Artists Magazine - USA (2020-04)

84 Artists Magazine April 2020

Outfit BUSINESS OF ART

g

allery representation is the

goal of many artists, and

conversations on the topic

usually focus on what artists

hope to get from the association.

Recognizing that gallery represen-

tation involves investment on both

sides of the relationship increases

the chances for success and mitigates

misunderstandings. A gallery doesn’t

simply accept your work; a gallery

embraces you as an artist, both now

and in the future. Gallerists represent

artists as well as individual works.

They meet with collectors, pitch to

curators, cultivate press and develop

shows. The daily work of a gallery

also involves the inevitable staffing,

accounting, emailing and manage-

ment issues of most other businesses.

Just as good gallerists try to support

the studio practice of their artists,

artists can help galleries by recogniz-

ing the demands of that work.

Like any relationship, the one between a gallerist and

an artist requires mutual understanding and respect.

by C.J. Kent

The Gallery Perspective

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