My name is William Josephs Radford and I am an unknown artist. Much like many other unknown artists early in their career, I find it difficult to put a price on my work. Constantly trying to find a balance between vanity and value. The artist's audience plays a key role in this process, however online gallery spaces and social media platforms have blurred the line between influencer and artist. But... What is the intrinsic value of an Instagram follow?
To keep it simple I created RIP, an online gallery with a twist. What's the twist? Well, all the work is mine and the prices are entirely based on the gallery's Instagram following.
An artist is worthless without an audience. So, starting with one follower (my personal account), I put the artworks up for sale at the price of 1p each. Despite the misleading title, RIP actually stands for Recommended Instagram Price. This price has been slowly increasing by £1 with every follow, essentially allowing my audience decide how much the pieces are worth.
Having surpassed the 100 follower mark within the first week, the featured artworks are already projected to be worth thousands in a matter of months. Through this project I hope to challenge how art is currently valued and sold on the internet, whilst questioning my own value as an unknown artist.
To keep it simple I created RIP, an online gallery with a twist. What's the twist? Well, all the work is mine and the prices are entirely based on the gallery's Instagram following.
An artist is worthless without an audience. So, starting with one follower (my personal account), I put the artworks up for sale at the price of 1p each. Despite the misleading title, RIP actually stands for Recommended Instagram Price. This price has been slowly increasing by £1 with every follow, essentially allowing my audience decide how much the pieces are worth.
Having surpassed the 100 follower mark within the first week, the featured artworks are already projected to be worth thousands in a matter of months. Through this project I hope to challenge how art is currently valued and sold on the internet, whilst questioning my own value as an unknown artist.
FAQ
What is RIP Gallery?
When it comes to pricing art the factors and influences are uncountable. However, In the shift towards online galleries. An artist's value has never been so dependant on their audience, resulting in more and more artists seeking validation through social media.
RIP gallery is a project founded by photographer William Josephs Radford. Created to challenge the way art is sold and valued on the internet.
The concept is to value pieces based on the gallery's following. Starting from 0 the artworks price is increased by £1 with every follow, allowing the audience dictate how much the pieces are worth.
RIP gallery is a project founded by photographer William Josephs Radford. Created to challenge the way art is sold and valued on the internet.
The concept is to value pieces based on the gallery's following. Starting from 0 the artworks price is increased by £1 with every follow, allowing the audience dictate how much the pieces are worth.
Why should I follow RIP Gallery ?
Aside from up to date content, Every follow adds £1 to the value of our pieces and contributes to the cause.
Why should I buy from RIP Gallery?
Other than receiving the limited edition art piece with certificate of authenticity, By purchasing from RIP Gallery you are investing in a concept. Much like tracking an artist's trajectory, your investment will grow by £1 with every new follower we reach. An artwork bought for hundreds could be worth thousands in a matter of months.
Where did the concept come from?
The difficulty of being an unknown artist with little to contacts in the industry. Combined with the struggle to gain recognition.
The Vicious circle. How do I sell, let alone price my work without any clients? How do I gain the right clients?
Unless you suddenly become famous overnight, usually an artist slowly builds a reputation and recognition. Working their way up from cheap pieces with little to no interest, to collectors editions with a high end clientele.
So for each person who recognises my page and chooses to follow for coming work, I get one step closer to being that highly acclaimed artist with an established audience.
The Vicious circle. How do I sell, let alone price my work without any clients? How do I gain the right clients?
Unless you suddenly become famous overnight, usually an artist slowly builds a reputation and recognition. Working their way up from cheap pieces with little to no interest, to collectors editions with a high end clientele.
So for each person who recognises my page and chooses to follow for coming work, I get one step closer to being that highly acclaimed artist with an established audience.
How long is it for?
For the foreseeable future this is how I intend to price and sell my work, extending into the 5-10 year range.
When does the work become overpriced ?
That's the beauty of this project! It's completely up to the audience to decide.
What if RIP Gallery hits 1M followers?
Then the featured artwork will be priced at £1M.
What do I receive when I buy a piece?
In addition to the limited edition fine art photography print, all purchases will come with a certificate of authenticity for the piece.
Free shipping worldwide.
Free shipping worldwide.