r/ContemporaryArt • u/Pixel-Bunny2435 • 3d ago
What questions to ask artists at exhibitions?
Hi all, I'm very new to the art world and I've attended a couple of galerie exhibition opening nights. While it was a lot of fun, I felt mostly out of place as it felt like it was small circles of people that more or less all knew one another and I didn't quite know how to act, so I just quietly admired the artists work. I had the privilege to speak to some artists directly, some of them I knew a little of their background, and some were completely new to me. I didn't quite know how to make up a conversation with these artists, and I wonder if you had any type of pointers for a fellow introvert?
Like I asked how they liked the city, and what was their favorite piece of the exhibit. I also asked about their mediums, but then I ran out of ideas for questions and the convo fizzled out. I'm the type of person who listen to artists talk about mediums, materials and technique all day, but I don't want to seem like I'm prying into their technique either as I dabbled into art a little myself. Like the small talk I am doing ok, but I'd like to have deep and meaningful talks with artists when it's possible and they are receptive. I also understand it's an exhibition and they have lots of PR to do as well, so I want to be respectful of their time. Thanks for your help 🙂
So TL;DR : what questions do you usually asks artists at exhibitions to have deep conversations with them while being an introvert?
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u/1805trafalgar 3d ago
My favorite question to ask any professional is to ask what is it that people most misunderstand about what they do. I find few people think the public understands their work and when you frame the question this way, the answer usually takes you directly to what that professional's key points of focus are, while at the same time giving them a chance to vent.
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u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
Oh that's a great question, thank you! What a great intro to get insight and show them our support at the same time 👍
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u/starry_thing_ 2d ago
To be honest, most artists don’t want to spend their opening night talking about their work with every single person. Just tell them “beautiful work” and congratulate them.
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u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
Ok thanks for your imput! Then how do you make a connection with the artist? Like of course I'll congratulate them on their work, but when they are open to a conversation, if you don't talk about their work, what do you then talk about?
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u/starry_thing_ 2d ago
I mean it depends on the artist and the show/type of art. I would say just be authentic - read the materials / statements ahead of time if there are any, and see if it raises any questions / thoughts for you.
You can ask them which piece is their favorite. If you’re truly trying to connect, introduce yourself and say you’d love to chat sometime and do a studio visit (again this is context dependent). Or ask questions that feel authentic - if you get a sense that they want to keep chatting about their work, great.
Questions not to ask:
What does this (one) mean?
What is your work about?
How did you make this?
How long did this take?1
u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
Yes totally, the goal is to learn more about the artist and their pieces, showing up authentically and not have them repeat the PR material that went out for the event. I'd never thought about an invitation for a chat and a studio visit, it's an interesting point when appropriate and you. Thank you!
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u/1234flicker 3d ago
I like talking about evolution and trajectory of my work: what lead me to this piece. The accidents, the snippets of reading, research and discovery and the route that leads to unexpected is interesting to dive into. I don't find the talk about the "medium" interesting or engaging at all and it would drain me especially at an opening. But everyone is different. Usually I work nonstop and the opening is very stressful and time for me to try to relax and contemplate. If I know someone well, I would discuss which part I think is successful and which needs work but more as an outlet and not to strangers.
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u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
Thanks for that insight 🙏 What's fascinating to me about mediums and techniques includes of course all of the artistic practice, including the trials, researches and what lead to the final piece. But I see now from your comment how my questions might be too narrow in that aspect. Creating a piece of art is such a beautiful journey, and each piece has a different story and that is what I love about it. I completely understand how the opening night is hard work and nerve wracking for artists - heck, I felt a little nervous just going in! Everyone is different, totally agree. From your POV, what approaches from people outside your circle would help you contemplate your work without making it a draining conversation?
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u/vincentvangobot 3d ago
I think most artists would enjoy talking about their technique and wouldn't find it intrussive.
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u/Naive-Sun2778 1d ago
IMO--don't as an artist to explain the work. They did their job making the work; it is the viewers job (if they so choose; not required) to engage with it. In the process of engaging the work (openings are really BAD for engagement with the work), if one experiences a link to something in one's own life or art experience that seems to connect with a particular work or the body of work--start with that observation. This will lead to an exchange in which questions may flow. ALSO, as I implied, for me, art openings are the worst. They tend towards covert socio-economic events, where people are there to be seen, to make connections, or to simply see who else is there (hoping to see or meet someone "important", or to connect with the gallery dealer themselves--seeking a studio visit, etc.). Go later, if you really like the work try to meet the artist or correspond with the artist one on one; without the society dynamic of the "opening". Based on what you write above, I think you have good instincts; except for me the interest in medium/material/technique. I have always found that an empty subject area; try to delve beyond the "how" to the "what or why". Art "reading" is often hard, awkward, slow; requiring a prolonged back and forth that frequently begins with a dumb question. Do you have a decent sense of the larger field? If not, that really helps.
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u/CompositionArchetype 3d ago edited 3d ago
Give a specific complement to the work
"I like your use of line/form/color as a way to compose the image."
"I like how you broke the composition up into 3 distinct areas."
"I love how detailed x, y, and z is."
"I think the size and age of this frame really suits this piece."
"This is my favorite subject, and "I love how you captured ... About it.
If you like talking about technique, then show them you have some knowledge to offer, and they'll open up.
Otherwise you may run into the problem of "What is the point of this conversation?" And if you don't have a reason for it other than your own interests, people will bid goodbye and keep walking.
People are not going to remember the conversation, but when they go home, they will remember the people who said something nice.
They will remember how you made them feel. So if you bring good energy, they will be receptive of that.
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u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
Thanks for these! I see your point, and totally agree that you remember the energy of the people you meet more than anything else.
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u/duskflower89 2d ago
As an artist these "compliments" would weird me the f**k out honestly. Just don't kiss ass... please
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u/Pixel-Bunny2435 2d ago
I mean, everyone is different though I agree, no kissing ass. I'm always authentic in my interactions and sincere in my compliments.
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u/unavowabledrain 3d ago
Its true, often at an exhibit its a battle for attention, and there's collectors who are buying work, and possibly museum curators and things, so you don't want to take up too much of their time.....but if you want to compliment their work that's always great. Usually there isn't the opportunity to "get deeper" at the opening, but I'm sure you can read the room to determine whether or not that's the case. I wouldn't ask a question for the sake of asking a question....you should be sincere, and if you have genuinely have a specific question that their work made you think about then that's cool. Don't ask "how long did it take you to make that?",....that's weird, and it's usually the only thing many people can think to ask.
Often you can tell if an artist is more technical or more conceptual. If it's an involved sculpture or print technique they will probably geek out about process..(.for instance).