| Abstract: |
In recent years, some English critics have claimed that Damien Hirst and his
fellow young British artists have made London the new center of the advanced
art world. As Hirst reaches the age of 40, this paper uses auction results to
measure the importance of the YBAs compared to their American peers. Auction
prices show that the YBAs do rule over their American rivals: both Hirst and
the English painter Chris Ofili have had individual works sell for more than
$1 million, a level no American artist under 40 has achieved. Whether London
can continue its success will depend in part on whether it can match New
York's ability to attract important artists born in other countries. |