It takes talent to hang abstract art, or any art for that matter, especially if the exhibition includes more than one artist. I have great respect for those who do it well.
For a solo show in Hartley Gallery (since closed) in Winter Park, Florida, the director hung my paintings salon style in order to show as many as possible in the space available:
He hung one large abstract at an angle, which I would have thought verboten, but it worked. When I hang a show myself, I never have the nerve to try something like that. Through patient trial and error, I can finally figure out how to get the paintings I brought to look OK next to each other. I always bring extra art, because some combinations just won't work.
In a recent group show I was in at State of the Art Gallery in Ithaca, NY, a member of the hanging committee apologized for the art that was hung next to my abstract painting. A last minute change had to be made, and there was no other choice. I didn't blame him or the committee--putting together such a diverse show had to have been a tremendous challenge. Overall, I think they did a great job.
Today is January 2nd, and though I didn't indulge in any wild parties over the holiday, I still feel hung over. I hope that if you feel that way, you at least had the parties to justify it.
Happy New Year!
