Once upon a time, the art world scoffed at the idea of online galleries, but that was then and the world is changing, and fast. Digital gallery spaces are hot property, with many blue-chip offerings like David Zwirner even sharing their platforms with their emerging counterparts. But besides the online viewing rooms that we have all come to hate and tolerate in equal measure, here are some models that you might want to look into…
GIRL GIRL GIRL
GIRL GIRL GIRL launched this spring as a gallery promoting works by Russian women artists. Founded by Yulia Belousova, the initiative will have IRL shows eventually, but for now is promoting its artists online with some pretty educational posts about them on the gram.
AucArt
While AucArt is technically an online auction house, it kind of serves as a gallery too. The platform specialises in promoting emerging artists, allowing collectors from anywhere in the world to buy art by the most promising artists directly from their studios.
Works By Friends
Works by Friends is an online gallery that fosters a close partnership with its artists, with the intent of creating an intimate buying experience from a collective of friends. In addition to its online presence, they also organise pop-ups to allow collectors and artists to meet.
Alserkal Avenue
Of all the online viewing rooms, Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue is probably one of the best. Alserkal Online let’s you wander through the entire gallery district, zooming into the works and even showing you the details on the art’s surface. 10/10 we recommend.
Unit Drops
Who isn’t a fan of London’s Unit Gallery?! Well, they’ve now gone online! You can get a piece of the Unit’s action by purchasing limited edition prints via their online store!
Emergeast
Emergeast has been running online for some time, but we thought we’d reintroduce you anyway. The platform is the Middle East’s first online gallery, disrupting the traditional gallery experience and catering especially to young collectors.
Fit Art
Ever had to decide between visiting the gallery and working out? Well now you don’t have to! A new app called FitArt has just been launched and it’s exactly what we needed. The new app provides art shows on your phone in the form of a fitness plan, featuring workouts and exercises created by artists, helping you get your sweat while also staying creative!
Text Lizzy Vartanian