Recent challenges to contemporary art databases. Digitisation Practices and Archive Development in Artist Estates

Over the last decade, databases have appeared as the only solution for artist estates and collections seeking to categorise and disseminate their artworks and thereby enhance their position and reputation. Grounded in empirical work and scholarly research, this paper examines the archive digitisation practices at three high-ranking art organisations – Douglas Gordon’s studio, the Sigmar Polke Estate and the Julia Stoschek Collection – to show how the creation of databases has become central in conforming to best practices and providing valuable information to the art market. In revealing the mindset, requirements and conditions of such digitisation projects, this text offers a reflection on recent transformations, arguing that well-organised digital archives are of major importance for commercial purposes and for the study of contemporary art history. This study further suggests that, since the art world continues to lag behind other areas of study in terms of the standards that are commonly applied in digital archives, smaller organisations have embraced digitisation through their own tailor-made solutions.