Watch Mona Lisa Curse

The show Mona Lisa Curse is a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the world of contemporary art and its relationship with the global market economy. It was released in 2008 as part of the Ovation network's signature programming that explores art in all its forms.

The show is hosted by renowned art critic Robert Hughes, who examines how the art market has become a platform for the exchange of goods and capital, rather than an arena for the appreciation of human creativity. Hughes uses Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, as a metaphor for the commercialization of art, where the work of art is no longer valued for its artistic merit but for its monetary worth.

Hughes' argument is that the art world is in a state of crisis, and the commercialization of art is the root cause. He asserts that the price of art has skyrocketed and has led to an increase in fraud and manipulation in the market. The documentary explores the disconnect between the art world and the general public, and the influence of the media in shaping public opinion.

The show uses interviews with art dealers, collectors, curators, and museum directors to illustrate how the market has created a culture where art is valued for its monetary worth, rather than its artistic merit. Hughes talks to art collectors, such as Khalil Rabah, to discuss the effects of the market on the way art is created and appreciated. Rabah asserts that art has become a commodity that can be bought and sold, rather than a reflection of human culture.

The documentary also investigates the impact of the media on the art market. Hughes discusses the role of art critics, such as himself, and how they influence the way the public perceives art. He examines how the media has created a culture of celebrity around art, where artists are valued for their personality and lifestyle, rather than their artistic talent.

The show highlights how museums and galleries have become complicit in the commercialization of art. Hughes talks to museum directors, such as Glenn Lowry of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, to question the role of museums in the art market. He argues that museums have become platforms for the distribution of art, rather than places for the appreciation of art.

The Mona Lisa Curse also examines the role of auction houses, such as Sotheby's and Christie's, and their influence on the art market. Hughes argues that the skyrocketing price of art has led to an increase in fraud and manipulation, and that auction houses have a responsibility to ensure that the work they sell is authentic.

The documentary is shot in a cinematic style that is both engaging and informative. The visuals use art photography, archival footage, and animations to augment the narrative. The show is also accompanied by a soundtrack that features classical music, jazz, and contemporary pop, which adds to the atmosphere of the documentary.

In conclusion, the Mona Lisa Curse is a must-see for anyone interested in contemporary art and its relationship with the global market economy. The show provides a compelling argument that the commercialization of art has led to a crisis in the art world, and that the value of art should be determined by its artistic merit, rather than its monetary worth. The documentary is both informative and thought-provoking, and will leave viewers with a renewed appreciation of art and its value to human culture.