Have you ever visited a gallery and thought: ‘Mmmm, that piece is too high, or too low’? Maybe you thought “That piece is nice, but it has nothing to do with the rest of the work”. People often ask me how I curate and hang a show at Jane St., as well as how to curate artworks for personal homes. Keep in mind that there is no “template,” per se; the following are some suggestions & norms, but you can do what you like. Some decisions are based on instinct and, of course, personal taste. I wouldn’t say it’s “tricky,” but there are several elements & moving parts to consider when hanging artworks. The same principles apply for a gallery as in a home.
I’ve been inside the art world all my life, as my parents & grandparents were all artists and art collectors. So, let’s go through it. Please note: these points are not in order of importance, but they should all be considered. In our January article, we considered the constantly changing elements of light and traffic in the room; then zoomed in on the content, color, & medium of the piece(s). In this third of our 3-part series, we’ll draw some boundaries with framing & matting, then step back & admire our work: vibe check, anyone? Curious about installation art, sculpture, etc? Stay tuned – but first we’ll focus on 2D wall-hanging works.
Framing and Matting
I am not a fan of colorful frames or mats for contemporary art. I believe they feel distracting to the art and, to be honest, dated. Clean lines and a neutral mat (if you must mat at all). If the work needs and I mean NEEDS a gaudy frame? That is part of the art, and I say go for it. Otherwise, go neutral. I’d even recommend reframing a piece you might’ve had framed in the ‘70s or ‘80s to give it a freshening up. A framer can help with all that. Antique art is a whole different ballgame: please consult a specialist.
Vibe
Finally, consider how the work makes you feel. Look at it, walk away. Come back and let it sink in. People often think they need to have some deep intellectual relationship to art and the artists. Not so. If you like it, that’s enough. I suggest spending time letting the work wash over you and see if your opinion changes. Sit with it, rather than trying to force yourself to “get” it. Feel free to ask questions! No question is too out there at Jane St, and we will try to answer it as best we can. We might also ask you how you feel about the art — be warned: there’s no wrong answer.
It’s perfectly legitimate to read everything there is to know about a piece, study art history, read all the art magazines, see what’s trending and the context in which that piece was created. In this way, it’s more than possible to appreciate art without actually liking it. It might not be your cup of tea, but you understand why it’s here. A different sort of person might take a different approach; you might think a piece is just horrible: also, a valid point of view. Remember, art is fluid, cultural, personal, and — most importantly — subjective. Artists create to express something to the world; and that can hit different people in different ways. You can also learn a lot from the artists themselves — that’s why the Jane St. Art Center usually hosts a free Artists’ Talk for each exhibition.
Stop by Thurs/Sun 12-5 or Fri/Sat 12-6pm for art openings, classes, and events! Check out www.janestreetartcenter.com for more info & to join our mailing list for updates – you can also find us on Instagram.
