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There are many examples in the History of Art where artists have successfully used Art Merchandise to promote and publicize their Art.
On the one hand, Art-merch objects contribute to the “democratization” of Art on the market, i.e. make art more accessible to a wide range of people with different financial capabilities. The cost of Art-merch objects, as a rule, is several times lower than the cost of original works. Because of this, many people can afford to buy such Art. On the other hand, Art-merch objects play an important role as an effective "advertisement" of the original works of Art Owners (Museums, Galleries, Art Funds, Art Collectors, Authors, etc.).
The dish "Playing the flute". Around 1948
Glazed ceramics
Pablo Picasso
Christies. 18.06.2013. Lot 76
Auction evaluation (estimate):
25,000-35,000 pounds.
Price: 85,875 pounds Source: christies.com
As you know, many well-known artists actively produced art-merch objects (engravings, decorative dishes, interior and design items, etc.) based on their original art works. Often they entrusted this occupation to other artists (students, craft masters, engravers, etc.). The production of Art-merch objects was an additional occupation (or an additional source of income) for the Author. But after a while, this "minor" art aroused great interest among art collectors. This is especially true for collections of Art-merch objects made in limited editions. Today, the cost of Art-merch objects by such artists as Picasso, Dali, Kandinsky, Chagall, Malevich, and others, significantly exceeds their original cost. Art-merch objects, which were produced 100 years ago for a mass circle of buyers, today attract the attention of art historians, museum specialists, representatives of auction houses. Many art historians, researchers and biographers of artists claim that some famous authors have achieved wide fame, including through the production of additional (secondary) art products (engravings, decorative dishes, interior and design items, etc.).
Thus, by selling Art-merch objects, Art Owners (Museums, Galleries, Art Funds, Art collectors, Authors, etc.) promote their main product, popularize their art. And they achieve their goals - their art collections are becoming more and more famous and in demand.