In today’s art world, knowing the journey of a piece—from creation to every hand it’s passed through—adds immeasurable value and security. At bazART, we’re passionate about preserving this story through a robust system of provenance protection. We know provenance isn’t just paperwork; it’s an artwork’s lifeline, securing its authenticity, history, and value over time.
How bazART Secures Provenance for Your Artwork
Every piece listed with bazART is part of a larger vision to protect both the physical artwork and its documented story. Here’s how we approach it:
- QR and ID-Based Digital Records: When an artwork joins bazART, it receives a unique digital profile in our system. Artists and collectors can access this profile directly from our website via a QR code or by searching the artwork’s unique ID number. With just a scan, you’re taken straight to the artwork’s history, including a high-level ownership trail and exhibition details, adding assurance for anyone considering a purchase.
- RFID Tags and Embedded Markers: Alongside digital tracking, we secure each artwork physically. By embedding RFID tags or unique markers directly into the piece (think under layers of paint or frame insets), we ensure it’s possible to validate authenticity without impacting the piece itself. This discreet touch allows each physical artwork to be matched precisely with its digital profile, so it remains secure and traceable throughout its journey.
Acting as a CoA Repository
At bazART, we don’t just offer a digital provenance profile—we also act as a trusted Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) repository. This means each bazART-verified CoA is stored and accessible in our system as a permanent, secure record. As art changes hands, we keep an ongoing log of provenance updates, serving as a reliable third-party record for artists, buyers, and collectors. This repository could also support future royalties collection, ensuring artists benefit from the resale of their works, while seamlessly tracking ownership transitions.
Privacy and Ownership Details
While bazART provides public access to an artwork’s digital profile, we prioritize privacy. For GDPR compliance and identity protection, only the name of the last owner is shown publicly. However, for provenance verification, bazART securely retains a complete ownership history and additional important details within our private repository. This full log not only helps ensure authenticity but also supports ongoing provenance checks and peace of mind for future buyers.
Thinking Ahead: A Secure Future
While our current system integrates physical and digital elements to ensure stronger security, we’re continually exploring innovative solutions that enhance the protection and value of the art you create and collect. Our vision for the future includes integrating advanced tools like AI for automated provenance verification and blockchain for enhanced transparency in ownership records. At bazART, we’re committed to offering an ecosystem where artists and collectors can rely on trusted, secure verification and authenticity services for every artwork.
Why Provenance is at the Heart of bazART
Provenance matters to us because it matters to you. Whether you’re creating, buying, or simply appreciating, the history of each artwork is part of what makes it unique and valuable. By acting as a repository, bazART is helping to keep art honest and its stories secure, supporting artists and collectors at every stage.