Art

Five trends that are changing the shape of the art world

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2022

For the art world, a decade’s worth of quiet digital reinvention combined with a new generation of collectors and evolving motivations for purchasing art have helped change the shape of the industry. We’ve arrived at an art world that is more digital, inclusive and expansive.

It’s not surprising, says Stefan Hancherow, art curator with RBC’s Curatorial Department—the art world is always in flux. “[Ideas] come to the forefront at certain times of the year or certain decades—things ebb and flow.” But the current art world feels like a radically different place than what existed before the pandemic.

Here are five trends that are redefining it.

1. The rise of inclusivity

For Hancherow, one of the defining changes in the art world is a shift in inclusivity across the market at all levels. “Not only BIPOC, female and LGBTQ+ artists, but also dealers and collectors, from my perspective, are leading the charge and continuing to incite meaningful change.” As museums and institutions continue to focus on championing diverse programs, this change continues to be driven and supported by a broad ecosystem. “I see that continuing to grow,” says Hancherow.

Auction house Christie’s, for example, strengthened its efforts to increase diversity and representation in 2021 by appointing more women (including BIPOC) to executive roles and establishing a 50/50 gender balance of auctioneers .

Tricia Heuring, curator and coordinator of the Minneapolis-based art collection for RBC Wealth Management–U.S., says she’s seen “more openness” in the art world than ever before. “The art world has always been a very exclusionary place,” says Heuring. However, societal shifts over the past few years have helped change that. “In trying to dismantle structures and systems that really have been oppressive—by really breaking open the art world in that way—these shifts are creating new markets, new communities and new rules of engagement.”

2. New generation, new motivations

In line with a growing sense of inclusivity, the next generation of collectors are also introducing new motivations to the art world. According to 2021 figures from Christie’s, a third of new buyers were millennials. Deloitte and ArtTactic’s Art & Finance Report 2021 found that 86 percent of younger collectors (i.e., those under age 35) consider art a social-impact investment, compared to just 32 percent of those aged over 35. Social impact is the top motivation (alongside emotional value) for the next generation of collectors.

“There’s a lot more empowerment in thinking about where you’re putting your money and how you’re supporting the artists in your community,” says Heuring. She likens it to the idea of supporting local businesses, which really gained prominence during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. “I think that rippled into a motivation or a permission to collect art in that way as well.”

The next generation is also increasingly focused on BIPOC artists. A report by online art brokerage Artsy, Art Collecting 2021 , found that roughly a quarter of collectors say amassing works by minority artists is important to them, generating a more-diverse representation in the arts.

3. Digital transformation finds its inertia

In addition to new motivations, the next generation is changing the way art is sold. According to the Deloitte and ArtTactic report, Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips’ online-only auction sales reached US$1.05 billion in 2020, eclipsing 2019’s US$168 million in sales. Artsy’s 2021 report found the number of collectors who had purchased art online grew 30 percent between 2019 and 2021.

Online marketplaces like Artland and Peggy are making the art market more transparent and accessible.

Social media has also found its footing as a medium for artists that flips the classic gallery representation model on its head. “There are artists who really don’t need gallery representation anymore, because they have 50,000 followers on Instagram and have a built-in audience of their own,” says Heuring. “They share their process throughout the year, then offer their artwork when it’s available—and their own audience just purchases it directly from them.”

4. Blockchain buzz propels NFTs to the forefront

Despite the buzz surrounding non-fungible tokens (NFTs)—a form of unique digital asset stored on a blockchain), Christie’s and Sotheby’s sold only US$240 million worth of NFT art and digital collectibles combined , a small percentage of their collective overall sales.

But blockchain technology does carry the potential for traceability. “There are really serious artists who are actually using the digital certificate for their own physical art or really complex digital art projects,” explains Sara Johnson, vice president of High-Net-Worth Planning Services – International estate, art and digital legacy planning at RBC Wealth Management in Canada. But on the collector side, Johnson likens the appetite for NFT investments to the early days of a gold rush. “NFT platforms feel like a movable feast,” she adds. “There’s still a lot of risk, especially in overall valuation, payments using cryptocurrencies and the future of code-based artists’ royalties,” she says. “We’re learning more about it as the market matures but it’s a daily exponential learning curve—through enthusiastic tribulations.”

5. Canadian artists are gaining momentum

Another defining trend is Canadian art’s growing momentum on a global scale. “The visual arts in Canada are still one of those underrated and aspects from an international perspective,” says Hancherow, adding that Canadian art can be undervalued and underappreciated around the world. “But I think that’s changing.”

He points to major exhibits by Canadian artists in Venice that have helped raise their profiles. “From an Indigenous and Inuit art perspective, I think Canada’s doing quite a bit more than some other colonial nations, in that it’s driving that discussion,” adds Hancherow. It’s in step with the growth of interest in BIPOC artists. But he cautions that the growth isn’t necessarily indicative of representation—or of equity, for that matter. “Even though we’ve seen massive increases in the number of artists of colour, Indigenous artists and women artists in the art world, the separation is still vast—[the artwork] is still so undervalued when compared to male counterparts.”

Ultimately, Hancherow says, the rising profile of Canadian art fits into a wider narrative underpinning the trends redefining the art world. Things are becoming more inclusive, innovative and approachable, and the next social-impact-focused generation is ensuring that.

In Quebec, financial planning services are provided by RBC Wealth Management Financial Services Inc. which is licensed as a financial services firm in that province. In the rest of Canada, financial planning services are available through RBC Dominion Securities Inc.

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

6 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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