Art online

Check out this virtual exhibition supporting artists through lockdown
By Jake Hall | Art | 30 March 2020
Above:

Courtesy of DROOL

When Alex Liepman first launched DROOL back in 2018, his aim was to democratise the art world and offer vital resources to talented, emerging artists looking to sell their work. Now, in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, he’s stepped up to launch Solitude, a virtual, browser-based exhibition set to launch this Friday.

Alongside Vojtěch Kovařík’s abstract paintings of distorted, Herculean figures to David Heo’s colourful, collaged rendition of an “oriental” vase, the exhibition will feature work from artists including Marey Krap, Valerie Savchits and Kris Andrew Small. Their pieces – which will be displayed in a virtual recreation of an IRL gallery space – will also be available to buy, with prices beginning at just £50. DROOL will take zero percent commission, with the intention of supporting freelance creatives through a period of unprecedented instability.

GALLERY

From an art lover’s perspective, this is just one of many initiatives being launched to keep the industry afloat during lockdown. Some have staged virtual shows, whereas others have digitised their archives for viewers to see. Others are extending their online presence, like David Zwirner Galleries, which recently announced it would extend its existing digital ‘viewing rooms’ with a series of virtual ‘Platform’ exhibitions, designed to spotlight talent around the world.

It’s not just about supporting artists, either; as Liepman explains, it’s also about preserving the exhibition experience. “As the virus spreads around the world, we want to give people the freedom to engage with the artworks as they would in a physical space, under their terms and without restrictions.”

Solitude launches online this Friday, April 3rd.

Marey Krap, The Tourists

TAGGED WITH


Read Next