With 2020 in the rear-view mirror, it’s natural to wonder if any of its effects on the art world might last into 2021. Historically, art insiders have been wary of change and resistant to technology, but now that most art fairs, galleries and auction houses have resorted to digital platforms out of necessity, it looks like there’s no turning back, even if only to enhance IRL (in real life) experiences.
It started with the first online viewing rooms, which debuted following the cancellation of Art Basel Hong Kong last March, and since then, collectors have become more and more comfortable looking at and buying art online. I expect the sort of creativity inspired by the pandemic to continue—and to be embraced more quickly than in the past.
In the last few months alone, I have been presented with a number of innovative business ideas, and we are seeing many already in action. For instance, a new disruptor called Museum Exchange just launched a digital platform to match collectors with museums in order to facilitate donations. I was recently interviewed for this New York Times article about the company, which is an interesting read.
There are also a number of new apps, such as Fair Warning, a high-profile auction platform which features just one lot per sale, with members swiping to bid right from their phones.
And we are seeing a growing market for experiential art—for example, Pace Gallery’s “Superblue” endeavor, which will open its first location in Miami this spring.
So, while everyone I know is looking forward to the return of IRL events, the digitization of the art world that got us through the pandemic is here to stay, and it should make art more accessible and vital in the years to come. Hopefully, we can discuss new concepts over a glass of champagne in a VIP lounge soon!
1/25/21