For artists, the start of the COVID-19 pandemic presented twin problems: how to show work, and how to sell it. The former was, to a degree, out of their hands. Galleries have been sorting out the conundrum through online exhibitions — juried and not — along with expanding their presence on social media and their own websites. As restrictions have eased, galleries have worked out safety restrictions and socially distanced exhibits. But the selling problem still remains, and the problem is persisting, even as the world opens up more and more. Paul Pedulla is a painter based in Massachusetts. His primary medium is acrylic on canvas, and his work has been sold internationally. Pedulla’s paintings often depict coastal settings in a minimalist style; ever-present in the majority of his works is a transfixing blue, assigned to sea and sky, with a depth so imposing that one feels able to … [Read more...] about GOING FORWARD: PEDULLA AND DEVRIES ADAPT TO CHANGING ART MARKET

The landscape of the art market has clearly changed over the past three months. Economic challenges pervade the art market as other sectors equally feel the negative effects of shutdowns due to the coronavirus, but art markets, museums and artists uniquely suffer due to restrictions placed upon them by patrons and institutions. They, in turn, have explored possible approaches to increase their funding, some successfully and some not. The prohibition of large gatherings has ended art fairs, biennales and triennials for the time being, and may limit them in the future. Even if the sponsors choose to go on with the extravaganzas, they recognize that potential visitors, gallery directors and curators will be lax to get on a plane to attend. Art Basel, the granddaddy of art fairs has responded to the potential threat as best they can. They refunded 75 percent of the fees of galleries and … [Read more...] about THE BUSINESS OF ART: MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES FACE INTENSE CHALLENGES AND CHANGES