With the rise of technology, the world of art collecting has expanded far beyond the walls of galleries and artists’ studios, into the digital realm. This integration of the digital realm with the art world now offers unprecedented access to artworks across the world, but it does also demand a new set of skills and precautions for art collectors. This article will explore how collectors can now collect art online and will present some tips on how to make this purchase safe for you and your art.
Online Platforms to Collect:
Unsurprisingly, due to its myriad of benefits, art galleries, artists and collectors have all embraced the new digital, online world utilising its many difference avenues to foster connections and collections. One of these avenues is through online galleries and virtual/digital exhibitions, which offer art collectors a convenient platform to view and purchase art from the comfort of their own homes. These platforms often provide detailed images of the work and information, such as artist profiles, provenance and price, to facilitate the same transparent and informative buying experience you would get in a physical gallery. As galleries have transitioned online so to have auctions, with sites such as Artsy and Artnet facilitating real-time bidding wars in an online space. Sites such as these manage to capture the experience and thrill of an auction environment with the accessibility of the internet, allowing you to bid for your favourite works even though they may not be located in the same country as yourself. With the increased use of social media, we are also seeing platforms such as Instagram emerging as powerful tools for collectors, artists and galleries to connect. On these platforms artists can showcase their work directly from their studio to potential collectors, whilst collectors on the other hand can directly engage with artists and galleries, both established and emerging, fostering a new sense of direct communication and engagement. Whilst these avenues allow for greater accessibility and ease when collecting, collectors should still utilise due diligence. By considering the artwork’s authenticity, condition, the reputation of the seller, and the facilitation of secure payment options and return policies, a collector is working to protect themselves and ensure that they are taking part in a safe and trustworthy collecting experience.
Tips for Collecting Online:
Education - As we have shared in previous articles and will continue to share, the first step in any art collecting journey is education. By making sure that you, at least on a basic level, understand the movements, artists and nuances of the style and themes that you like and are drawn to, then you are not just relying on the word and information of another person. To enrich and develop your knowledge there are many free online courses, virtual museum tours and webinars available that you can tailor to your current expertise and the information that you are looking for specifically. By building your knowledge and expertise you can become a well-informed collector who is not only adept at spotting trends in the art market but can also discern genuine works from mere replicas.
Reputation - The internet is full of various platforms from which to collect art, ranging from online galleries to auction sites and even the artist’ own website, which means that you have to be able to navigate this new market and know where to look. Renowned galleries often have digital counterparts where you can explore and collect art, and platforms such as Artsy, Saatchi Art and Artfinder have long-established reputations for connecting collectors with original art. This doesn’t mean that you have to limit yourself to these. We recommend exploring and searching online to find platforms that cater to your own personal taste and collection, however make sure you do your research. It is important to understand how your chosen platform vets its artists and artworks and how other collectors have found the experience of collecting with them. Always check the reputation of a platform with others in the art community.
Authenticity - Two of the most major concerns facing online collectors is the authenticity and provenance of an artwork. Before you finalise your purchase make sure to request a copy of the certificate of authenticity and a detailed provenance record of the work, so that you can trace the history and make sure that you are getting the genuine thing. For contemporary artworks that may not have a provenance we suggest talking directly with the artist for assurance, and this can also help you foster a relationship with them that will enrich your collection’s story.
Condition - It is also difficult to collect an artwork that you have never seen before. Whilst high-resolution images and videos can offer a comprehensive view of a work, understanding its condition requires a keen eye. Look for any detailed descriptions on the platform and inquire with the artist or gallery about the condition and if there has been a conservation or damage to the work. For high-valued collections, it is also worthwhile to employ an art advisor or conservator to assess the work’s condition either virtually or in-person.
Transactions – In the virtual marketplace, the security of your transaction and personal financial information is paramount. Make sure that the platform you are collecting from uses secure and encrypted payment systems and be wary of sellers who request unconventional payment methods and deals that seem too good to be true. A paper trail is not just about your financial security but can also add to the provenance of the work, contributing further to its history and value.
Shipping & Insurance – Once you have finalised the financial transaction the journey of the artwork from its storage location to your physical space begins, as often times with online collecting the artwork could be on the other side of the country or even world. Make sure that whilst the work is being shipped that you insure it with a company that specialises in art handling, in some but not all cases the platform you collect from might cover this in their shipping procedure. Once the artwork arrives at your front door, make to document its condition as it arrived and add this to your personal records. That way if it was damaged during shipping, you have that information for the insurance, as well as for your own documentation.
Displaying – Online platforms not only provide you with more opportunity to collect but to also display your newest acquisition and your collection as a whole. By sharing your favourite artworks on a website or even a social media platform you can build connections and relationships with other collectors, artists and enthusiast, both in your local community and internationally, further enriching your collecting journey.
Conclusion:
The digital age has transformed art collecting into a global adventure, accessible from the comfort of our own homes. However, as we traverse and explore this new digital landscape, we must be careful and collect with caution, armed with both knowledge and a keen eye for detail. By utilising some of these tips and tricks, collectors can navigate the online art world safely, ensuring that their collections not only enrich their lives but also support the vibrant ecosystem of artists and creators worldwide. Remember, in the vast art gallery of the internet, each click of the mouse can be a step closer to discovering your next masterpiece.