Complete digital archiving by Pexicon
by Michael Smith
The archiving of images often presents museums, galleries, corporations and even private art collectors with a difficult task. A readily accessible database of images of one's collection can be costly to establish and time-consuming to maintain. Johannesburg-based company Pexicon Digital Media Solutions seems to have a viable solution to this problem in the form of an interesting piece of software and a full service concept to go with it. Scott Sargent established Pexicon as an asset management company, providing an archiving solution for any person or institution in possession of a large body of items, whatever their nature. His own interest in the world of visual arts led him to create software specifically designed for archiving art collections of all sizes. Brother Dale recently joined Pexicon, enabling the business to expand beyond an already substantial client base, into the realm of art collections.
The brothers contend that the best way to use Pexicon is with the full service option. This includes professional digital photographing of works, verifiable pricing of artworks and research on the artist for uploading onto one's personal collection website. The service also includes site maintenance, updates and hosting of the site.
The website one receives is a fully functional web-based database of one's collection, complete with images, latest valuations of works, provenance information, succinct information about the artist, and even possibly in the future, the ability to track each artist's fiscal performance in the world's top auction houses.
For reasons of privacy and security, access to one's site is controlled by a password; this allows access to the details of one's collections from literally any place in the world that has an internet connection. One can also choose to share specific information with selected interested parties by giving them access to the password.
Easy and mobile access is not the only aspect of this system that is interesting: the benefits of a barcoded catalogue of works obviously has very positive implications for the process of insuring one's collection. The valuation of one's artworks dispenses with need for the unenviable task of retrospective valuation should any of them be lost for whatever reason.
The other option involves licensing the software and doing the archiving and site maintenance oneself: the licensee will also be liable for any future software updates and site hosting fees.
The Sargents speak with passion for and knowledge about the art scene and the art market: plans are even afoot to develop a side-project, a free-access website onto which emerging artists can upload images of their work and contact information to ease their transition into the art market.
For more information:
Tel: (011) 803 7234 or 082 080 9571
Email: dale@pexicon.co.za
www.pexicon.co.za.
