Displaying artwork in a gallery

[curtis Cunningham]

I have two exhibitions coming up in 2010 in different galleries, and I need to decide soon how I want my pieces to be displayed. I'm looking for advice as to whether or not I should be consistent in the finished piece, or allow for some variety.

For example, my initial thoughts were to have each piece be displayed as gallery wrapped images (on either 1" or 2" stretcher bars). The other option would be to go for a variety of finished styles, i.e some gallery wraps, some framed images, some plaque mounted images etc. The main reason for the variety would be to try and find a more cost effective way to display the images as I need approximately 30 images for each show. I'm trying to weigh that potential cost savings against the value of having a uniform/consistent way of people to view my work.

I'm looking for either personal advice and/or comments or direction as to another source of ideas if you yourself do not have any.

Thanks in advance.

[ovimo]

I have my work exhibited in a gallery in Houston. I decided variety is better, so I got some gallery wrapped, some framed. The framed ones sell best FWIW...

[curtis Cunningham]

Did you choose a consistent style/colour for your framed images?

[ovimo]

Originally Posted by curtis Cunningham

Did you choose a consistent style/colour for your framed images?

Yes, simple black metal frames with two types of mats: single thin and double thicker. Smaller pictures with simple mats, larger with the double. White mates, BTW. And I have a note next to each picture with the title, author, limited edition of 200, number in the edition, size of the image and frame, type of mats, type of paper and ink used (I use HP archival with Vivera - 75 years minimum... blabla - I print myself up to 13x19") and price. And I clearly specify that different sizes and materials are available.

[curtis Cunningham]

Originally Posted by ovimo

Yes, simple black metal frames with two types of mats: single thin and double thicker. Smaller pictures with simple mats, larger with the double. White mates, BTW. And I have a note next to each picture with the title, author, limited edition of 200, number in the edition, size of the image and frame, type of mats, type of paper and ink used (I use HP archival with Vivera - 75 years minimum... blabla - I print myself up to 13x19") and price. And I clearly specify that different sizes and materials are available.

You bring up some excellent ideas to put on the image tag. In the past I've only put the name of the piece, the price and my website. But I like the other details you've mentioned.

I had thought previously as I was considering whether or not to go with different types of finishes, that I might produce some sort of information piece that explains the notion that people would be able to choose different sizes and finishes for different prints. But never thought of putting it right on the image tag.