'As the Art World Goes Online, a Generation Gap Opens' diff viewer (9/10)

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As the Art World Goes Online, a Generation Gap Opens	As the Art World Goes Online, a Generation Gap Opens
2020-06-24 01:00:33 UTC	2020-06-24 17:22:47 UTC (about 16 hours later)
LONDON — What with everything else that’s going on, international art collectors might seem like the last people we should worry about right now.	LONDON — What with everything else that’s going on, international art collectors might seem like the last people we should worry about right now.
Yet this small group of wealthy individuals is the customer base that supports a $60 billion global industry, with an estimated 310,000 businesses employing about three million people, according to a report published this year by Art Basel and UBS. And that industry, like so many others, is hurting.	Yet this small group of wealthy individuals is the customer base that supports a $60 billion global industry, with an estimated 310,000 businesses employing about three million people, according to a report published this year by Art Basel and UBS. And that industry, like so many others, is hurting.
The coronavirus pandemic caused a near total shutdown of the art world as we know it in April and May. Auctions and art fairs were either postponed or converted into online-only events. Sales plummeted. Commercial galleries tried to do some business through so-called virtual viewing rooms, but revenue has declined sharply: Many are cutting jobs and facing closure.	The coronavirus pandemic caused a near total shutdown of the art world as we know it in April and May. Auctions and art fairs were either postponed or converted into online-only events. Sales plummeted. Commercial galleries tried to do some business through so-called virtual viewing rooms, but revenue has declined sharply: Many are cutting jobs and facing closure.
Unlike the music industry and other retail sectors, the centuries-old art market has been slow to adapt to the digital era. The uniqueness of original works has made collectors nervous of buying from websites sight unseen, especially at higher price levels. But now the industry is trying to persuade collectors to spend thousands — even millions — online.	Unlike the music industry and other retail sectors, the centuries-old art market has been slow to adapt to the digital era. The uniqueness of original works has made collectors nervous of buying from websites sight unseen, especially at higher price levels. But now the industry is trying to persuade collectors to spend thousands — even millions — online.
Younger, digitally minded collectors are predictably more receptive to online purchases, albeit at relatively low price levels. By contrast, more experienced collectors, conscious of possible condition and provenance issues, remain wary — and it is their spending that makes the art world go around.	Younger, digitally minded collectors are predictably more receptive to online purchases, albeit at relatively low price levels. By contrast, more experienced collectors, conscious of possible condition and provenance issues, remain wary — and it is their spending that makes the art world go around.
Like sport, tourism and hospitality, the international art trade relies heavily on clients’ ability to travel and congregate. The Art Basel and UBS report estimated that collectors with at least $1 million in liquid assets attended last year on average seven art fairs and about the same number of dealer exhibitions. What had become a frequent-flying lifestyle has been grounded, along with the billions of dollars of spending that went with it.	Like sport, tourism and hospitality, the international art trade relies heavily on clients’ ability to travel and congregate. The Art Basel and UBS report estimated that collectors with at least $1 million in liquid assets attended last year on average seven art fairs and about the same number of dealer exhibitions. What had become a frequent-flying lifestyle has been grounded, along with the billions of dollars of spending that went with it.
Some galleries have reopened; live auctions have recommenced in cities including Berlin, Paris and Hong Kong; and fair organizers have been hoping that their live events can resume in the fall. But organizers of Art Basel, the industry’s flagship fair, announced on Saturday that they had canceled the 2020 edition, having already moved it to September from June. An online version will take place this month.	Some galleries have reopened; live auctions have recommenced in cities including Berlin, Paris and Hong Kong; and fair organizers have been hoping that their live events can resume in the fall. But organizers of Art Basel, the industry’s flagship fair, announced on Saturday that they had canceled the 2020 edition, having already moved it to September from June. An online version will take place this month.
With so many virus-related restrictions still in place, digital approximations of the events that keep the industry moving are the only way to stay in business. But online-only transactions represented just 9 percent of the global market’s estimated $64.1 billion sales last year, according to Art Basel and UBS.	With so many virus-related restrictions still in place, digital approximations of the events that keep the industry moving are the only way to stay in business. But online-only transactions represented just 9 percent of the global market’s estimated $64.1 billion sales last year, according to Art Basel and UBS.
“The art trade will be fully online for the foreseeable future,” said Saloni Doshi, a 40-year-old collector based in Mumbai. “And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”	“The art trade will be fully online for the foreseeable future,” said Saloni Doshi, a 40-year-old collector based in Mumbai. “And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.”
“It is cost effective, visually efficient, less time consuming and can be used democratically,” Ms. Doshi added, referring to the way online platforms remove what can be an intimidating aura of exclusivity. “It’s a matter of time before the older collectors get used to it.”	“It is cost effective, visually efficient, less time consuming and can be used democratically,” Ms. Doshi added, referring to the way online platforms remove what can be an intimidating aura of exclusivity. “It’s a matter of time before the older collectors get used to it.”
Ms. Doshi said that she had bought works online during the lockdown by South Asian contemporary artists in the $10,000 to $35,000 range.	Ms. Doshi said that she had bought works online during the lockdown by South Asian contemporary artists in the $10,000 to $35,000 range.
