From Studio to Gallery: Preparing Artwork for Exhibition
By Sebastien Montel
Every painting begins in the solitude of the studio, but its journey often extends far beyond those walls. Preparing artwork for exhibition is a process that transforms a private act of creation into a public dialogue. As a French artist working in both Los Angeles and Palm Springs, I’ve learned that the way a piece is presented can shape how viewers connect with it.
Selecting the Right Works
Not every painting is meant for every exhibition. The first step is to curate a group of works that tell a cohesive story. In contemporary art, galleries often look for consistency in theme, technique, or emotional resonance. For me, this means choosing pieces that highlight the interplay between expressionist art, emotional art, and psychological art.
The Role of Materials and Detail
My practice often incorporates mixed media art, oil paint layered with newspaper, pencil, or photography. These textures demand close attention in preparation. I ensure that surfaces are fully dry, edges are clean, and framing enhances the tactile depth without overwhelming it.
Framing and Presentation
Presentation matters as much as the work itself. A poorly chosen frame can distract, while the right one becomes a quiet extension of the painting. For some of my pieces, I prefer minimal frames that allow the color, distortion, and emotional force of the work to remain the focus.
Transport and Installation
Once prepared, the next step is transport. Protecting texture-heavy works is crucial, especially when sending pieces from my Palm Springs studio to exhibitions in Los Angeles or beyond. On-site, the installation becomes a collaboration with curators, deciding placement, lighting, and how the work interacts with the gallery space.
The Transition from Private to Public
Exhibiting art is always a moment of vulnerability. A work that lived in silence suddenly meets the gaze of strangers. But this is also where art comes alive. In the gallery, the emotional and psychological themes I embed in my paintings find new meaning through the viewer’s perspective.
From the studio’s solitude to the gallery’s light, preparing artwork for exhibition is about honoring both the creative process and the audience who encounters it. Each stage ensures that the work remains true to its essence, ready to be seen, felt, and remembered.