy.