A gallery is an exhibition space that promotes and sells artwork to the public. It also takes on the responsibility of overseeing and promoting the careers of artists it represents. A gallery may be commercial or nonprofit, depending on how it is structured. A gallery may also exhibit contemporary art or art from the past.
Typically, a gallery is run by a group of individuals who are passionate about art and want to share their love for it with others. Many galleries are located in urban areas, but they can also be found in suburban or rural settings. Many galleries feature a variety of artistic genres, from landscapes to portraits to abstract paintings. They may focus on a single artist or present a collection of works from several artists.
The word gallery is derived from the Latin verb galeria, meaning “to enclose.” The early use of this term referred to an enclosure around a religious sanctuary. Later, this concept was extended to include a room or exhibition space.
When you visit a gallery, it’s important to pay close attention to the artworks being displayed. Take note of how the pieces complement one another, or how they conflict. Also, take note of the lighting; it can make or break an art piece’s impact on viewers. You should also be aware of the prices of the artworks. Most galleries will have a price list or catalog that visitors can look into. It’s important to remember that just because a gallery has a price tag on a piece of art doesn’t mean it is for sale.
For an artist to land a spot in a gallery, they must first apply to be a part of an exhibition. The gallery then considers the applicant’s portfolio of work and decides if they would be a good fit for their audience. If the gallery agrees to represent the artist, a long-term collaboration is established. These artists are referred to as represented artists, whereas those who collaborate with the gallery on a one-time basis for an exhibition are known as exhibited artists.
When it comes to pricing, galleries take into account the artist’s CV and their position in the professional art market when establishing the artwork’s value. They also monitor the value of the artworks in the secondary market. This is a complex process that requires the gallery to have extensive knowledge of the art market and the work of their artists.