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Ocula co-founders Simon Fisher (left) and Christopher Taylor |
Buying art online through a 3-D virtual gallery is now
possible after the recent launch of Ocula, a virtual market
for modern and contemporary visual art.
Launched in New Zealand and Australia, co-founders
Christopher Taylor and Simon Fisher believe Ocula will
stimulate the Australian and New Zealand art market by
allowing art enthusiasts to research, buy and sell art around
the clock from any location.
Ocula launched with more than 1000 art works of all mediums
listed for sale through its network of invited commercial
galleries from both sides of the Tasman.
Included in the offering is a work by Frances Hodgkins which
is valued at between $350,000 and $450,000.
Mr Taylor said Ocula was an ideal entry point to the art
market that brought together the best of the art world in one
accessible platform.
"We're offering a curated art portal where time-poor
collectors can browse through stockrooms and exhibitions of
the most influential galleries in the region at any time of
day and without leaving their home or office."
Auckland-based digital innovators exhibbit.com developed
world-leading technology for the site, he said.
Ocula's virtual galleries were based on actual renditions of
existing gallery premises, allowing users to experience the
size and scale of art works within their original context.
In addition, the portal would host online auctions of
important works and facilitate sales by private treaty.
Online auctions launched with selected important works by New
Zealand artists with auctions of major Australia works
expected to go live in the second half of the year.
All works offered for sale on the site, either for auction or
private treaty, would also undergo a strict quality approval
process, Mr Fisher said.
Ocula provided up-to-date art market data, including
comparable sales results, through a live feed to news and
reviews of artists and exhibitions.
Users could create a personal profile allowing them to
receive alerts when favourite artists were listed for sale,
save search preferences and view forthcoming exhibitions.
Founding galleries:
Anna Schwartz, Darren Knight, Hopkinson Cundy, Jensen,
Jonathan Smart, Michael Lett, Murray Whiteroom, Niagara
Galleries, Roslyn Oxley9, Starkwhite, Sue Crockford Gallery,
Sullivan+Strumpf Fine Art, Sutton Gallery, Tolarno Galleries,
Two Rooms.
Online: www.ocula.com
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