Don Thompson

Don Thompson is a Canadian economist and art collector who explores the intersection of contemporary art and finance. He is best known for his fascinating examinations of the high-stakes art market, including "The $12 Million Stuffed Shark" and "The Orange Balloon Dog." Thompson's work demystifies the often-opaque world of contemporary art pricing, revealing how auction houses, dealers, and collectors determine value in an industry where a preserved shark or balloon sculpture can command eight-figure sums. His accessible writing combines economic analysis with insider knowledge, making the complexities of the art market understandable to general readers while offering sharp insights into cultural economics.