The Great Contemporary Art Bubble 2009
"The Film The Art World Doesn't Want You To See!"
The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (2009) dives into the explosive heights of the contemporary art market just as it teetered on the edge of collapse.
Director: Ben Lewis
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (2009) about?
This documentary examines the peak of the contemporary art bubble in 2008, just as the global financial crisis erupted. It follows the controversial auction of Damien Hirst's art at Sotheby's, where over £100 million was sold in two days—right before the market's dramatic collapse. The film also explores how art became a high-stakes financial gamble, leaving viewers to question its real worth.
Who directed The Great Contemporary Art Bubble?
The film was directed by Ben Lewis, an art critic and filmmaker who was notably banned from attending the historic auction featured in the documentary.
Who stars in The Great Contemporary Art Bubble?
The documentary stars director Ben Lewis, with Damien Hirst and key figures from Sotheby's featured as central figures in the unfolding events.
Is The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (2009) worth watching?
For fans of economic thrillers disguised as art films, this 90-minute documentary delivers a gripping narrative about greed, exclusivity, and market mania. While it lacks a traditional star cast, its behind-the-scenes access and critical edge make it a compelling watch for those intrigued by the intersection of culture and capital.
How long is The Great Contemporary Art Bubble?
The Great Contemporary Art Bubble has a runtime of 90 minutes.
🎥 Trailer
About The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (2009) — A Forbidden Look Inside the Art Market's Wildest Night
The Great Contemporary Art Bubble (2009) dives into the explosive heights of the contemporary art market just as it teetered on the edge of collapse. Directed by Ben Lewis—who was notably barred from attending the historic Sotheby's auction of Damien Hirst's work on September 15, 2008—this eye-opening documentary captures the dizzying peak of an unprecedented art bubble. Lewis blends sharp critique with insider perspectives, exposing the extravagance, speculation, and fragile foundations of a market that briefly defied economic gravity. Atmosphere is tense yet revelatory, revealing how art valuation became a symbol of financial excess moments before the world's economy nearly imploded.
The film challenges viewers to question the true value of art when millions change hands in a single evening, all while navigating the exclusion of its own filmmaker. With a runtime of 90 minutes, it's a brisk, thought-provoking exploration of creativity versus commerce, offering a rare glimpse behind the velvet rope of an industry that thrives on exclusivity and hype.