Online shopping – once a clunky, uncommon practice – is now something that’s become incredibly mainstream. However, there are some markets that, until recently, have been largely confined to bricks and mortar. But during the pandemic, Dr. Lara Tomaszewska saw an opportunity to help change that.
“The idea for an online art marketplace really came into view for me during the pandemic, when traditional galleries and art shows weren’t open to the public in the same way they were before,” explains Lara, describing her business, ArtRow.
Lara and her team launched ArtRow – an online art marketplace – nearly a year ago, in October of 2023. “It’s a marketplace for everyday sellers. People can have pieces listed online, maintain possession in the meantime, and they don’t enter into any type of consignment contract with us. We’re trying to break the mold in terms of traditional art sales and create a new type of space where buyers and sellers can be confident making art investment decisions, regardless of their prior experience,” she added.
Unlike other open platforms, ArtRow is a professionally managed marketplace. ArtRow’s network of professionals research and vet each piece listed and manage everything from research on the artist, to valuations, and ultimately the listing and marketing of a piece. “ArtRow is a first mover in this space; we’re considered a disruptor in the traditional business of fine art. It’s really quite an exciting place to be,” says Lara.
She believes the success of the business in its first year is due to several factors, including market shifts during the pandemic.
“Galleries are very important, and they are the backbone of the conventional art market but they’re also facing difficulties and shifts in the art market. Not only is it increasingly expensive to operate brick and mortar locations, more and more purchases, regardless of the good or service in question, are happening online,” explains Lara.
Rapid shifts in technology and the demographic shift of more and more young buyers coming into the market are also having impacts on the traditional art landscape, she adds.
“Young buyers especially, are savvy in online high value and luxury resale, whether that’s art, handbags, or clothing. ArtRow is a way to pivot within a traditional industry and reach everyone – Gen Z and Gen X buyers who are growing their collections and older sellers who are looking to downsize their collections. It works for everyone.”
Lara is not only the intrepid mind behind ArtRow, she also holds a PhD in Art History from the University of British Columbia and has lived and worked within the art realms of Toronto, Paris, Vancouver and London. Her global art network sees her working closely with private collectors, institutions, researchers and curators, gallerists, and auction houses and she has sold art from the likes of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Andy Warhol, and Emily Carr, to name just a few.
During her interview with Tweed Magazine, Lara was kind enough to share some advice on how to best start and maintain an art collection for your home.
Like it or Not
“Look at as much art as possible – go online, go to galleries, go to auctions. Find out what excites you or speaks to you – usually you’ll find it will align with something – perhaps a cause or a passion of yours. It could be a particular medium you enjoy, or a specific theme, or an artist, or a topic. Once you find out what speaks to you, write a list. And with that list, you can start to source art.”
Collect With a Purpose
“Sourcing art is very intentional. Once you have the list of themes, topics, ideas or artists, it’s time to decide the purpose of your collection. Will the collection ultimately be passed down or donated to an institution, for example? Do you want it to be focused and streamlined? Or diversified to include different mediums and periods, such as historical and contemporary? These are all things to consider.”
At the Source
“When it’s time to source, an art advisor can be incredibly helpful. Ideally, we have a large network to draw from, we are independent and neutral, and we will be able to bring you choices from various sources. We will also be able to support you through the purchasing process, including transaction negotiation, shipping, and framing considerations.”
Maintenance is Key
“Once you’ve started your collection, make sure you’re keeping it up to date in terms of valuation, insurance and maintenance. We know that about 60 per cent of collectors are concerned about art holding its value – so it’s an important aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked. Here again, the role of an art advisor can be helpful. We can continue to bring you up to date information on your collection’s value and help you to properly care and maintain your collection.”
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