Christie’s Removes ‘Art Handler’ Merch After Criticism For Underpaying Staff
Photo 95483275 © J P | Dreamstime.com
Christie’s has unwittingly triggered the disparity between high-flyers in the art world and the staff running those businesses. Caught in the middle is a line of merchandise seemingly commodifying hardworking art handlers across T-shirts, sweaters, and tote bags.
Highsnobiety, which was hosting the e-commerce venture on its website, removed its pages for the offending listings and effectively recalled the line entirely. According to Artnet News, the decision was made after a meeting was held by the auction house to “address hurt feelings.”
Critics pointed out how the collection could have exploited the work of art handlers. To add to the disdain, the items were being sold at pretty high prices—between US$50 for a tote bag and US$125 for a sweatshirt.
The campaign that had been running for its promotion also placed models in various scenarios that the employees might experience in their workday.
Instagram account @sugarboming responded by posting her version of the merchandise with a T-shirt reading ‘Christie’s Exploits Art Handlers’. This reaction is one of the last pieces of evidence that the collection ever existed.
As the user points out, it is interesting that instead of taking this opportunity to have a conversation about the concerns of its workers, Christie’s has instead terminated the project.
In September 2021, both Christie’s and Sotheby’s reported some of their highest-recorded sales.
[via Hyperallergic and Artnet News, images via various sources]
