An art gallery is a space for the display of contemporary and/or historical paintings. Some galleries specialise in a particular type of art while others are more open to diverse styles. The purpose of the gallery is to provide a platform for artists to present their work and attract new buyers. Some galleries also provide educational services and hold events to promote the arts.
Whether they are small and family run or massive commercial enterprises, all galleries have something in common: the ability to shape culture, influence tastes and make art accessible to a wide audience. The key to success, however, is how well a gallery does its job. We spoke with representatives of three major galleries—two in New York and one in London—that have developed a reputation for strong programs. Their responses offer insight into how these institutions support their artists and evolve as cultural entities in their own right.
One of the most important jobs a gallery does is to sell artworks on behalf of the artists they represent. This includes taking care of transportation, invoicing, establishing the value of a painting on the secondary market and much more. It is crucial for artists to know what it takes to get into a gallery and understand that the highest level galleries will only collaborate with those who are well established, have a solid portfolio of previous exhibitions in respected venues, a proven track record of sales, excellent press reviews and awards.
In addition to selling art, galleries can also help promote their artists’ works by introducing them to public and private collections, museums, biennials, and salons. They may even help them become internationally known by arranging travel and participating in international fairs.
Galleries are also in the business of preserving artworks. They can either store them in their spaces or loan them to museums and other institutions for temporary exhibitions. They may even acquire or purchase works from other collectors and then resell them in their gallery at a profit.
Many galleries have activities and trails for children, and some even have staff to help them navigate the complex world of modern art. This is especially helpful for young children who can find it difficult to focus on a single work of art for an extended period of time.
Visiting art galleries is a fantastic way to increase one’s artistic and intellectual horizons. It is important to go with a friend as it can help you think about the art more deeply and engage in discussions that are productive for your own understanding of it. Moreover, it is more enjoyable to go through the galleries with someone who goes at a similar pace as you, because this allows you to spend more time looking closely at individual paintings. It is also a great idea to download an app that offers background information and context for the artworks you are seeing, as this can greatly enrich your experience.