Art and online commerce are rarely thought of in tandem.  The image of the gallery or studio has, in the past, stood uneasily with the online world, but as we know this is changing. ACNE’s Curater project, which allowed you to stream artworks in your own home, was one example of this; ‘Famous New Media Artist’ Jeremy Bailey’s The You Museum is another.

While ACNE’s project was all about creating a gallery experience in your own home, Bailey’s museum brings the gallery to your computer screen. The You Museum curates personalised exhibitions by Bailey that are delivered to users via ad banners on websites. The ads are placed everywhere through Google’s Adworks display network, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.  If you like the work you can buy it by clicking on the banner, thus turning a virtual experience into a physical one.

This is a personalised museum that’s with you wherever you go, and, for Bailey, it's an exercise in reclaiming commercial space for art.  

Although using browsing data for tailored online ads has left many internet users feeling uneasy, with The You Museum Bailey is taking something negative and turning it into a positive.  Online commerce doesn’t have to be invasive and exploitative, it can be creative and inspiring.