Ask an Artist: Group Shows
Season 5, Episode 1: Group Shows
Even with online art sales booming (and predicted to rise) there will always be an important place for exhibiting and showing work in person. It is a completely different experience for both artist, viewer and buyer.
From galleries to art fairs and solo exhibitions there are many ways to do this. Many artists, Tom and Peter included, love being part of group shows and exhibitions. In this episode they discuss the pros and cons, giving advice and talking about good practice, using examples from their own, first-hand, experience.
In the first part of the episode, Peter and Tom explore the different ways a group show may come about, whether it is forming a partnership with just one other Artist, inviting others to show with you, or perhaps you collaborate as part of a wider, organised event.
They discuss some of the benefits such as cost and workload sharing, cross-pollination of audiences, networking opportunities and sharing of ideas and good practice.
After the break Peter and Tom share some practical advice about what to consider if you decide to follow the route of partaking in a group show. They share their own experiences of working with others and things to consider, such as:
Does your work compliment each other’s?
Can you see yourself working well with these people? Do you share similar aims and goals?
Distribution of workload
Payment options
Who is in charge? How do you avoid the cliché of “too many cooks”.
Why might comparison creep in and what to do about it
Curating and organising the layout
This week’s takeaway… there can be some fantastic advantages to showing as part of a collective and Tom and Peter are certainly huge fans of doing so; always coming away feeling fulfilled and inspired. Not every opportunity will be the right fit for you and that is okay… but, on the whole, the pros generally outweigh the cons. And if you decide to host your own group exhibition, let us know how it goes - we would love to hear from you!
Photo: This is from the exhibition Tom mentions throughout, between himself and sculptor, James Ort: https://www.jamesort.co.uk
This Podcast is sponsored by Rosemary & Co Brushes, Jackson’s Art Supplies and Search Press publishers.
For more information please visit Rosemary & Co Brushes: www.rosemaryandco.com
Jackson’s Art Supplies: www.jacksonsart.com
Search Press publishers: During July and August 2023, you can get 25% off a range of titles, plus free UK post and packaging, when you visit searchpress.com/arty23 and use code SPAAA.
