I read 'The 12 million dollar shark' by Don Thompson a few years ago. It explores the money, lust, and self-aggrandisement of the art world in an attempt to determine what makes a particular work valuable while others are ignored. It's a brilliant read and at the same time, very sobering as an artist.
Amongst the occasional wins, constant self-doubt, critical wrangling it's singularly the biggest question an artist faces when painting; "Is this good?"
But that's for others to judge. I paint because I thoroughly enjoy it and make me happy.
Enough said.