Painting From Life vs. From Photos
Maurice Ploem found the “official gallery circuit” to be empty and sterile, so he started his own gallery in his home in Haarlem’s Proveniershof.
Maurice’s gallery, called De Provenier, is to the left of center in the photo above. Maurice wanted to provide exhibition opportunities to good artists who had not yet become “famous.” I had my first show here in the year 2000. I have another exhibition starting next week.
Maurice works in a broad range of media — bronze, oil on canvas, painted wood. He says of his gallery: “Here one can see how work looks in a home environment.”
Above is an example of one of Maurice’s painted wood objects. He was inspired to make pieces like this when he was sitting by the fireplace on a cold December evening. He picked up an old piece of wood to throw on the fire. Looking at the object in his hands, he said to himself, “No, I’m not going to burn this.”
. . .
Does it make sense for an artist to show work in a gallery like Maurice’s, or is it better to stick with traditional galleries?
I love galleries that create a home like environment. I think both have their place, certainly and I have shown in both types. Though I have to admit that my sales are always better in the more traditional gallery which also seem to support the higher prices. Perhaps they each just attract different kinds of buyers. First time buyers may need to see the art in an environment while the more experienced may not need to. Just my theory, of course.
I wouldn’t limit myself to either type of gallery, however.
Tracy,
You could say the layout of Art & Perception is also “sterile and empty.” It was designed to be this way, minimalist, so that the artwork that appeared here would define the feeling of the site. Probably that is what galleries of the main-stream variety are aiming for also. Perhaps in a real physical “off-line” gallery, this minimalist feel has an emptiness to it that is not filled by the art. Perhaps it is a limitation of the art itself sometimes.
Ironically, the first photo in this post gives the impression of one of these “sterile” white galleries. But this only enhances the effect of the artwork, and the presence of the artist. I think this supports your argument that it is good to try both approaches when exhibiting.
Hanneke,
The answer to your question can only depend upon your objectives. If, as Tracy says, you might get higher prices in one location rather than another, then that might steer your answer. If any audience is a good audience, then that also might steer your answer.
I think that seeing ones work in a place like the one you’ve photographed would be fun, regardless of any commercial implications.
I’ve seen shows in both types of venues, and if they’re well thought out, either can be very effective. Though I generally show with the more traditional white-wall kind of galleries, I often see my work hanging in the homes of friends who’ve bought it over the years. I love seeing it there, and knowing it’s a part of their daily lives.
I have made good money at Maurice’s gallery (about $1000 a painting for larger pictures) and I am always looking forward to having another exhibition there because it is so cosy. By accident it is a good tourist location also. There was one tourist there who was shopping there just for fun who bought one of my paintings.
After recalling my art buying habits over the years, I realized that nearly all of the work I have purchased has been from a traditional gallery. And not because I have not shopped in the other kinds, because I have (I shop everywhere:-)). I think it’s because when I look at a painting in a gallery, there are no connotations that come along with it, except for its own of course, because of the clean, sterile atmosphere surrounding it. When looking at art in a more home-like atmosphere all kinds of connections will stay with the piece, distractions, other decorative objects etc. Certainly when I hang the piece on my wall, all of those things exist, but they are MY things, so perhaps that its the difference.
Not sure if this train of thought makes any sense!
Hey Hanneke,
This is cool.
When I look back over my art purchases, it’s clear that I’ve bought out of homes and studios compared to galleries on something of a six to one ratio.
Tracy,
Your reasoning makes a lot of sense. This is part of the magic of Maurice’s gallery: his stuff somehow fits with the artwork he shows. Not every home gallery is like this.
Hanneke, That is true I am sure, that his art fits in the environment he has created. Which makes it a really good find for you!
I once organized an exhibion in the house I grew-up in as a small boy. The show was of 10 prints made from the slides my parents had taken of our family in the same living room.
The neighbors, new and old, were invited.
It never happened.
This sounds soooo cool, very autonomous and avant-garde!!!
I am so happy for you Hanneke that you have found a great place like this to exhibit! It must feel very original as an artist feels its work unique should showed as this.
Any opportunities for young artists like me as well ;-)?
mooie site
Groetjes Yvette