As I prepare for the opening of my next show, I find myself reflecting on why I've always disliked private views. It's not just the awkwardness of being surrounded by strangers or the challenge of approaching them—it's also a question of respect for the artists. When I work with artists, I want to honour their efforts and creations. Yet, I'm not sure if throwing a party between their fragile artworks and inviting loads of people so that no one can actually see art is a respectful thing to do.
What defines the success of a private view? Why do we think a crowded room equates to success? Does it mean the exhibition was good, the works were exceptional, or the curation was outstanding? If you attend an opening, chances are you won't truly experience the art. You likely won't engage in meaningful conversations with the artist or curator, and DO NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOW PHOTOS OF YOUR WORK TO ANYONE! THIS IS NOT THE SPACE AND TIME TO DO IT! (<- btw these are not my words. I do want to know who you are, and I apologise if we chatted on Instagram and I don't remember. Just show me your profile ;) There is an assumption that you must be there to network. That's what my BA tutor told me. I couldn't understand how I was supposed to do the networking if I couldn't say who I was. I once met an artist desperate to exhibit at a particular gallery. She attended all their private views, engaged with their Instagram posts, and yet—nothing. She felt invisible. So she asked me, "What's the point of going to more openings?" A valid question.
Let's ask the big question: "What is a Private View?" At its core, is a private view meant to celebrate the artist's and curator's efforts in bringing a body of work into the world? And if so, for what purpose? For experiences? For feelings? For communication? Or for discussion? If those are the goals, how often do they truly occur during a private view? What's next? Isn't "the next" more important?
Let's go even more profound: "What is the Private View NOW?" It is not private at all, is it? The "private" happens between 11 am and 2 pm on Wednesday when only VIPs can come because everyone else must have a normal job. Or it happens a day or a few hours before the Public Private Opening because many critics, collectors and anyone else who is too cool for youngsters' party don't want to be a part of "the public". They don't like the crowds (I don't either :D I may be the "too cool" one as well)
Now we're back to the main question, "What Does a Successful Private View Look Like?" Is it about the numbers or about who shows up? It's hard to tell when you don't recognise 90% of the faces there. But how'd you know? Most often, you don't know 90% of the faces that came. Unless it's a PV of someone from your gang or your own - because sadly, most often, it's your gang that comes, and they already know all about your practice or know what to expect. Sadly, very few new people would learn about the show before its opening cuz how would they? The promotion of a show is another tough topic I may write about in the future. I learn about many shows from others' stories. Perhaps numbers with phones and active social media may be perceived as a success.
Or is it about the quality of conversations? Many argue that meaningful dialogue is more valuable than a packed room. Yet, how can you have deep conversations when you're shouting over music, dodging bags, and trying not to spill wine? Ahhhhh yessss, the wineeee! It is "the norm", and for many, it's the most expensive part of the show. More and more people stop drinking, but the art world is effectively ignoring them. The alcohol is the pressure we put on ourselves, so from now on, if I don't manage to get an alcohol sponsor for a PV, I won't serve it. Would nice nibbles be an alternative? After all, many attendees show up hungry after work.
So if not about the quantity or wine then it must be THE QUALITY. Is it possible that less is better?
Would you prefer a large crowd that spends 30 seconds perusing your work or a single visitor with whom the conversation will transform both of your lives? Likely, it won't happen during the PV. That said, I respect Billy Fraser's @billy_fraser decision to prioritise conversation over partying during his opening. It was a day-long event designed to respect the gravity of the political topics he addressed in his work.
For my upcoming show, the focus isn't on heavy or "risky" topics. It's a "pleasant experience" kind of show. In the back of my head, I always have something that one of my curator friends said. He is a very serious man and has been in the arts his whole life. I am not sure if, after experiencing all the shit in our industry, there is still some love left in him (I still think you are amazing :*), but he said, "Art can not change anything" We could have a very long debate about it as perhaps it's not THE OBJECT but the THOUGHTS and CONVERSATIONS and after that ACTIONS can change something. I believe it's important to know that "Not every art or exhibition HAS TO change the world". We can hope that the fruit of our creativity will positively impact something, even if it is just a pleasant experience, but those are also important. We live in a hectic, pain-filled, fear-filled, doubt-filled world, and so maybe creating a moment of joy or comfort is just as important.
After writing all this mainly for myself to "think out loud", I came to the conclusion that the format of the opening should be in line with what the exhibition is about and what you want to achieve with the opening. This time I want the artists I work with and the visitors to have an enjoyable experience, to feel cared for and appreciated for coming. These are my goals, so the party with wine AND SOFT DRINKS will take place. Mark February 6th in your calendars ;)
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