How to Hang Your Paintings at an Art Exhibition or Gallery
Discover key tips for hanging your paintings and art at exhibitions and in galleries, with advice from UK artist and exhibition organiser Kerwin Blackburn
Welcome to my guide on how to hang and display your paintings at an art exhibition, or for display in an art gallery. Hanging your art isn’t just about finding a spot on the wall – it’s an art form in itself.
As a UK artist who has organised, set up and hosted many successful solo exhibitions of their paintings, in this article I share my top tips to help any aspiring creative display their art with professionalism and confidence.
I’ll explore the classic art-hanging method of hooks and nails, and alternative hanging systems like wire setups. I’ll shed light on how professionals hang their art do and answer questions about display height, spacing, and the number of pieces to hang.
Art can be hung at an exhibition using hooks, wire hanging systems, or display stands. Consider the volume and spacing of your art pieces to fill but not overcrowd the available space. Enhance your display with products, proper lighting, clear labels, and contact details for a successful exhibition.
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or new to exhibiting, this guide will help you master the art of presenting your paintings. Let’s make sure your work makes a lasting impression on its audience.
I have written a separate blog post about how to organise your own show-stopping art exhibition, featuring 12 areas to plan. Read this here to learn more about exhibiting as an artist.
Watch me hanging my paintings at one of my By Kerwin exhibitions here!
How Do You Hang Paintings in an Exhibition?
When it comes to hanging paintings for exhibitions, artists use different methods, each with its pros and cons. Whether you’ve found a creative venue for your art display or are lucky enough to have access to a gallery, you’ll want to make sure you hang your work correctly.
Art can be hung at an exhibition using hooks, wire hanging systems, or display stands. Consider the volume and spacing of your art pieces to fill but not overcrowd the available space. Enhance your display with products, proper lighting, clear labels, and contact details for a successful exhibition.
Traditional Hook & Nail Method
The traditional approach to hanging is to use hooks and nails. It’s simple – hooks are nailed into the wall, and your paintings hang on them. This works well for all kinds of artworks, big or small.
Hook and nail hanging is fairly easy and adaptable, allowing you to position your artworks exactly where you want them. However, there is the need to put holes in your exhibition wall, and risk of further wall damage during set-up.
Measuring the precise points for your hooks can also be a slow and laborious process. Consider these pros and cons, and the nature of your artwork and exhibition space.
Learn more about hanging paintings: For a deep dive into the traditional hook and nail method of hanging art, check out my detailed guide here. It covers tips and tricks for a successful hanging experience.
Wall Hanging & Measuring Tip: If you’re hanging several art pieces and require accuracy (and speed) during your hanging, invest in a self-levelling laser beam tool and a tripod. This gadget can beam a laser all along your exhibition wall, allowing you to take simple measurements from this guideline. It can save you a LOT of time – while increasing your precision. Search for these on Amazon.
My self-levelling laser beam being used for aligning my paintings at one of my exhibitions
Alternative Exhibition Hanging Systems
Wire Hanging System
Wire hanging systems present a modern and versatile alternative. Artists use wires hanging down from the top of a wall or display board, which have sliding hooks on them that affix to the back of the artworks.
The wire hanging system offers flexibility in adjusting the height of the artwork. This method is a fast set up option, as it doesn’t require the measuring and hammering that the hook and nail approach requires.
However, a big downside for many artists is that the wires are visible where they hang down from the top of the wall or exhibition board. A wire system often doesn’t provide the precision or stability that hooks do, and your paintings will not be fixed flush against the wall.
Hanging Rails
In larger gallery spaces, hanging rails come into play. These systems involve mounting rails on the walls, from which artworks are suspended. The advantage lies in the flexibility to rearrange and showcase a variety of pieces, creating a dynamic exhibition layout.
However, the rails themselves may be at fixed heights, preventing you from altering the heights of your works of art.
Adhesive/Command Strips
For smaller or lighter pieces, adhesive strips offer a non-invasive solution (the most popular brand is ‘Command’ strips). These double-sided strips affix to both the artwork and the wall, providing stability without the need for nails. They allow your paintings to be fixed flush against the wall, for a clean appearance.
These neat and efficient strips are useful for temporary exhibitions, they leave minimal marks upon removal. However, they are more expensive than traditional hooks and nails.
