The art advisory profession has long been plagued by a lack of standards and barriers to entry. With no certification or definitive guidelines, anyone can call themselves an art adviser, which has led to a wide range of practices and ethical concerns. However, Alex Glauber, an experienced art adviser, curator, and educator based in New York, believes that there is a right way to navigate this profession and add value to the art collecting process.
Glauber, the founder of AWG Art Advisory and recently appointed president of the Association of Professional Art Advisors (APAA), emphasizes the importance of wisdom gained through experience and the need for ethical practices in the field. He acknowledges that art advisers play a vital role in the art market ecosystem, serving as conduits between collectors and the broader art community.
One of the primary challenges in the art advisory profession is the ambiguity surrounding its definition and purpose. Glauber believes that art advisers should prioritize their clients’ best interests and provide transparency and objectivity throughout the collecting process. By utilizing their art historical and market knowledge, art advisers can educate their clients and help them make confident transactions.
The APAA, founded in 1980, is the only organization that sets standards for art advisory practices. Its members commit to a code of ethics that emphasizes the importance of connoisseurship, scholarship, and ethical conduct. Glauber sought advice from leading advisers early in his career and found that many of them were APAA members. He now holds the position of president and aims to strengthen the organization’s role in promoting best practices and increasing public awareness of reputable art advisers.
The role of art advisers is to add value to the collecting process without overshadowing the artist, gallerist, or collector. Glauber explains that art advisers should align their mission with their clients and establish trust through transparency. They should help clients navigate the complex art market, identify meaningful artworks, and develop collections that reflect the client’s tastes and values.
However, not all art advisers adhere to ethical practices. Some prioritize their own interests and engage in opaque transactions. Glauber highlights historical examples, such as Bernard Berenson’s questionable activities as an adviser to Isabella Stewart Gardner. He also references recent cases, like the ongoing dispute between Yves Bouvier and Dmitry Rybolovlev, which exposed exploitative practices by intermediaries in the art market.
As the new president of the APAA, Glauber aims to foster dialogue among art advisers and promote best practices that prioritize clients’ interests. While recognizing the need for different approaches in the field, he believes that greater clarity and transparency will strengthen the profession and build trust within the art community.
In conclusion, art advisers should strive to add value to the collecting process by providing expertise, transparency, and ethical guidance. The APAA, under the leadership of Alex Glauber, aims to promote standards of connoisseurship, scholarship, and ethical conduct among its members, ensuring that art advisers play a positive and meaningful role in the art market.