The Art of Collecting Series: From the Studio to the Booth
Description
Bassam Freiha Art Foundation welcomed Dr. Rose-Marie Ferré for an engaging lecture that offered a broad reflection on the ethical landscape of the contemporary art market. Dr. Ferré introduced key concepts that shape how artworks are understood, evaluated, and positioned within global cultural and economic systems.
The session touched on the collaborative nature of value construction, the importance of expertise, and the role of documentation, provenance, and legal frameworks in ensuring transparency and integrity. Dr. Ferré also highlighted the challenges facing the art world today and the need for responsible practices that support a more sustainable market.
The lecture provided audiences with a thoughtful overview of the many factors that influence the perception and legitimacy of artworks, inviting reflection on how ethics guide the relationships between artists, institutions, and collectors.
Rose-Marie Ferré
Associate Professor of Medieval Art History and Head of the Department of Archaeology and Art History at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi. She also leads the Master’s programme in Expertise and the Art Market. Her research spans medieval artistic patronage, iconography, and cultural transmission, as well as modern and contemporary art in the Arab world, particularly collecting practices in the UAE. Dr. Ferré frequently collaborates with artists and cultural institutions on research and curatorial projects.