Artists in the Art Market and International frauds; who can help!

Dear artists and who may be concern,

This article is intended to address several problems that some / majority of artists have faced or may face in the future. It is about entering business over the internet with unknown agents/representatives. In this forum, Artists will have their say to share their experiences, good or bad. The purpose of this article is for artists to support one another with their inputs and knowledge. So, you are all invited to exchange thoughts as well whoever may be concern.

First of all, I would like to give a brief idea about some difficulties artists face in order to make living of their artwork. Since artists are self employed; they have to provide for all their necessities, roof over their heads, studio expenses, rent, art supplies, insurance, membership here and there, exhibitions' fee and sometimes, travel expenses. Noting, that Artists have no vacation pay, nor sick days, no maternity leave (Male artists are excluded) nor dental coverage. However, Artists always contribute their artwork to charities and fund-raising organizations.

Yes, artists are good givers, passionate, believe in people easily. Not that they lack intelligence, but because they are, in general, very spiritual and kind people. Realizing this fact, by some scammers; Artists can be good targets for Internet frauds.

It was brought to my attention that some Artists have become victims of scammers. Those people pretend to offer irresistible contracts and promise unbeaten business, in the art market to Artists, when they have no means to follow through. Although, fraudsters have no proven verification of their business, nevertheless, have the cleaver and sweet methods of collecting Artists' treasures and money with no defined promises. The sad part is that Artists have no where to go or to whom can report their cases! Who can protect Artists from such internet behaviors and who can help!

The only law Artists have is the copyright law. Even with that, we all are familiar with the Chinese proverbs" We copy right, we do not cop wrong" Can anyone perform an "Artists union" free of charge! This organization would take care of cases as described above! Keeping in mind, that Artists have big role to play in every society, every nation and over the centuries. They bring beauty to the world, record history, create valuable treasure to leave behind, build characters to their countries as well cultures. Yes, through their artwork, they unify the world to speak one language and to bring together.

Interested Readers, we invite you please, to share your thoughts with us. What are your experiences about organizing exhibitions in foreign countries in co-operation with representatives you really don't know"?

*For further professional information regarding Global Anti-Fraud to know how you can protect yourself, you can find it at: Global Anti-fraud

Best wishes,

Mona Youssef - Realist fine artist