Art Ownership 2.0: The Financial Revolution Behind Fractionalized Masterpieces

September 21, 2023 Razvan Chiorean

Recent data shows tech-savvy younger generations are increasingly investing in art. Some platforms, using blockchain technology, have secured approval from the FCA in the UK and the SEC in the US, enhancing investor trust.

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In the fascinating art landscape we've had the privilege to explore an interesting interplay between transformation and tradition, where the avant-garde dances alongside the age-old canvas, and innovation breathes fresh vitality into the very fabric of artistic expression. We've always had one eye on the past and another on the horizon, tracing the footsteps of the titans who have shaped our artistic journey.

Consider, if you will, a world where Larry Gagosian, a contemporary art luminary, draws inspiration from the enigmatic Maestro of the Art Revolution, Joseph Duveen. Together, they navigate uncharted waters, steering the artistic vessel toward unimagined horizons. Our story unfurled in the heart of London in 1744, when Sotheby's unveiled its grandeur to the world, and through the centuries, its essence has remained untouched, a testament to the enduring power of art.

Fast forward the last decade, and we saw art funds rise to prominence. Just before the pandemic altered our reality, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and non-fungible tokens (NFTs) promised to redefine the art market. Now, the latest wave sweeping across our landscape is fractionalization, a trend that allows investors to own a piece of multimillion-dollar masterpieces, rather than the entire canvas. In this new wave, platforms like Mintus, Freeport, Ikon Exchange, Artsplit, Showpiece, and notably, Masterworks, founded by Scott Lynn in 2007, have entered the fray.

Today's pioneers believe that tech-savvy younger generations are more inclined to invest in art. Some have earned accreditation from financial regulators like the UK's FCA and the SEC in the US to bolster investor trust. For instance, Mintus founder Tamer Ozmen, a former Microsoft executive, envisions an art market worth $1.7 trillion, despite only $65 billion trading annually at auctions and galleries.

Mintus aims to unlock this potential. Meanwhile, Yassin Benjelloun-Youimi, a former UBS investment banker and co-founder of Artex, seeks to democratize art access through platforms like Artex. Artex operates like an exchange, allowing high-value art owners to list their masterpieces and offer shares to a wider audience. Recently, they featured Francis Bacon's triptych, Three Studies for a Portrait of George Dyer, valued at $55 million and divided into 550,000 shares, each initially priced at $100. Artex charges a three percent listing fee and a 0.35 percent fee per trade.

However, Artex faces challenges of rarity and liquidity. In 2022, only 24 artworks surpassed the $50 million mark at auctions, making such valuable art scarce. To secure these works, Artex promotes the availability of shares and plans to lend artworks to prestigious museums to maintain liquidity, despite potential ethical concerns.

In contrast, Mintus uses blockchain technology for its trading platform, focusing on multimillion-dollar artworks. Investors, including prominent figures like former Sotheby's CEO Tad Smith, buy shares in these creations. Mintus generates revenue through various fees, including a 14% markup, a 20% profit fee, and a 1% exit fee. Investors retain shares until Mintus decides to sell, with a secondary online board offering early exits if buyers are available.

These innovations have received mixed responses within the art market. For example, Masterworks claims to have acquired $1 billion worth of art from auction houses, dealers, and collectors in the past four years.

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Fractionalization, Tokenization, and Blockchain

Fractionalization allows high-value assets, such as real estate, art, or collectibles, to be divided into smaller, more affordable units. This democratizes investment, enabling individuals to own a fraction of an asset they might not otherwise afford.

Tokenization enhances this process by converting these fractional units into digital tokens. Each token represents a share of ownership in the underlying asset. These tokens can be easily transferred, traded, or sold, providing liquidity to traditionally illiquid markets.

Blockchain technology underpins tokenization, offering a decentralized and secure ledger that records every transaction. The blockchain ensures that ownership records are transparent, immutable, and easily verifiable. This trustless system reduces the need for intermediaries, lowering costs and increasing efficiency.

For example, an expensive piece of artwork can be fractionalized and tokenized, allowing multiple investors to own a share of the piece. These tokens can then be traded on a blockchain-based platform, giving investors the flexibility to buy or sell their shares as desired. The blockchain ensures that each transaction is secure and transparent, providing confidence in the authenticity and ownership of the tokens.

By integrating fractionalization, tokenization, and blockchain, we create a robust framework that opens up new avenues for investment, enhances liquidity, and provides a secure method of asset management. This convergence is revolutionizing traditional investment paradigms and paving the way for more inclusive financial markets.

About the Author

Razvan Chiorean is the published author of Art Buzz News, online content curator and contemporary art documentarist, committed to advancing diversity and accessibility in the art community. With a keen focus on innovation and a steadfast commitment to inclusivity, Razvan strives to unite cultures, serving as a bridge that seamlessly integrates art and innovation, all within the universal language of creativity.

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