But it’s worth remembering that war, pestilence and economic collapse has been a barrier to the exchange of goods and ideas since the dawn of history, and that the generations who went before us were never defeated by any of these calamities.
Trade will always find a way.
In the modern context this will mean a migration online and the use of internet marketplaces as face-to-face exchange becomes more difficult.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2020, one of the world’s leading contemporary art fairs, was cancelled as a face-to-face event this year and instead ran online with a virtual viewing platform accessible on the internet.
Dealers seemed to be reporting a decent stream of sales.
In this issue of ATG you can read about an exhibition of St Ives Modernism where all the works are available to view online. And as one dealer recently commented: “Selling face-to-face opportunities will become rare or disappear. I’ve got four shops online. This crisis shows dealers can never have too many.”
Whatever ways our readers find to continue buying and selling, we wish all of you well.