Choosing the appropriate hanging method for your exhibition involves considering the size, medium style of your artwork. Also consider the nature of the exhibition space, and your desired visual impact. allowing artists to curate a display that does justice to their creative vision.
Choosing the right method depends on your artwork and where you’re displaying it. It’s about making your art shine while considering the space and visual impact.
How High Should You Hang Your Paintings at an Exhibition?
Eye Level Rule
Here’s a simple trick: hang your art at eye level. This means the middle of your artwork should be around the same height as most people’s eyes. It makes your art easy to see and connect with. Imagine having a chat with your artwork – you’d want to do it at a comfortable height, right?
The 57-Inch Rule
To simplify this guideline further, this informal interior design rule advises to position the centre of your artwork at 57 inches above the floor. This magic number is based on the average human eye level, making it a sweet spot for optimal viewing.
Variations Based on Space
Remember, however, that there’s no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to hanging art. The height might change depending on where you’re exhibiting your art.
If it’s a fancy gallery or a cosy art space, think about what feels right. Consider how tall people are, the type of space you have, and the overall vibe you’re going for. It’s about finding the perfect fit for your art within the exhibition space’s personality.
How Many Paintings or Artworks Should You Display at an Exhibition?
Just as with the creation of your art itself, your approach to displaying your pieces is a subjective matter that will depend on the exhibition feel you want to create.
Consider the Space:
Think of your exhibition space like a canvas – it has its limits. Before deciding on the number of artworks, take a good look around. Small space? Maybe go for a select few to avoid overcrowding. Big space? Feel free to spread your creative wings! The key is to find the right balance so that your art shines without feeling cramped.
Consider your Art Style:
Are you paintings or artworks all about conveying a sense of calmness and serenity? Then you may want to display fewer paintings and arrange these sparsely, giving them (and the viewer) room to breathe and contemplate. If, however, you’re looking to create a high-tempo, instant impact on your audience, consider placing more artworks closer together and really filling your available space.
This latter approach is largely what I use when exhibiting my By Kerwin music-inspired, pop art paintings. I pack many of my portraits and their different colours tightly together as I want to convey their sense of energy and immediacy. However, I still hang these uniformly and give each individual painting enough wall space to breathe.
Creating a Cohesive Display:
Imagine your exhibition as a story, and each painting is a chapter. To make it a page-turner, consider the theme, style, and size of your artworks. If your pieces have a common thread, they’ll tell a more compelling tale.
Mix your exhibition up with different sizes of paintings (and also prints and merchandise, as I do with my By Kerwin exhibits), but keep an eye on the overall harmony. It’s like creating a playlist where each song complements the next – variety with a dash of cohesion makes for an artful experience.
How closely should you hang your paintings?
As briefly touched upon above, related to the question of how many pieces to display at an exhibition is how closely to then hang these. This is a tricky question for artists, particularly when exhibiting for the first time or exhibiting in a new venue. Consider the following factors:
Consideration of Space
Imagine your exhibition space as a canvas where each painting plays a role. It’s crucial to think about the space between artworks. Too close, and things might look crowded. Just right, and each piece gets its moment to shine. Remember, the spacing should match the overall vibe and theme you’re going for.
Maintaining Balance
Balance is the name of the game. Consider the size and style of each artwork. Big pieces might need a bit more breathing room, while smaller ones may work better displayed closer together. Finding the sweet spot ensures your exhibition feels harmonious and visually appealing.
Creating Visual Flow
Think of your paintings as chapters in a story. By placing them strategically, you guide the viewer through a visual journey. Do your artworks make a greater impact when displayed next to other particular works? It’s about creating a flow that enhances the overall experience as people move through your exhibition.
Exhibiting my By Kerwin Paintings and Art
When it comes to my own By Kerwin exhibitions, I spend considerable time in the planning phase considering the layout of my music-inspired, pop art portrait paintings. I make sure that my paintings in any one colour are interspersed across the available space, broken up by other colours (I don’t want all the oranges clustered down one end, for instance).
I’ll also make sure to disperse the different musical personalities and genres evenly across my display too. For instance, I like to display a Motown icon next to a hip-hop legend [Biggie] and someone from rock and roll, I don’t want all faces of the same style of music together. This maintains an interesting variety to my display.
