In the fascinating world of art, the importance of appraisals cannot be understated. They establish an essential benchmark in the valuation of art pieces, setting a standard for collectors, dealers, curators, and the artists themselves. This appraisal process, often viewed as both an art and a science, is undergoing a revolution of sorts. The advent of new technologies and shifts in cultural perspectives are reshaping how art is perceived, valued, and ultimately, appraised.

One of the significant changes is the growing incorporation of digital technology in the appraisal process. Art appraisers are increasingly using tools such as digital imaging, 3D printing, and blockchain technology to assess and authenticate artwork. Digital imaging, for instance, permits an exhaustive visual analysis of the artwork, bringing to light minute details that a cursory glance might miss. Moreover, it facilitates the comparison of artworks across different periods and styles, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of artistic trends.

3D printing, while still in its nascent stages, holds even greater potential. It allows appraisers to create exact physical replicas of sculptures and other 3D art forms. These replicas can then be scrutinized without fear of damaging the original, thus providing a safer, more thorough way to assess the art piece's physical characteristics.

Blockchain technology, on the other hand, is not so much a tool for inspection as it is for verification. A mathematical algorithm that creates an unalterable digital ledger, blockchain technology offers a foolproof way of tracking the provenance of an artwork. In an industry rife with fakes and forgeries, blockchain technology can provide a much-needed layer of transparency and security, raising the confidence of collectors and curators in the authenticity of the art they acquire.

However, the integration of these technologies does come with trade-offs. For instance, while digital imaging and 3D printing allow a more thorough analysis, they also raise ethical questions about artistic reproduction. What does it mean to duplicate an artwork in exact detail? Does it diminish the value of the original? As for blockchain technology, its deployment hinges on widespread acceptance and usage. Until it is adopted uniformly across the industry, its potential will remain unrealized.

The changing social and cultural attitudes towards art also play a critical role in the future of art appraisals. The once Eurocentric bias in art valuation is being challenged, with works from non-Western cultures gaining more recognition and value in the global art market. This shift not only adds more diversity to the art landscape but also calls for a deeper understanding of different cultural contexts in the appraisal process. The objective valuation of art now hinges on the subjective interpretation of different cultural perspectives, a complex dance between the quantifiable and the qualitative.

In addition to these trends, the rise of art as a new investment asset class is also exerting influence on art appraisals. In an era of negative interest rates and volatile markets, art is being seen as a haven of value, a tangible asset whose worth often appreciates over time. Consequently, the role of the appraiser is expanding to include financial analysis, considering factors like market liquidity, risk diversification, and return on investment in their evaluations.

The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) also promises to bring groundbreaking changes to the art appraisal process. AI, with its advanced machine learning algorithms, can analyze vast swathes of data to identify patterns and trends, thus assisting in the valuation process. However, the application of AI remains a subject of intense debate. Can a machine truly understand and appreciate art? Can it capture the emotional value of a piece, or will it reduce art to a mere set of numerical data?

The future of art appraisals is a fascinating intertwining of tradition and innovation, of art and technology. It will require appraisers to broaden their skill sets, embracing new tools and methodologies while maintaining a deep understanding of art history and aesthetics. It is a challenging prospect, but one that holds immense potential for the art world as a whole. As we journey into this brave new world, the essence of art - its ability to inspire, provoke, and connect - remains as compelling as ever. The ways we value it, however, are evolving with the times.