Art Agony Aunt Friday 18th/01/2012!

 

This week Art Agony Aunt spills the beans on process based art work and the difficult target market.

 

Q: I am used to working in a process based manner, where there is an importance on the viewer being presented with an object that has been through a set of physical changes. It has been strongly suggested to me that the final objects need to be 'tidied up' in order to be at gallery standard as I have left the jagged edges created from the use of a saw. However, I feel that taking away these traces of history and process will weaken the overall feel of the work. What do you suggest?

AAA: Hi, this is a great question. How your art work is presented in the gallery will always make a difference to the individual’s perception of it. It is sad but a good quality frame that compliments the art work will enhance the viewer’s perception of it rather than a frame that does not fit or compliment the art work correctly. In your case however, where it is a sculptural piece, you will have to decide whether it is in fact something that needs to be tidied up in order for the viewer to understand the main piece/concept/function of the object/sculpture or something that is in fact integral to understanding that piece itself. If it is the latter and there is reason for these jagged edges there is no reason why a gallery/buyer should not respond to them as being something that needs to be ‘tidied up’ and will accept it as part of the piece. So ask yourself, in your opinion – do these ‘jagged edges’ really help the viewer understand this piece or will they confuse the viewer and reflect badly on the main focus of the piece.

I hope this helps you!!

Sincerely

Art Agony Aunt

Next agony aunt post will be Friday25th Jan. 

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