#Art gallery etiquette
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Art gallery etiquette
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Visiting an art gallery can be nerve-wracking as
you wouldn’t want to touch the wrong things and cause a scene. Follow the tips
below to guide you
Do your research
Find out all you can about the artist and the
exhibition before the event takes place. What is his or her predominant art
style? Whimsical? Abstract? Conceptual? And how much do you know about these
styles anyway? Also, it’s worth studying the different art movements –
futurism, post-modernism, surrealism and the likes. According to
www.art635.gallery, the more you know, the richer your conversations with
guests will be. Those who matter, the artist and dealer included, will
definitely take notice.
Keep it moving
It’s fine to stand by a painting and discuss it
with guests for a few minutes. You need to take in the art after all, and truly
reflect on what it offers. However, any time frame that’s longer than 15
minutes is frankly unacceptable. You are not the only guest. You don’t want to
stop others from admiring the art, so keep it moving.
Don’t badmouth the artist(s)
Be careful not to air distasteful opinions about
the artist(s) and their works out in the open. Gossip travels fast and you
don’t want to be the reason behind an artist’s downfall. If asked for your
thoughts, be as polite as possible, dishing honesty with tact when the situation
calls for it.
Don’t make a scene
Guests are there to see art, not you as a source of
entertainment. So from getting drunk to throwing tantrums, refrain from certain
behaviours at all costs. If you get into a heated discussion with anyone, be
quick to excuse yourself before things get out of hand. Quick default excuses
include needing to visit the restroom or refill your drink.
Don’t bring young kids along
It’s advised that children under seven years of age
are left at home with a caretaker. This is simply because keeping them at ease
– or quiet – can be a hassle most times, so spare yourself the stress.
Don’t touch the art
You can cause serious irreversible damage in the
process of touching to examine. With this in mind, keep your hands off the art
and appreciate it with your eyes only. It’s another reason bringing your kids
along might be a bad idea. They are more likely to touch the artwork out of
curiosity.
Do mingle with the guests
This is especially if you are a professional in the
industry. Do have conversations with as many people as you can and make
connections. You never know who your next client or collaborator could be. It
is also likely that you will see familiar faces at these gallery events. When
you do, make sure you say hello– an air kiss or gentle hug being welcomed
gestures. Catch up on details of their recent gallery visits, asking questions
to update your knowledge of the Nigerian art scene.
Don’t reproduce the art
It’s not unheard of for certain individuals to take
photos of art with the intention of reproducing it elsewhere. This is plainly
intellectual theft, and needless to say, a means of robbing the artist off of
possible earnings he or she could have made.
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