Silverlens, Richard Koh Fine Art and Sullivan+Strumpf market artworks in collaborative ways
By A&M

Key Points

Galleries are aligning themselves first and foremost with the artists they represent.

The online realm presents new opportunities for galleries to market and sell artworks to existing and new clients, but there is a limit to what it can achieve.

Collaborations have traditionally taken place among galleries, and there is impetus to expand on what they could entail.

Following yesterday’s panel on public art institutions, we conclude Day 2 of PIVOT with a lively discussion on how galleries can promote and sell artworks in the current pandemic. Moderated by Jefferson Jong, Director of Art Agenda, S.E.A., the conversation included views from Isa Lorenzo, Founder and Director of Silverlens, Richard Koh, Founder and Director of Richard Koh Fine Art, and Ursula Sullivan, Co-Director of Sullivan+Strumpf.

Here are our three takeaways from the panel:

Galleries are aligning themselves first and foremost with the artists they represent. Ursula reflected on how galleries have to do more than just manage sale transactions, and not hold back on what they can offer to artists. Taking advantage of the digital realm, Richard Koh Fine Art is increasing the visibility of artists through online videos. Similarly, Isa is privileging the artists’ point of view in Silverlens’ online exhibition "Anticipating the Day".

The online realm presents new opportunities for galleries to market and sell artworks to existing and new clients, but there is a limit to what it can achieve. Ursula stated that it creates a “new headspace” to encounter art. Echoing this statement, Isa reflected on its low barriers to entry for first-time buyers, as compared to the potentially intimidating atmosphere of the white cube. Richard noted that there is still intrinsic value in seeing and purchasing artworks in person.

Collaborations have traditionally taken place among galleries, and there is impetus to expand on what they could entail. In particular, Richard and Isa would both like to see the development of more Southeast Asian-centric narratives to celebrate the diverse histories within the region, and to see if there could be sustainable new ways of working together in the Southeast Asian art world.

Watch the full recording of PIVOT Day 2 here:

We are also pleased to share our takeaways from Day 1 on how public art institutions are engaging with their audiences, Day 3 on how artists are approaching their practices, Day 4 on how the art world will negotiate borders and be reformed, and Day 5 on how art collecting agendas will evolve.

PIVOT runs from 15 to 19 June 2020, 5–6 pm daily (GMT+8) on Zoom. The panel is free for all to attend with registration. Click here to find the full programme details and to secure your spot for the remaining conference.