The maker behind the artist. An analysis of artistic craftmanship in the production of contemporary artworks in Italy

The article studies the institutional positioning of art makers who collaborate with artists and who, far from being institutionally recognized in and by the art world, are fundamental in the artistic creation process. The article analyzes the working relationships between craft makers and artists and their institutional dynamics; it also critically assesses the problematics of the craft sector in relation to the artistic one. The qualitative research methodology is based on the thematic analysis of 15 semi-structured interviews with dif- ferent Italian artisans who work with different materials (glass, bronze, paper, marble, neon, ceramic). The article concludes that the art world’s institutional logic prevents the recognition of the artmaker, but potential opportunities can come from its recognition as a part of the value-creation of artworks without diminishing the role of the artist and also answering to the problems of the craft sector.