Final answer:
Ethnographers studying art markets aim to comprehend the cultural context, social relationships, and various meanings involved in the creation and perception of art. This involves holistic research methods and examining the art's evolution and function within human experiences.
Step-by-step explanation:
The key aspects of any art market that ethnographers strive to understand usually involve the intricate web of social relationships that contribute to the creation, distribution, and consumption of art. Anthropologists use methods such as observation, interviews, focus groups, and site assessments to study art. They take a holistic approach to understand the cultural context within which art exists, including its symbolic meanings, the mediums through which it is disseminated, and the manufacturing processes behind it. The anthropology of the arts can also delve into how art has evolved over time, contributing to our understanding of human experiences and future generations.
When examining an art market, some specific questions may be considered critical, such as the motivations behind artistic creation, the audiences or consumers targeted, the responsibilities these consumers may hold towards artists, and the original meanings and functions of artworks. Ultimately, art is not just looked upon as applied aesthetics, but rather as an activity embedded in an art world, reflecting the human relationships and cultural dynamics that give rise to it.