20 X 200

Images The art world is changing.  Less galleries and plenty of artists using the same model that has been used for lack of a better word, forever.  Over the last couple of years there has been lots of conversation about some type of model online and what exactly would it look like.  Will collectors buy online?  After all, shouldn't everybody be able to collect art? 

Art prices can range from $20 – $20,000 -$2 million.  Like anything, developing your own personal eye happens over time.  As a collector, I am not so sure I'd buy an expensive original piece online but I love the concept of buying exclusive pieces that are created for a specific site by a an artist I know or even an artist that I can learn about that my eye is drawn to. 

I had lunch with Jen Bekman today who has truly been a trail blazer in this arena.  She opened a gallery after leaving the tech world.  She saw how much time and energy her friend, an artist, put into a show and saw little results.  She figured she could change that and so she did as she always has, she rolled up her sleeves and decided to open a gallery.  But with her tech knowledge and saavy business sense, she began 20 X 200

Not only has Jen created a growing business she has created a community of artists and collectors.  If you haven't been on her site, check it out.  Guarantee you are going to be hearing more and more about 20 X 200.

 

 

 

Comments (Archived):

  1. Germainsteven

    Interesting. Is it “art” or is it “decoration” (or is that a distinction without any real meaning?

    1. Gotham Gal

      art can be used for decoration but i believe art is something created fromsome person that influences the senses of another. the work on jen’s siteis art which can be used for whatever you choose to do with it. i love artbeing in my home and walking by each piece everyday and enjoying the beautyof it and how it makes me feel.

      1. Jen Bekman

        Art can be used for decoration, but work that’s solely decorative doesn’t have much truck with me, nor with our collectors. We work with artists who are pursuing a serious practice, and strive to provide them with substantive support. Lots of the prints that we sell bring beauty and pleasure into the homes of our collectors, but there’s always more to it than that; I take great pleasure in describing how and why every time we introduce a new edition.As I’ve said elsewhere, one of the core value of the business is that we leverage our successes to support risk-taking. Challenging our collectors is as important to us as engaging them to begin with — the challenges, the experiences they have where they really dislike something or have some other strong reaction — those moments are critical to evolving their taste. Creating frequent opportunities for those moments is always considered in our curatorial decision-making. For example, today’s edition by Roger Ballen isn’t the easiest work to engage with, but as I wrote in the newsletter, there are rich rewards for doing so.Also: thank you for the kind words Joanne! I’m always really pleased when someone who’s a long-time collector gets excited about what we’re doing!

        1. Gotham Gal

          thanks for the comments Jen

          1. Rick

            Another great 195 Chrystie Street business!

  2. Tracey Jackson

    Very interesting idea ~ especially in these times.

    1. Gotham Gal

      You would love [email protected]@thegothamgalgothamgal.comgothamgalry.com

  3. Alisondinerstein

    I have been getting photographs from 20×200 for a couple of years and I love each and every one that I have purchased!

  4. atryon

    Thanks for the post Joanne. I’m a huge fan of what Jen has done with 20×200, especially how it has promoted the mindset that art is for everyone. I truly agree with that theory and am excited to be working on it myself these days with Artsicle (www.artsicle.com). I think we’ll see more businesses like Jen’s, and mine, in the coming years as the internet continues to improve access to all sorts of products we once said could “never” be bought online.

  5. Kateandoli

    Hi! I recently found your blog and i love it! i’ll be checking back often! just a heads up: i’m having a quick giveaway on my blog for tickets to Pulse NYC and a gift bag from 20×200 if you’re interested: http://www.kateandoli.com/2…. thanks and keep up the awesome work! 🙂 – katie

    1. Gotham Gal

      thanks kate. will you at pulse?

      1. Kateandoli

        i’ll be at the LA one in September, but I can’t make it to NYC this weekend. 🙁

        1. Gotham Gal

          alas.

  6. jaklin badr

    I have been getting photographs from 20×200 for a couple of years and I love each and every one that I have purchased! here

    1. Gotham Gal

      that’s great to hear.