Preparing a painting exhibiton?

Showing ones talent is a tough task.

Well, Angelina might not agree but then we are talking of artists and beginners in the field. The ones who have experimented, collected money to pay the gallery or were lucky enough to get a sponsored show in some gallery.

What does one do after a set of paintings are ready to be put together for a show?

After having 7 shows and an itch to have another one sometime next year i.e. 2009, I thought its a good time to revise what I learnt and post it for new bees to refer to.

The two most important points that make an artist talked about are the strength the person has along with the referrals that come along. The strength of an artist, is what the creative individual truly likes doing and can do best. Look at history- Paul Klee, J Sultan Ali, Jatin Das and the rest of the gurus have their reasons to be remembered. They all could paint and so could the thousands of sign board painters that have lived till now, but how many turned to be another Hussain?

Never paint so that people can buy your work, sales happen eventually. Paint for a reason- freedom, dope, women, fun, spirituality whatever drives you should be there in your paintings. Be proud of what you are, the conviction needs to be known by the press that will write about you. If the press gets to know that you are putting ideas just to get a review, you might end up with a nice article- but then, how long will you manage to put up false ideas to charm people?

Slowly your true identity will reflect in your work and actions, the sooner the authenticity- the better for you.

There are zillions of points flashing around my head, I'll just put them down and then elaborate in the blogs that follow. To the points:

1. Be True

2. Plan your theme

3. Have everything ready at least a month before

4. Invites- they are more important than you think!

5. Framing and the opening

The list could get endless but patience to type is not.

My next show is going to be way better than the ones till now- coz i am getting ready in the mind. The question is- are you?