The Audacity of Scale
Showing artwork at a large scale automatically confers credibility and status to the artist. Large work is a sign of confident assertion of the work's validity. The larger the presentation, the bolder declaration. Monumental art is for monumental egos.
But what gatekeepers curate these rare venues? (Probably nobody you or I will ever meet.) What if we create works that are designed to be seen at this large scale? The reality for most of us is that our art will only to be seen at the scale of a postage stamp on an iPhone.
I've always created artwork that I visualize at large scale. I have been putting some of that work into imaginary venues that allows me to see the image as I intend it. This is an audacious act. And the considerations it generates for me are fascinating. Which, if any, of my images are worthy? Is my work credible, or am I credible enough as an artist to command the attention of the public and deserve it?
I encourage you to try this thought experiment. And I hope one of those elusive curators, those rare arbiters of taste see what I see here. Someone who is ready to go big or go home.
Only a small fraction of my abstract paintings actually work at monumental scale.
This feels like a piece that would have the gravitas befitting an embassy.
If I were going to have a retrospective show at a major gallery, what would the central iconic piece be? Would it have the impact I envision?
I have a large body of photography in different styles and themes. What images would I pick if invited into a significant venue? How would I curate my own collection? What images show well at scale, which don't, and why?
Would my work stand up to the competitors? Is it different enough to be considered fresh?
Would audiences be captivated or bored?
Is the quiet mood that I find compelling lost on the public? Or do they connect to it?
Am I ready for this?
I envision my landscape paintings large when I make them. I think they work at a very large scale.
Some of my images make less sense small. They call out for scale.
So try this thought experiment: for yourself: curate your own work to be seen at large scale. What will you learn about yourself and about your body of work?
Are you ready to be audacious?
Let me know if you think my work is ready for showing at large scale. Thanks for viewing and for your comments.
