This red dot, seemingly simple and unassuming, carries profound implications within the art world. Originally just 6mm in size, I enlarged it to four feet in diameter to demonstrate with scale the magnitude of this symbol’s significance. It is more than just a transaction; it represents my lifeblood of an artist’s existence—my ability to pay rent, validate myself as an artist and make at least one more piece of work. These dots are loaded with emotion: they evoke a pang of regret for the potential buyers that missed their opportunity, and simultaneously, a moment of triumph for artists and galleries who see them as indicators of success.

The stratospheric pricing of art has led to a culture of secrecy among the ultra-wealthy, particularly with the rise of freeports—tax havens where artworks are stored, out of sight and out of reach. These developments have further distanced art from its creators and its audience, reducing it to a mere commodity, traded and hoarded in secret. The red dot marks a milestone in the artwork’s journey; it’s an inflection point at which the piece might be removed from public view and conversation.

In this evolving landscape, the act of displaying art publicly has become increasingly important and urgent. Art’s true value lies in its ability to communicate, provoke thought, and foster connections within society. When art is locked away, it loses its voice, its power to inspire and challenge. This work urges viewers to reflect on the significance of art being seen and experienced, rather than being reduced to a line item in a hidden ledger. The red dot, in this context, becomes a symbol of the tension between art as a public resource and its treatment as a private commodity. In this work, I challenge the viewer to reconsider the role that art should play in our world.