Testing Arrangements
Don’t be afraid to play around! Before you commit to a layout, experiment with different arrangements. You can do mock setups or use virtual tools to see how everything comes together. It’s like trying on outfits until you find the perfect match.
Consistency in Spacing
Consistency is key for a polished look. Keep the spacing between artworks consistent throughout the exhibition. This creates a professional and cohesive feel, tying your artistic narrative together seamlessly.
How to Display Art Without Hanging on Walls?
As I have written about in my blog post about organising your own art exhibition, the key to an engaging exhibition is to display art across multiple viewpoints; not just vertically on the walls. Consider complementing your original paintings and artworks with smaller print editions, homeware merchandise or even 3D sculptural interpretations of your art.
These can all help you create an engaging narrative at your exhibition. Beyond hanging art on the wall, consider displaying it using other furniture too:
Easels and Stands
Think beyond hanging! For three-dimensional or freestanding artworks, easels or display stands are your best pals. They give your art the spotlight it deserves without needing a nail in the wall. It’s like giving each piece its own stage to shine.
Easels are often great to add in the corner of a room to soften harsh gallery edges, or to fill other odd spaces in an exhibition venue.
Gallery Pedestals
When it comes to sculptures or artworks meant to be admired from all angles, gallery pedestals are the go-to. These platforms elevate your art, literally! Placing sculptures on pedestals not only adds flair but allows viewers to appreciate every curve and detail.
It’s about turning your art into a captivating exhibit that people can walk around and explore from different viewpoints. So, if you want your art to stand out without hanging on walls, easels, stands, and pedestals are your secret weapons for a show-stopping exhibition.
Enhancing Your Exhibition Beyond Artwork – What Else Do I Need For My Display?
Once your paintings or art is perfectly hung on the walls of your exhibition, you can now turn your attention to the important finishing required to allow your audience and your art to connect.
Correct Lighting
Let there be light, but not just any light! Proper lighting is a game-changer. It can make colours pop and textures dance. Explore different lighting options – maybe some spotlights on key pieces or a more subtle ambient glow. Experiment and find what brings out the best in your artworks.
Artwork Labels
Labels are like the storytellers of your exhibition. Each artwork needs its own introduction. Make sure your labels spill the details: artist name, title, medium, year of creation, and any interesting titbits. It’s not just informative; it adds a personal touch to your display.
Artist Biography
Include a summary of yourself, your art journey, inspiration, and any relevant qualifications on a biography board or sign at the entrance to your exhibition. Give you audience the opportunity to connect with you as a person behind your art.
Contact Details and Social Media
Don’t be a mystery artist! Share your contact details and social media handles. It’s not just about networking; it’s about potential sales and future collaborations. Let people know how to reach out, follow your creative journey, and maybe take a piece of your art home. It’s like leaving breadcrumbs for exciting opportunities.
Conclusion: Elevate Your Artful Display
In this guide, we’ve journeyed through the intricacies of hanging and displaying your paintings and artwork at exhibitions. Remember, whether you’re a first-time exhibitor or a seasoned professional, the key is to have a plan and tailor your exhibition or gallery appearance to your artistic narrative.
Consider spacing, balance, and lighting crucial for an aesthetically pleasing showcase. Equipped with these practical insights, you’re now free to plan your next exhibition! Apply these tips to transform your next public display into a visual masterpiece. Your art deserves the spotlight, and these strategies will help it shine.
To all the artists out there, your creative journey is a constant evolution. Embrace each exhibition as an opportunity to refine, captivate, and leave a lasting mark on your audience. Your art is a story; make each exhibition of it a compelling chapter.
What is the most helpful piece of advice in this art-hanging guide? Explore my range of music icon pop art paintings and shop prints in my online shop at www.bykerwin.com
I have written a separate blog post about how to organise your own show-stopping art exhibition, featuring 12 areas to plan. Read this here to learn more about exhibiting as an artist. Learn about how to hang paintings in your home here.
View my full range of Jackson Pollock-inspired pop art paintings and prints of your favourite music and pop culture icons at www.bykerwin.com. High-definition printing, fast worldwide delivery and satisfaction guaranteed. You can follow my art progress on Instagram and Facebook.
