I came across this review of an art exhibition held in 2017 at the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. Arts columnist Gowri Sunder, from The Tartan of Carnegie Mellon University, provides perspective on the artist statement in the review. I was working on a roundtable focusing on artist statements at the time I visited the exhibition. So, I was actively seeking out the statements provided by each artist. Some similar thoughts as shared here crossed my mind as I worked my way through the exhibit.
Thoughts on the Artist Statement
One observation worth sharing.
Ambiguity in art is beautiful and important, but vague art jargon and broad concepts without specificity to the work will lessen the viewer’s ability to be invested.
Closing thoughts are especially relevant.
As an arts columnist, I have the incredible opportunity to talk to artists about their intentions for their work — their passion for their subject matter and practice is contagious, and it makes it easy to match their investment in their work. The artist statement is for those who don’t get to have that conversation. It is the artist’s direct communication with the audience and should not be taken for granted.
I recommend a read of Sunder’s column as a reminder for any artist showing work.
If you’d like help writing your artist statement, I’d love to help. Visit my artist statement mini-consult page to learn more.
