I read an interesting article in a recent copy of British Journal of Photography (p88, Feb 2012 vol:159 issue 7797). Entitled “Digital Collectors” it looks at a new way of buying art – in digital form only. A very interesting concept that “brainchild” Robert Norton, ex CEO of Saatchi Online, thinks will work . The idea is that you buy an “original” piece from artist like Damien Hirst (£500) to lesser know artists whose prices start from a fiver from Sedition.

I was unsure of this whole business model to be honest but on viewing the images available so far I am leaning toward become not only a fan, but a buyer too. I know a couple of friends who like a but of art but have disposable income and because of this they are really hard to buy for for birthdays. Voila, a Wim Wenders’ limited edition would be a sure hit with the certificate of authenticity etc. Logging in to the site just to view the images is mandatory and there you have a social media network thing going on. You can talk art and even log in via your Facebook details (this is where you can be a snob to your friends about your art collection).

The digital aspect is very much limited to data and there is strictly no printing. I have not read the fine print but it is also limited to certain devices. For example, you cannot save it to a DVD to play in your TV; your TV has to be connected to the internet. This I find a bit weird as I envisaged having a basic TV screen on the wall for the sole purpose of displaying the art works, maybe with a USB/flash card input as the data source. This could be viable as having “originals” showing instead of a framed piece. I am sure specifics will change in time. I think, for now anyway, that it shows potential for showing the way forward for the digital art market.

To view S[editions] click here.