Art is a lot of work: Behind every painting that changes hands lies invisible labour

Art may begin with imagination, but its survival depends on a hidden ecosystem of paperwork, logistics, conservation, and legal care. In India’s growing art market—valued at $144 million in 2023—first-time collectors are learning that ownership is more than purchase: it demands documentation of authenticity and provenance, careful transport, environmental monitoring, and professional installation. Galleries and auction houses increasingly use digital tools, blockchain certificates, and conservators to protect artworks in transit and display.