Collect and Curate your Art
If you love art and I'm guessing that you may, how do you start collecting? When I display art for an exhibition or if it's heading to a gallery I usually collate pieces that are cohesive in some way. Some like an eclectic approach which is an exciting but sometimes daunting option.
I am not an Interior Designer but I have been connecting with a couple of Interior Designers recently and I'm starting to see how they collate art for their clients to enhance their interior design projects.
Apart from the obvious decisions you need to make in regards to size and budget, consider these points below:
Always choose art that you LOVE! Why do you love it?
It could be a piece that has a story to tell and resonates with you.
It may be the colours and shapes used and the energy it evokes. It could be about how it makes you FEEL.
It could be that piece that you keep going back to in a gallery and you don't know why!
SO. . . WHERE DO I START?
You may like to begin by finding a 'hero' piece, something that is large (or strong in appeal) and commands attention. A piece that becomes a focal point in your space. Do you have that perfect position in your home for a 'hero' piece?
Think about the support pieces you choose. Do they speak to each other in some way? They may link through colour, style, intensity, line or shape, subject matter, personal attachment. Even framing can help make that link. If they don't connect in any way but you still love that piece, can it hang in a space of it's own?
I've put together a few collations below:
The first example above is an obvious and simple collection to begin with. Simple to arrange and display these pieces are from the same series so we know these pieces will work well together.
Above: The pieces above borrow colours from each other with a mix of cool and warm. They work well together, yet there are differences in style, moving from abstract to impressionism. The framing varies and one piece is even without a frame but they still sit well together in the same space. Subject matter is all 'landscape's this example.
A collection for nature lovers! All with a natural Australian landscape theme but with some colour variation to add interest. With variation in sizing and framing. These artworks are nicely connected.
Above: We see several styles here but with colours that work well together and the pop of turquoise changes things up a little to avoid monotony. With varied sizes and subject matter, these would work nicely in adjoining spaces.
Art selection is subjective and the most important thing to remember when you are curating your own space is to purchase what you love and go with your intuition. It's satisfying and lot of fun creating a space that makes you feel comfortable and at home, surrounded by art you love.
Next time you visit a gallery, find what resonates with you and look for connecting pieces that complement each other and you may be well on your way to creating your own mini gallery at home. Have fun with it!
Any comments to make about this article? Send a message below. Thanks for reading!
Catherine Garrod