Painting Finished... Now, What ?!
Being a painter, you most likely have the desire to show off your work for someone to see. Where does one begin in the process of showcasing your art and what are the benefits and setbacks you may face?
The Way of Tradition
The most common form of artistic representation is through a gallery. The basic set up is that you display your catalog of paintings and invite guests to view, discuss and potentially purchase your masterpieces. There are two ways of going about exhibiting in an art gallery. Firstly, there is the submission procedure in which an artist contacts a local gallery’s curator. This individual runs the gallery operations and coordinates the art direction of the show. Most of the time they are also funding the entire enterprise, so it is important to understand that they run all the shots as they are providing you with their private space and the necessary platform to exhibit. Certain curators depending on their perception of art will be very selective. Your art most likely will need to fit a certain vision or criteria in which they subjectively decide. That, is the basic trade off. If the curator provides the gallery, the artist must adapt and meet a technical standard in order to display. A fee may be involved as well.
Breaking Away from Tradition through Innovation
What if I don’t agree or wish to adapt to the standards of a curator when it comes to my art work? You, then have the option of becoming the curator! Yes, that’s right. No one can stop you from organizing and putting together your very own gallery on your terms. Personally, that’s way more rewarding and beneficial than to premiere under someone else’s name, or to have to share the spot light (unless that’s your thing). Understand however, that you will have to work a lot harder and have a new found level of patience to truly execute this from beginning to end. You cannot half-ass an art gallery. I speak from experience. It can and will ruin your reputation if it’s lame. In order to avoid that, I always suggest humbling yourself first. Be open to information, new knowledge but also be weary of too many opinions and “advice” from others. You will encounter naysayers who will question your ability of tackling on an art gallery. It’s just current human nature that subconsciously one is intimidated by the reminder that you are making moves and they are not. Once you overcome that, you will need a space with an owner that will allow you to run the gallery the way you need it to be run. In other words, rent a space that is strictly that - an open space! Most owners aren’t concerned with the type of event you host, so long as you don’t damage property and the space is cleared by a certain hour. Though costlier than submitting to an art gallery, it not only buys you the creative freedom to bypass a curator’s mold, it allows you to make your money back plus a profit if you tailor your show properly.
Do What's Best for You
Either way you choose to represent yourself is entirely up to you, obviously. Both ways have its benefits and drawbacks, so in the end much like art, the matter is subjective. It all depends on how you wish to work as an artist and perceive your career model. Regardless of anything, I would say the key to success is to be consistent and keep active. You’re sure to fail if you don’t try at all. You’re sure to sleep well at night at least knowing you gave it your all.
Written Originally July 21, 2017
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