VANCOUVER, British Columbia--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, digital marketplace ArtRow launched its platform designed to democratize art transactions. By offering direct access to professionally vetted works, ArtRow provides an innovative, first-of-its-kind marketplace for all levels of buyers and sellers to make transparent and independent sales grounded in both market intelligence and art historical substance.
Founder Dr. Lara Tomaszewska, with over 20 years of experience as an art advisor, fine art appraiser, and art historian, has assembled a team of industry experts, including Natasha Mendelsohn, former Deputy Director, Private Client Group at Sotheby’s in London, UK, and Dr. Dorothy Barenscott, modern and contemporary art historian at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. At ArtRow, expertise underpins the sourcing and verification of all primary and secondary market sales, allowing buyers to be confident in making art investment decisions, regardless of prior experience.
"The art industry experienced a major transformation during the pandemic, highlighting the need for new art market models," says Lara Tomaszewska, Founder of ArtRow. “As travel to art fairs halted and galleries shuttered, gallery and auction house online sales skyrocketed. This revealed an opportunity for a new digital platform where independent buyers and sellers could participate in art transactions through an easy-to-use marketplace model, and thus, ArtRow was born.”
The platform features both historical and contemporary artists from private sellers, including Canadian masters A.J. Casson and William Perehudoff, and renowned international artists like Jack Shadbolt, Susan Point, and Alexander Calder. ArtRow also sources directly from professional artists’ studios, with works by William Kentridge, Emily Young, and Marie Khouri. However, anyone is welcome to apply to sell their privately-owned artwork on ArtRow.
Sellers seeking professional art brokerage services must physically consign artworks to galleries or auction houses and sales often come with exclusivity agreements. ArtRow removes these barriers by providing an open platform for anyone to buy or sell artwork from their home, providing access to a new supply. The mediated marketplace structure provides a unique opportunity for artists to receive professional art services that have only been traditionally offered by galleries and dealers.
“ArtRow’s launch marks a significant milestone in the art market, ushering in a new era for both established and emerging artists,” says renowned Canadian artist, Jeremy Herndl, who specializes in landscape painting. “From the detailed descriptions of each piece of art to the team’s commitment to transparency, the platform not only promises to be a vibrant hub for art enthusiasts but also an avenue for independent professionals to present their work globally.”
All artworks from private sellers undergo a rigorous vetting process which includes thorough market research, a detailed condition report and a specialist’s analysis of the art and artist to ensure that every work is of aesthetic and monetary value. Prices range from $300 to $165,000, which allows everyone to find vetted works of art they love. For collectors who wish to buy or sell higher-value works, the platform also offers bespoke sales. ArtRow conveniently manages all aspects of the sale, from pre-purchase enquiries to shipping, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
“I see an exciting future,” Tomaszewska says, “Where anyone can experience art and participate in the art economy. A future in which we can hold the art world in our hands.”
ArtRow’s launch marks a significant milestone in the industry, paving the way for increased accessibility and trust in the art market. For more information about ArtRow, visit www.artrow.com.
About ArtRow
ArtRow is a digital marketplace disrupting the global art market by empowering individuals to participate in independent art transactions. The company was founded in 2022 to address the demand for alternative sale mechanisms when physical galleries and events came to a standstill. With the help of its team of art historians and industry experts, ArtRow provides market intelligence and art historical expertise to help users make informed decisions and investments. By eliminating the barriers of traditional art sales, ArtRow is democratizing the process of buying and selling fine art through a transparent marketplace. Individuals can confidently navigate the art world and find pieces that inspire them. For more information about ArtRow, visit www.artrow.com.
