The art market's conversation around artificial intelligence is evolving. Once dominated by speculation as to whether AI belonged in the industry at all, this week’s media coverage suggests a clear pivot: th
e debate is no longer if AI has a place in the art world—but how the frameworks and models are being developed, notably around valuations.
In last week’s Financial Times, art market commentator Melanie Gerlis highlighted the role that Appraisal Bureau is playing in driving new approaches to valuation in the sector. (A pdf version of the article is here for non-FT subscribers). ‘It is not ‘ask ChatGPT’ the value of my art,’ Gerlis quotes of Appraisal Bureau's founder, Caroline Taylor, who instead explains how machine learning ‘can process millions of data points instantly, then sort, clean and label the information.’ This model, she emphasized, was built under supervision of human appraisers with years of market experience.
Rashid Johnson’s ‘Anxious Red Painting September 24th’ sold for $1,391,000 at Phillips New York’s modern and contemporary sale last May; AI suggests that Johnson’s ‘Red’ paintings sell better than his ‘Blue’ ones
The article landed in the same month that Artnet’s Naomi Rea explored challenges being made to more ‘traditional’ modes of pricing in the sector. Both articles reflect a market that is opening up to new tools aimed at solving old problems.
These discussions are playing out alongside significant legal and ethical developments. The high-profile trial between billionaire Ron Perelman and insurance companies over artworks he claims to have lost their ‘oomph’ following a fire is tackling challenging questions of subjectivity and opinion, whilst a high-stakes U.S. trial against Getty Images began this month, with allegations of unauthorized use of artists’ work to train AI systems.
The latter in particular underscores the need for ethical frameworks in how data is sourced and deployed, a key reason Taylor stresses best practices in data privacy and security at Appraisal Bureau.
The shift toward AI mirrors patterns seen in other industries. Real estate’s widespread adoption of Zillow, which uses AI to assess property values serves as a precedent for how data-driven tools can reshape legacy sectors. In the art world, where margins are tightening and overheads rising, accessible options are increasingly attractive. Subscriptions to platforms like Appraisal Bureau are significantly more efficient and cost-effective than traditional services.
And the growing consensus—from more traditional professionals to new collectors—is clear: if time and money can be recouped without sacrificing expertise or integrity, that’s a win for everyone.