the gallery that wanted changes, did you push back or just do it?
So here's something I've been chewing on. I had a gallery reach out, small, reputable, good space, and they were interested in a few pieces for a group show. But then came the feedback. "Can you make this a bit warmer?" "The composition on this one feels crowded." "Maybe try a larger format."
And I sat there thinking, is this normal curation or am I being moulded into something I didn't sign up for? Because on one hand, they know their space and their buyers. On the other hand, these are my paintings, you know? I already finished them.
I ended up doing some of what they asked and standing firm on others. Mixed feelings about it still.
Have any of you had a gallery ask for changes before accepting work? Did you do it, negotiate, or just say sorry and move on? I want to know where the line is.
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ugh this is SUCH a good question and honestly I've gone back and forth on it so many times.
I think there's a difference between "hey this piece would sing better in this space if you pushed the contrast a little" and "can you fundamentally change what this painting is." The first one is them doing their job, they see how it'll hang, they know the light in their room, they have a sense of what their collectors respond to. The second one is them trying to paint through you and that's where I'd dig my heels in.
what helped me was figuring out my hard no's beforehand so I'm not deciding in the moment when I'm all flattered and nervous. For me it's like, you can ask me to adjust color temperature or try a different size, but you don't get to tell me what to paint or rearrange my composition. That's mine.
also I think it's worth asking yourself if you'd make the change anyway if no one was watching. If it's something that actually makes the painting better and you just hadn't thought of it? worth considering. If it makes you feel icky? trust that.
what did you end up changing vs standing firm on? I'm nosy haha
Yeah, the "painting through you" bit really hit. That's exactly the line, isn't it? Someone suggesting a tweak vs someone wanting a whole different piece.
The hard no's thing is smart. I haven't done that, I've been deciding case by case and it's exhausting. What are some of yours, if you don't mind me asking? Just trying to figure out where I'd draw mine.
That distinction you make is the whole thing, really. A suggestion about how something reads in a specific room is useful. That's just seeing. But when they start rewriting the work itself, they might as well commission someone else.