Image via Complex Original
With the popularity of art and art exhibitions at an all-time high, it is critical for everyone to know the ins and outs of visiting a gallery or a museum. Chances are you’ve already been, but you may not know that there's an (implied) set of guidelines you should be following while there.
No matter what institutional setting you're in, these rules will come in handy and possibly take your experience to another level. From the basic rules like not touching the art to more specific rules like showing gratitude to the gallery workers, this list of 10 Rules for Attending an Art Exhibition will shape any newcomer into a seemingly regular art spectator.
Don't ever question whether or not the pieces in the exhibition are “art” out loud.
Alternately, there's no need to be a know-it-all and act like you're the tour guide for the entire exhibition. No one likes the guy who attempts to school everyone else while at an exhibition (or even in REAL LIFE, for that matter). It's great to express your knowledge or lack of knowledge pertaining to art, but please know when enough is enough.
NEVER TOUCH THE ART!
There are rare occasions when exhibitions encourage viewers to actually touch and feel the art, but 99% of the time, it is expected that viewers strictly view the art without getting too close. Even if you sneeze too hard, you may agitate a piece, so you should probably just keep a safe distance.
Remember and value the perks.
If you've ever gone to an art exhibition opening, you know that the drinks are endless, and the atmosphere almost feels electric. On top of the free drinks and cool, sometimes eccentric people, you may actually get to meet the artist and get some info about their work and artistic process. Hell, if you have the cash, you can buy something, too.
If you get free drinks though, DON’T get belligerently drunk.
Free drinks are amazing but can easily take the event from great to horrible very fast. Use your best judgment when deciding if you should get another glass of wine, even though you've already had five. You just might end up like these people.
Always dress to impress…
Not only will you have a fighting chance at attracting your future “bae,” but you will definitely feel great. For socializing purposes, outfits (or alphets) are conversation starters, if nothing else.
And speaking of baes, be nice to the gallery girls.
There are always a few dedicated chicks who are the reason the event went smoothly and probably gave you informational one-sheets about the artwork, too. Even if they are nicer to people who are interested in buying, they're probably partially responsible for the drinks being there, as well, so next time you run into these girls, THANK THEM.
Be very cautious about taking flash photography.
We've all witnessed that guy being yelled at by the security for taking flash photos. If you haven't, don't let it be you. Not only will you absolutely get embarrassed by security guards, but you can actually ruin artwork with a camera flash, which may result in getting a hefty fine. Don't be that guy!
Leave your clumsiness at home.
Of course clumsiness is something we can't really control, but if you're just lowkey a mess, maybe art exhibitions aren't for you. If you are clumsy and still want to experience art shows, maybe you should just tie your hands behind your back, or you may end up like this guy.
Don’t purposely destroy art as your own form of “art.”
Uness you're Millie Brown or Istvan Kantor, you probably have no reason to deface artwork as “performance art.” Even if you are, you probably shouldn't be ruining anyone else's work. Artists spend an immense amount of time, money, and energy perfecting their work, so don't be an a** and deface it.
Educate yourself using the press release and list of works.
For those who don't take the time to pay attention to the paperwork at the entrance of an exhibition...*feel this shade coming your way*. The press release and other supplementary info can give you the artist's background, info about the pieces and the materials they're made of, pricing, and much more. If you're on a date, it'll actually make you seem super smart (and might land you another date...no promises, though).