Displaying art is the final step in an artist’s or curator’s process, transforming a collection of individual works into a cohesive exhibition. The method of presentation can influence how audiences perceive and connect with each piece. It is a practice that balances established industry standards with a unique curatorial vision. A well-executed display not only showcases the art but also crafts an immersive environment for the viewer, guiding their experience from the moment they enter the space.
Plan Your Curation and Layout
The foundation of a compelling exhibition is built long before a single piece is hung on the wall. This initial planning phase centers on developing a strong curatorial theme or narrative. This guiding concept informs which artworks are chosen and how they relate to one another, creating a story that unfolds as viewers move through the gallery. The theme could be based on an artistic movement, a shared subject matter, or a particular color palette.
Once the curatorial direction is set, the practical work of mapping the physical space begins. Creating a to-scale floor plan is an important step. This blueprint allows for the visualization of traffic flow and the strategic placement of artworks. It helps in identifying natural focal points and areas where viewers might pause.
Using this floor plan, you can begin to assign locations for key pieces. Major works or those intended to be anchors of the exhibition should be placed first to structure the show. This planning ensures that the scale of the art is appropriate for the walls and that the overall composition of the room feels balanced.
Follow Standard Hanging Principles
With a layout in place, the physical act of hanging art is governed by principles designed to create a comfortable and consistent viewing experience. The primary of these is the “centerline” rule. This guideline dictates that an artwork should be hung so its vertical center is between 57 and 60 inches from the floor. This height corresponds to the average human eye level, allowing most viewers to look at the art without straining their necks.
To calculate this, you measure the artwork’s height, divide it by two to find the center, and then account for the distance from the top of the frame to the hanging wire. You then subtract this number from the desired eye-level mark to find the precise height for the hook. This ensures uniformity across the gallery, creating a clean sightline.
Spacing between artworks is another important consideration. When hanging pieces next to each other, a gap of 2 to 5 inches between frames is standard. This creates a visual pause, allowing each piece to be appreciated individually while still feeling connected to the group. Consistency is what produces a polished result.
Choose an Arrangement Style
Single Row
The single row arrangement is a classic and straightforward method for displaying art. In this style, artworks are hung side-by-side in a linear fashion, adhering to the same centerline for a cohesive look. This approach is effective for creating a serene and orderly flow, guiding the viewer’s eye from one piece to the next. It works particularly well for a series of works by the same artist or for pieces that are similar in size.
Salon Style
The salon style offers a more eclectic and dynamic approach to displaying art. Originating in the grand salons of 17th-century Paris, this method involves hanging art from floor to ceiling in a dense, clustered arrangement. This style is ideal for showcasing a large collection of diverse works, mixing different sizes and frame styles. To create a sense of order, it is best to start with a large “anchor” piece placed at eye level and build the arrangement out from there.
Grid System
For a highly organized and contemporary look, the grid system is an excellent choice. This method requires artworks of the same size and orientation to be hung in a precise, symmetrical grid with equal spacing. The effect is clean, modern, and impactful, transforming a collection of individual works into a single, unified visual statement. This arrangement demands precision in measurement to ensure the lines of the grid are perfectly horizontal and vertical.
Grouping by Theme
Beyond purely aesthetic arrangements, grouping artworks by a shared theme can create powerful mini-narratives within the larger exhibition. This approach involves clustering pieces together based on a common element, such as artist, subject matter, or color palette. For instance, a collection of black-and-white photographs could be grouped in one area, while vibrant abstract paintings are displayed in another. This method encourages viewers to draw connections between the works.
Incorporate Lighting and Labels
Once the art is on the walls, lighting and labels are the final elements that complete the professional presentation. The primary goal of gallery lighting is to illuminate each artwork effectively without creating distracting glare. Track lighting is a common solution, as the position and angle of each spotlight can be adjusted to suit the specific needs of each piece. The light should be angled to enhance its colors and textures.
Experimenting with the angle of light is often necessary to avoid reflections on glass or varnished surfaces. A well-lit exhibition ensures that every detail of the artwork is visible and that the overall mood of the space is controlled.
Artwork labels provide context and are a standard part of any professional exhibition. Labels are placed to the bottom right of the artwork and contain information like the artist’s name, the title of the work, the year it was created, the medium, and its dimensions. The text should be printed in a clean, legible font.
Consider the Viewer’s Journey
The final step is to experience the gallery from a visitor’s perspective. After the installation is complete, walk through the space to assess the overall flow and impact. Pay attention to the natural path your eye takes from one piece to another. This walkthrough helps identify potential issues, such as awkward bottlenecks or obstructed sightlines. This is the moment to make small adjustments to ensure the layout feels intuitive and successfully guides the viewer through the intended narrative.