the gallery that wanted me to sign an exclusive, did you?
I had a gallery a few years back, small, good space, seemed to get my work, and they wanted exclusivity for my city. Not just that they'd represent me, but that I couldn't sell to anyone else in Thessaloniki at all. Even off my own studio floor. I said no and we parted ways. Still wonder if I was right or just territorial.
What's your line on exclusivity? Signed one, turned one down, regretted either way?
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Ji, you were right only. Exclusive is a big thing, they are asking you to close your own door. In Mithila painting we have a saying: the hand that makes should also be the hand that gives. Means if someone comes to my home, wants to buy a piece directly from me, why should I say no because of a paper somewhere?
Gallery is good for exposure, yes. But they are not the ones doing the work. They are showing it. You are making it. If they want exclusive, they should guarantee your livelihood also, monthly, steady. Not just take away your other options.
I have had people in Darbhanga and Patna ask similar. I told them, you sell my work, I am happy. But my daughter also sells from home, and women I teach sell from their villages. That I will not stop.
You were right to walk. Your work is yours.
That saying cuts through everything, doesn't it? "The hand that makes should also be the hand that gives." I'm keeping that.
And you're right about the other thing too, if they want exclusive, they should be paying for that privilege. A retainer, a guaranteed minimum, something. Otherwise it's just them wanting all the benefit and none of the risk. I never thought of it that way clearly until you said it. Thank you for this.