The generation gap in collectors’ buying habits may take some time to close. The 2019 Hiscox Online Art Trade Report found that 29 percent of surveyed collectors younger than 35 said they preferred the online buying experience, just 1 percent less than buying in a physical space. By contrast, 10 percent of those older than 60 said they preferred buying art online.	The generation gap in collectors’ buying habits may take some time to close. The 2019 Hiscox Online Art Trade Report found that 29 percent of surveyed collectors younger than 35 said they preferred the online buying experience, just 1 percent less than buying in a physical space. By contrast, 10 percent of those older than 60 said they preferred buying art online.
“The resistance from older collectors is still there,” said Anders Petterson, founder of the London-based analytics company ArtTactic, which prepared the survey. (The 2020 edition is set to be published this month.)	“The resistance from older collectors is still there,” said Anders Petterson, founder of the London-based analytics company ArtTactic, which prepared the survey. (The 2020 edition is set to be published this month.)
“When there is no physical art world, how do you substitute that experience?” he added. “Younger people are a lot quicker to adapt.”	“When there is no physical art world, how do you substitute that experience?” he added. “Younger people are a lot quicker to adapt.”
Andre Gordts, 69, a contemporary art collector based in Brussels, is among those who value up-close connoisseurship.	Andre Gordts, 69, a contemporary art collector based in Brussels, is among those who value up-close connoisseurship.
“Online initiatives are not going to replace live fairs, auctions and exhibitions,” Mr. Gordts said. “They are OK for information, but nothing more.”	“Online initiatives are not going to replace live fairs, auctions and exhibitions,” Mr. Gordts said. “They are OK for information, but nothing more.”
“I have not bought work online,” he added. “One needs physical contact with an artwork to grasp it. Removing the analog element will kill collecting.”	“I have not bought work online,” he added. “One needs physical contact with an artwork to grasp it. Removing the analog element will kill collecting.”
Howard Rachofsky, 76, who owns a museum-quality collection of postwar and contemporary art in Dallas, said he was not sure he would ever want to visit an international art fair again. “The most active and voracious collectors that I know are aged between their 50s and 80s,” he said. “That’s the demographic that’s most vulnerable in the current health crisis.”	Howard Rachofsky, 76, who owns a museum-quality collection of postwar and contemporary art in Dallas, said he was not sure he would ever want to visit an international art fair again. “The most active and voracious collectors that I know are aged between their 50s and 80s,” he said. “That’s the demographic that’s most vulnerable in the current health crisis.”
“I will not go to a mass preview. I don’t want to run the risk of getting sick,” Mr. Rachofsky said.	“I will not go to a mass preview. I don’t want to run the risk of getting sick,” Mr. Rachofsky said.
But even still, he has not bought works online during the lockdown. “I’m more likely to go to a gallery and have a one-to-one social interaction,” he said. “It’s a little old fashioned, like it was years ago.”	But even still, he has not bought works online during the lockdown. “I’m more likely to go to a gallery and have a one-to-one social interaction,” he said. “It’s a little old fashioned, like it was years ago.”
~~Updated June ~~22,~~ 2020~~	Updated June 24, 2020
	Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.	A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.	The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.	The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.	So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.	Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.	A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.	The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.	Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)	If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.	If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
Tiqui Atencio, a Venezuelan collector based in Monaco who began buying art in the 1980s, is another seasoned participant who has not bought art from digital platforms. She said she appreciated them as an information source. “I told myself I’m never going to buy anything online, but I’m getting used to it,” she said. “I’m happy to discover emerging artists. I’m looking and thinking about it.”	Tiqui Atencio, a Venezuelan collector based in Monaco who began buying art in the 1980s, is another seasoned participant who has not bought art from digital platforms. She said she appreciated them as an information source. “I told myself I’m never going to buy anything online, but I’m getting used to it,” she said. “I’m happy to discover emerging artists. I’m looking and thinking about it.”
“I’m not going to buy a million-dollar painting” in an online viewing room, said Ms. Atencio, who in 2013 sold a Jean-Michel Basquiat at Christie’s for $48.8 million She added that she would not sell a painting online, either. “If I had an artwork worth millions and millions of dollars, I would sit on it.”	“I’m not going to buy a million-dollar painting” in an online viewing room, said Ms. Atencio, who in 2013 sold a Jean-Michel Basquiat at Christie’s for $48.8 million She added that she would not sell a painting online, either. “If I had an artwork worth millions and millions of dollars, I would sit on it.”
Collectors’ reluctance to offer exceptional works online, much less buy them, has resulted in a dramatic reduction in high-value art sales during the pandemic. In April, Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips’s sale calendars consisted solely of online auctions for the first time. The aggregate revenue of $44 million was 92 percent lower than the equivalent sales last April, according to data provided by Pi-Ex, an art analytics company based in London.	Collectors’ reluctance to offer exceptional works online, much less buy them, has resulted in a dramatic reduction in high-value art sales during the pandemic. In April, Sotheby’s, Christie’s and Phillips’s sale calendars consisted solely of online auctions for the first time. The aggregate revenue of $44 million was 92 percent lower than the equivalent sales last April, according to data provided by Pi-Ex, an art analytics company based in London.
But with online channels currently the only way for collectors to buy, higher prices are being achieved, though the threshold is far below that of live auctions and fairs. On June 2, Sotheby’s sold a landscape by the 19th-century Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky for $2.8 million, a record for a painting at an online-only auction. But that’s a long way from $48.8 million.	But with online channels currently the only way for collectors to buy, higher prices are being achieved, though the threshold is far below that of live auctions and fairs. On June 2, Sotheby’s sold a landscape by the 19th-century Russian artist Ivan Aivazovsky for $2.8 million, a record for a painting at an online-only auction. But that’s a long way from $48.8 million.