When it comes to displaying art, there's a fine line between making a statement and creating a chaotic mess on your walls. The art of hanging displays creativity, aesthetics, and personality. Original art can change the feeling one experiences in a space, making it more welcoming and personal. Artwork hung on the wall or displayed on a shelf makes your space unique, as a viewer sees something not found anywhere else.
Whether you're a seasoned art enthusiast or just starting to curate your space, this guide will provide you with invaluable insights and tips to elevate your display game.
Start with Purpose - Before you begin arranging your art, consider the purpose behind your display. What story do you want to tell? Whether it's expressing your personal style or showcasing a particular theme, your art should reflect your essence.
"Every artist dips his brush in his soul and paints his nature into his pictures." - Henry Ward Beecher
Consider the Setting: Prior to hanging your artwork, take a moment to evaluate the environment. Is it a residential space, a commercial area, or a formal institution? The surrounding social, political, and architectural context, along with factors such as window placement, doorways, ceiling height, and flooring quality, can significantly shape how viewers engage with your art.
Choose Secure Locations: While the temptation to showcase your favorite piece above the fireplace or by a window may be strong, exercise caution. Fireplaces and direct sunlight can lead to gradual damage to your artwork.
The Power of Symmetry and Asymmetry - Symmetry can create a sense of harmony and order, while asymmetry can add intrigue and dynamism. Mix and match these principles to keep your display visually captivating.
Height Matters - Consider the height at which you hang your art. Your intuition and the artwork's dimensions should guide you. In general, modern and contemporary artworks are best displayed at a height of approximately 1.55 meters (around 5 feet) from the ground, with the midpoint of the artwork at eye level. However, Old Masters may warrant slightly higher positioning. Adjust the placement to harmonize with your room's furnishings and ceiling height.
Mind Your Mounting: To ensure your art remains securely in place and doesn't shift when someone passes by, utilize dual fixtures on either side of flat art.
Identify Visual Connections: Grouping artworks that share visual or thematic elements can amplify the overall impact of your display. Alternatively, the contrast between styles and historical periods can create captivating visual arrangements. As you'll soon discover, Jamie Wyeth was onto something when he said, "You can't be cluttered and still have an economy of line. You need a certain number of empty spaces to make your eye work."
Negative Space Matters - As Marc-Olivier Wahler points out, negative space is an underrated element in art displays. The spaces between your artworks can influence how viewers perceive your collection. Pay attention to the dynamics of these spaces.
Diversify Your Display: Don't hesitate to mix various artistic periods and genres within your collection. The juxtaposition of artworks with differing styles and themes can spark compelling visual dialogues.
Leverage Technical Tools: For precision in hanging, always rely on a tape measure and a spirit level to ensure your artworks are perfectly aligned. This becomes especially important when striving for symmetry in your arrangement. If you need good installers, I can recommend you some. Feel free to email me.
Mind Obstacles: Understanding your wall's structural composition is crucial. Avoid water pipes and electrical wiring when affixing your art. It's advisable to use appropriately sized wall fixtures, particularly for larger and heavier pieces.
Trust Your Instincts: At the end of the day, the most important thing is that your art speaks to you. As renowned artist Georgia O'Keeffe wisely put it, "I've been absolutely terrified every moment of my life—and I've never let it keep me from doing a single thing I wanted to do." Trust your instincts and arrange your art in a way that resonates with you.
"Art is not what you see, but what you make others see." - Edgar Degas
The art of hanging art displays combines both artistic creativity and scientific precision. It involves a delicate balance of aesthetics, purpose, and personal expression. There is no universal formula for hanging art but keep in mind the words of Vincent van Gogh: "I am seeking. I am striving. I am in it with all my heart." With passion and creativity, your walls can become a canvas that tells your unique story for all to see. Your art should mirror your individuality and taste, elevating your living environment for your personal enjoyment as well as that of your guests.