Writing exhibition texts is an art form in itself. The introduction text is one of the first things you see when you enter the exhibition hall. It is meant to guide the audience through the installation and to help them understand the intention behind the artwork. Art curators, people who usually write exhibition texts, are responsible for a successful presentation of the artist and their creation. With all of that in mind, how does one write engaging texts about art?
While you might be an expert in the career of an artist you are writing about and know everything about them, an exhibition text is not the best place to showcase that. Try to keep it short and brief but also professional. Demonstrate your knowledge in the area by being precise and to the point.
What are the things the audience should absolutely know about the artist and their work? Is there something in their biography that will provide important background to the exhibition? What are the mediums the artist works in, and why? Finally, and most importantly, what is the ‘big idea’ of the exhibition? Try to explain the artist’s intention in simple terms in the opening paragraph and then expand on it if needed.
Exhibition texts are often structured like a pyramid. On top of it is the title of the exhibition. Then follows something art curators call the ‘big theme’ — the main motif binding the entire installation together. After that, smaller groups of items and sub-themes can be introduced. Individual pieces with their unique meanings and labels come in the end.
This applies to many types of writing, as well as art in general. Reading texts in the galleries you visit and noticing the things you like about them can help you improve your writing style.
This tip concerns not only your writing abilities but also your knowledge of art history. Your job is not just to write about one specific exhibition; you also need to see tendencies and trends, spot influences, and highlight innovation. It is impossible to do those things without conducting research first.
If you are a future art curator, we hope this article was somewhat useful to you. You can use these tips to start and then develop your own system that will work best for you. Stay passionate, work hard, and good luck!
Museums, galleries, and cultural institutions face a stubborn financial problem: collections need stable environments even as energy, maintenance, and staffing costs rise. Cutting utility use without understanding conservation risks can damage the very objects these organizations exist...
A mechanical watch turns the steady release of stored energy into a display that can be read at a glance. Beneath the dial, gears, springs, and oscillating parts create a miniature performance whose precision depends on carefully...
High-end architecture now favors spaces that feel good to inhabit, age gracefully, and respond to everyday needs. Dramatic forms and premium finishes still have their place, but comfort, environmental quality, and flexibility increasingly shape the design brief....
A signature jewelry style often begins with the pieces you reach for several times a week. Earrings are especially influential because they sit close to the face, catch the light, and can change the tone of an...
A bold pair of shoes can give a basic outfit a clear point of view. Color, shape, and texture draw the eye downward, making familiar pieces such as jeans, plain dresses, and tailored pants feel more intentional....
Booking a facial can mean very different things depending on what you want from the experience. Sometimes, you simply want an hour to relax and give your skin a little extra attention. Other times, you may be...
Discover. Reflect. Connect.
Follow how art moves across studios, cities, markets, and ideas. Essays, interviews, and perspectives on contemporary art, design, and art history.
