Now this is an active discussion, once again from Edward Winkleman. Really, I don't think critics are the issue here. Instead, it is just that the often dubious value of contemporary art is being undermined by the fact that some of it has become a good investment. It's the problem Peter Pan faces when he leaves Never Never Land. Most everyone is on too good of behavior on the intellectual front and the lack of radical ideas facilitates artist behavior and work that tries too hard to please those that hold their leashes.

What you want is a few out on a limb collectors that work with out on a limb artists to produce extremes that defy existing marketing logic. Sure it creates another market but it makes the tame stuff seem tame by comparison. Commerce in itself isn't bad so long as there are some entities that push the envelope and keep the system honest. Dave Hickey called these communities of desire... and maybe the problem is that the desires are too easilly sated?