Analysis of the Holart Report project: recording and publishing sales data for fine art holograms

摘要

At Lake Forest College's Fourth International Symposium on Display Holography (July 1991), the author first formulated an idea to promote fine art holography by recording and publishing sale prices for art holograms. The idea was mentioned to several prominent artists in attendance, and the response was enthusiastic. The author formed a new company to publish the world's first journal of international art hologram sales, the Holart Report. Holart Report published four quarterly issues, beginning in May 1992. During that time, the publisher created a significant database of hologram art sales and reported tens of thousands of dollars in holographic art transactions. In February 1993 the author's new job obligations and a general lack of support for the project forced him to suspend publication of Holart Report. This paper attempts to answer serious questions surrounding the experience. What problems were encountered? What benefits, if any, did Holart provide during its short lifetime? Why were many in the holographic art community reluctant to support the project? In retrospect, what should have been done differently to ensure greater success? Lastly, the author states his belief that the idea remains feasible and valuable. The database is intact and the publishing template established. The lessons learned can be used to produce a much improved new version of Holart Report or a similar publication.