konstfält

Konstfält is a Swedish term used in art theory and cultural sociology to describe the social field in which contemporary art is produced, circulated and consumed. The concept encompasses artists, gallerists, curators, critics, museums and galleries, funding bodies, educational institutions, journalists, collectors and audiences. It emphasizes how relations of power, capital and legitimacy are organized within the art world and influence what counts as art, which artists receive attention, and how careers unfold. The term is closely linked to Pierre Bourdieu’s notion of social fields, and the art field is described as relatively autonomous from but interdependent with other spheres such as politics or commerce.

Etymology and usage: The term is formed from Swedish konst (art) and fält (field). It appears in Swedish academic writing, journalism, and discourse on contemporary art when analyzing national or local art scenes, funding systems, venues, and networks. The definite form konstfältet refers to a particular art field, for example “konstfältet i Sverige” or “konstfältet i Stockholm.”

See also: Art world; Bourdieus field; Cultural capital; Cultural sociology.