by Richard Gleaves








International art blog ArtAsAuthority has just released a new device and web service for helping artists track their artwork. Called IntelligentArt, the device is embedded into the artwork itself, and keeps tabs on the work's temperature, location, and other vital signs — including who's looking at the work, what they're saying about it, or whether it's being stored in a closet.

AAA is currently running a one-year trial with 500 visual artists, tracking the status of their paintings, sculptures — and even performances.

We spoke with AAA innovation czar Kevin Freitas about IntelligentArt, and how AAA is tapping into the emerging trend called The Internet of Things. This is where everyday objects become connected to the Internet through sensors and wireless data links. In the case of AAA's IntelligentArt, it is powered by multiple sensors including light, motion, temperature, and remote videocam.

AAA's Freitas described the IntelligentArt device as a "quad-band world phone with data capabilities." Along with the device, IntelligentArt includes a web application which enables artists to actively track the status of their oeuvre from the convenience of their personal computer. Users can set up triggers, alerts, and notices — for example using GPS sensors to alert them when one of their works changes locations.

IntelligentArt users pay a single monthly fee of $15 for the browser-based web service and an unlimited number of tracking devices. Freitas noted that AAA worked with the American Association of Museums to get permission to use the product in their museums — the only such device to have permission from the AAM, he told us. AAA assembles the components for IntelligentArt from a collection of manufacturing partners, using AAA's design specifications.


Real-Time Decisions Based on Sensor Data

Freitas said IntelligentArt will enable artists to make real-time decisions much more easily. For example, if the webcam sensor data indicates that a collector (or one of their associates) is disparaging an artwork, the product enables users to transmit live audio responses through the device's embedded speaker system. Alternatively, users have the option of triggering the artwork's remote self-destruct mechanism.

The initial trial period targets museum-grade artists (for example, Roman DeSalvo), where things like security and knowing the vital signs of an artwork are very important. Also, Freitas highlighted that such artists can collaborate with their dealers on monitoring the sensor data, to ensure proper siting and maintenance of important work.

The trial with professional artists is designed to help them make the "last 20%" of the art lifecycle more efficient. After about a year of this trial, AAA will then launch the product globally as a generally available platform. Freitas expects it will be used by any artist wrestling with personal vision, investment management, control issues, and a buyer's market for art.

Freitas told us that he expects this type of sensor product to "mainstream over time as collectors become used to long-term interaction with artists through their artwork."