The Artistic Power of Money

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How does money and power influence art? Why are these fundamental building blocks shaping the world in which we live and how do artists react? Venezuelan artist Oscar Olivares explains why his cartoon-like depictions of protest against the Maduro government have become symbols of hope for the thousands of people who want to see an end to the country’s socialist regime. Later this summer Greece will come to the end of its third economic bailout. Nearly a decade of crippling austerity cuts has taken their toll on a country whose public debt is still roughly 180% of its GDP. We’re in Athens on the trail of the art which has emerged from the country’s economic catastrophe. And, as the price people are prepared to pay for works of art continues to soar, Australian artist and author Brad Buckley considers the money behind the masterpieces and the people pulling the strings in this multi-billion dollar industry. Plus, South Korean violin virtuoso Min Kym talks to us about the power of a painting and how it helped her following the theft of her £1.2million Stradivarius violin in 2010. Presented by Tina Daheley Produced by Johny Cassidy Image: Greek street art. Credit: Theopi Skarlatos