Since writing to you in early March about the state-of-the-art market amidst the onrushing coronavirus, it would seem that the entire market—like the country, indeed the whole world—is working from home. This state of affairs will continue for as long as necessary. People are adjusting to the new reality of remote art market commerce.
While art fairs and public gatherings have been cancelled, auction activity seems to have increased online, with various auctions proceeding on a sort of closed-door basis. As we read in an email from one of the auction houses for which we had consigned prints for a forthcoming sale, the current protocol is meant to ensure social distancing:
Bids can be made on the telephone, online and as absentee bids as usual, but clients will not be able to bid in person in the room. Clients will be able to view items in advance of the sale, strictly by appointment.
This has been a time of reflection for everyone. Apart from the obvious concerns for the health and well-being of family and loved ones, there is a sense of profound wonderment. A walk in the park and the sound of birds chirping on the first days of spring may suddenly be a revelation, one both diverting and comforting. Even piecing together a jigsaw puzzle of an Impressionist painting can be soothing and settling in the current moment.
In speaking today with an auction house specialist working from home in New York City, we were struck by her mention of reading art books and browsing museum websites as newly gratifying. She also mentioned that in recent days she has been calling clients and acquaintances simply as a means of reassuring them that she is still here, still working and planning despite the sense of overshadowing uncertainty.
We are following her example, for more than anything now it seems crucial to be connecting. Hence in the coming days we’ll continue reaching out to clients and friends of our firm across the country. As we work mainly with legal and financial advisors on matters regarding art and private collections, we know they will have questions and concerns about the best path forward for their clients in the current situation.
We have always regarded the art market, above all, as a collaborative enterprise. We must liaise and cooperate with a large cast of diverse players in achieving what is best for our clients. And so we look forward in the coming days to conversations with them, and their trusted advisors, on how best to navigate this “paused” art market.