Fluid communication is a decisive key to the success of any relationship. The same applies to the relationship between artist and gallerist, and the first step in this dialogue is the fluent expression of the intentions behind your work.

People can enjoy just looking at your artwork, but the dialogue helps in understanding the artwork deeply.

In the first place, you are looking at a visual language, but it is definitely useful if artists are also skilled in explaining their work, “It’s important that they have a strong understanding of what they do and are at least able to communicate that.”

Of course, explaining the inspirations and objectives behind your work might not come easily. The key is practice, whether you do so by recording your ideas in a notebook, talking through your inspirations with a friend or curator you are comfortable with, or even training yourself to describe your work in front of a mirror.

Be comfortable, be coherent, but also do not be obtuse and pretentious. This will not impress a gallerist.

They want to hear how you think about your work; they want to have a conversation. They want to understand your ideologies and have interpersonal experiences with them. They want to invest in the discourse surrounding your practice.”