Art

The Purpose and Value of Art in 2023

Published

2 years ago

January 12, 2023

Near the beginning of the pandemic, the Brookings Institution estimated that the creative industry was on track to suffer a loss in sales of over $150 billion in the United States alone, with the performing and fine arts sectors being hit the hardest. Certainly, looking back, there’s no question that the pandemic hit the art community hard.

UNESCO estimates that 10 million jobs were lost worldwide in the culture and creativity sectors in 2020 alone. Disabled and BIPOC artists, in particular, suffered the most, seeing the highest rates of unemployment in the arts sector.

While these numbers don’t paint a pretty picture, they also don’t tell the whole story. As an entrepreneur working in the arts and events space, I’ve been watching how the art world has responded to the obstacles and setbacks of the pandemic. With galleries closed and in-person art shows on hold, artists did what they do best — they got creative.

Many took the free time they had been forcibly given and dedicated it to projects they’d been putting off. Many more began to explore, in earnest, the opportunities waiting for them in the online space. Web publishing and streaming, as well as emerging technologies such as NFTs and the metaverse, provided ways for artists to expand their reach and experiment with new forms. During the height of the pandemic, it even seemed like some artists were ready to turn their back on the real world altogether and embrace NFTs as their new future.

What the Near Future Could Look Like for Artists and Other Creatives

Now that many of us are back in the real world, this virtual vision might seem a bit extreme. But, with the art world still getting back on its feet, it’s not clear exactly what the real future of the industry will look like. How big a role will the digital world play as the real world recovers? What technologies will still be relevant, and what art will be most in demand?

While I don’t have a crystal ball, I do believe my experience in both the art world and technology has provided me with some insights into what the shape of the art world could look like over the next year or so.

Editor’s picks

1. NFTs will still likely be a focal point.

While the hype surrounding NFTs has died down a bit over the past few months, that doesn’t mean it should be dismissed as a flash-in-the-pan. Not only do NFTs help artists diversify their sales channels and reach a much broader, more tech-savvy audience, but the blockchain technology undergirding NFTs also makes it extremely easy for artists to track resales and collect royalties automatically.

The Rolling Stone Culture Council is an invitation-only community for Influencers, Innovators and Creatives. Do I qualify?

This technology won’t be for everybody, but there are still plenty of compelling reasons for artists and collectors to continue to participate in the NFT scene.

2. More artists will explore the metaverse.

There’s a lot more to the metaverse than Mark Zuckerberg’s avatars. From virtual galleries and museums to immersive experiences delivered worldwide, creatives can harness VR to reach new audiences and explore new forms of expression. The virtual reality space is continuing to grow, and artists still have plenty of room to carve out their own niche within it.

Artists can play a part in making the metaverse a better place to be, designing avatars people actually want to use and creating spaces for others to view and buy artwork, as well as share and sell their own creations. While not everyone will strike gold in the virtual world, the barrier to entry is relatively low for artists who want to see where these new paths to revenue will take them.

3. Urban art could provide unique opportunities for artists and communities.

The Wynwood neighborhood in Miami is an excellent example of what happens when street art is not just accepted but fully embraced. The graffiti and street art of Wynwood Walls played a pivotal role in turning this warehouse district into one of the coolest neighborhoods — a hotspot for tourists and locals alike.

I believe this is a great blueprint for what an art-focused neighborhood can be, representing an exciting opportunity for communities and street artists to get together and remake their own neighborhoods into an urban art utopia. Through partnerships with existing urban artists, other creatives also have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of this new and exciting trend.

4. The global economy will still play a major role in sales.

While I think high-dollar transactions will continue to largely reside within their own bubble, the majority of the art market is likely going to continue to feel the effects of the economy’s ups and downs over the next year. If a recession does indeed occur, artists will feel it.

While they will likely recoup their losses once the global market stabilizes, it’s important for artists to insulate themselves now by branching out to new sales channels, seeking new audiences, considering new forms of art to create and devising creative royalty strategies to help offset their losses in the short term.

In many ways, the future of the art world looks like the future of a lot of other industries. It will thrive both online and in person. For artists who want to make their future a little more stable, investing in a diverse array of channels and projects could be crucial. Even though the future of the economy remains uncertain, that shouldn’t scare off artists from experimenting and branching out. It’s exactly this type of approach that will make an artist more likely to succeed in unstable times, not less.

Source link

Art

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

Published

5 hours 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

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

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

Source link

Art

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

Published

4 weeks 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.

Source link