Some of the best websites out there are the ones that provide a seamless, legible overview and archive of works by artists and designers. It’s a step above a plain Google image search, but not as painstaking or as limited as the archives of a modern art museum. The need for these accessible compendium-type sites is even more essential for architecture and design, given its range of scales and media. Last week I learned of one such website that does a commendable job with the work of Frank Gehry. It’s called Artsy. While its focus is in fine art, there is an effort to include designers and architects who have crossed the borderline between buildings and objects, between architecture and sculpture, between floor plans and sketches. It is a great networking site for collectors, galleries, and curious types. They are also working on an ‘art genome,’ which attempts to sort all fine art with specific characteristics. Each work has its own identity based on its unique combination. Users can also follow the site like other social media. For anyone writing about art online, Artsy is a neat source for images.
In addition to a gallery of images, there are also in-house editorials to provide context, current shows where one can go out and see their work, and short bios. The site is also building pages on Henri Labrouste, Louis Sullivan, Zaha Hadid, and others. Check it out.
Thanks to Dmitry for reaching out.
