The Rise of Digital Curation: Why Collectors Turn to Online Galleries

Until fairly recently, art collectors would spend hours venturing to galleries, perusing art fairs, and meeting with dealers to find new pieces to add to their collections. They would build face-to-face relationships with dealers and artists, see pieces in person, feel the textures of the canvases and other media, and carefully decide which pieces to bring home with them. It was all part of the experience. 

While those elements are still worthwhile, there has been a shift in the way people approach the curation process. Lately, a growing number of collectors have started turning to the online world to work with dealers, such as the Mary Ryan Art Gallery, to find new pieces to add to their repertoires. This new movement has several advantages. 

Easier Access

One of the main reasons collectors are turning to online galleries is to gain easier access to works of art. Instead of traveling from place to place and visiting one gallery at a time, they can now search through hundreds, or even thousands, of pieces across the globe, all from one place. A collector can also browse at their own pace and on their own schedule.  

With that level of access to art, people can explore artists and styles they may have never considered before. In fact, they can find new favorites they may have never even discovered without the internet as a resource. All it takes is a few clicks to find the perfect pieces to bring into their homes. 

A More Laid-Back Process

In many cases, collectors peruse their options from their own homes. That makes the process much more comfortable and relaxed. When they’re venturing from one gallery to another, they may feel rushed and under pressure to make a choice. That’s not the case when they curate online, though. They can take their time, revisit pieces as often as they want, and truly delve into different pieces’ stories before making their choices. 

Vast Selections

Of course, another pull factor of online curation is the vast selection it places at people’s fingertips. As mentioned, they can browse pieces all over the world. They can find options they might’ve never seen when shopping in person. Physical galleries have limited selections, but the online realm offers unlimited choices. No matter what collectors are looking for, they’re sure to find it online. They may even find a few must-have pieces they didn’t even know they were looking for. 

Maintaining the Personal Experience

Many people may think that digital curation detracts from the overall experience of looking for works of art. That’s not exactly true, though. Online galleries offer carefully curated collections just as physical galleries do. They organize their pieces, showcase featured artists, and provide information about their offerings. Instead of taking away from the experience, digital curation enhances it. Being able to browse artwork online is even bringing numerous newcomers into the world of art, many of whom wouldn’t feel comfortable visiting galleries in person. 

Revolutionizing the Curation Process

Over the last few years, there has been a significant uptick in the number of people who search for art online rather than in person. It’s not just a passing fad; it’s most likely here to stay. It’s revolutionizing the way art is shared, enjoyed, and collected. Physical galleries will always have their place, but online alternatives are rapidly gaining ground. They’re making art more accessible to collectors, giving them broader selections, and creating a more relaxed, personal experience for them.

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