Damien Hirst Bypasses The Galleries – The End Of The Gallery System As We Know It?

“What does it mean for the art market that a living artist bypasses dealers altogether and sells his wares directly at auction? There is some speculation that this might be a pivotal moment, like the end of the studio system in movies or the continuing decline of the record labels in the music business. Could the gallerist’s traditional role as mediator between the contemporary artist and his market be passé?”