Blue chip galleries launch online art fair

A group of leading galleries have announced the launch of the first major online art fair, named the VIP Art Fair, spearheaded by James and Jane Cohan. Taking place in the quiet, post-Christmas lull of 22-30 January, 2011, the fair will allow collectors to browse online, offering such interactive features as a scaling system for measuring the artworks alongside other works and human figures. The 'human touch' will be replicated using Skype and instant messaging so that dealers won't miss out on presenting a bit of patter. Founding galleries include Gagosian, White Cube, Sadie Coles HQ, Xavier Hufkens and David Zwirner.