Shakti by Tiril Benton Painting, Acrylic on Canvas 60.0 inch x 108.0 inch $22,000

What is Instagram? An app for memes, photos of your family, avocado toast or maybe even a cat pic or two? Self-described as, “A simple, fun & creative way to capture, edit & share photos, videos & messages with friends & family,” in July of 2018, Instagram reached one billion users. Cutting right to the chase – how does this visually-based social media platform affect the art world?

Elysium by Ellen Bradshaw Painting, Oil on Canvas 30.0 inch x 40.0 inch $5,950

Artists can get exposure easier than ever, thanks to Instagram. What used to require art dealers or a gallery can possibly be done with a quick snap and a few filters. Followers and likes can roll in, and artists may even make a sale or two.

Gold of Autumn by Elena Barkhatkova Painting, Oil on Canvas 27.6 inch x 37.4 inch $23,000

One of the biggest reasons a traditional gallery is successful is their client list. If there is a showing, chances are most of the people attending are collectors. In theory, Instagram should be able to do that too, but this isn’t always the case.

Last May, Instagram influencer Arianna Renee launched her own clothing line and promoted it to her 2.6 million Instagram followers. However, days after her initial launch, she failed to sell the 36 shirts required by her distributor, making her launch seem like an epic fail. Renee’s experience teaches us a lesson, and it’s not just one about T-shirts. Instagram can be a great way to promote things and get a lot of eyes, quickly. But those eyes may not translate to sales, and as many freelancers have said, exposure alone doesn’t pay your bills.

Summer Approaching by Hugo Pondz Painting, Oil on Canvas 37.0 inch x 37.0 inch $10,940

If you’re spending time on Zatista, it sounds like you’re a very saavy art collector! With us, you have all the offerings of a traditional gallery, but in the comfort of your own home. Sit down and scroll through countless works of original art form artists all around the world. Once you become an official collector on our client list, be sure to drop both artist and gallery a follow on Instagram.