Creating a gallery wall in your home is an exciting way to express your personal style and breathe new life into your living space. If you're looking to dive into the vibrant world of contemporary art, here are 7 tips to help you curate a stunning and cohesive gallery wall:
1. Embrace Mixed Mediums and Materials
Contemporary art is all about diversity and innovation. Start by mixing different mediums and materials. Incorporate paintings, sculptures, textiles, and photographydigital art to create a dynamic and engaging display. The contrast between various textures and forms can add depth and intrigue to your wall.
2. Play with Different Frames
Frames can significantly influence the aesthetic of your art wall. Experiment with different styles, colors, and sizes. Sleek, modern frames can highlight the art itself, while ornate or vintage frames can add a touch of character. Don't be afraid to mix and match; the diversity in frames can add to the contemporary feel.
3. Add Black and White for Contrast
Including black and white artworks can provide a striking contrast to more colourful pieces. This interplay of monochrome and color can create a balanced and visually appealing composition. Black and white photography, in particular, adds a timeless and sophisticated element to your art wall.
4. Showcase Works on Paper
Works on paper, such as sketches, prints, and drawings, are a fantastic addition to any contemporary art wall. They offer a delicate and often intimate glimpse into the artist's process. When framing works on paper, consider using tray frame to add a sense of space around the artwork, enhancing its presence.
IMAGE: Royal Academy Summer Exhibition 2023
5. Integrate Personal Pieces
By combining photography, personal heirlooms and children's artwork, you create a dynamic and deeply personal artwork. This blends tells your unique story and connects the past and the present.
Antique prints can bring a sense of history and nostalgia to your display. These pieces often carry a story and can create a beautiful contrast with more modern artworks. Consider framing them in a way that highlights their vintage charm, perhaps with distressed or ornate frames that stand out against sleek, contemporary pieces.
Children's artwork is not only charming but also a wonderful way to celebrate creativity within your family. Framing these pieces professionally can elevate them, making them an integral part of your art wall rather than an afterthought. This approach can add a whimsical and heartfelt dimension to your collection.
6. Create a Balanced Composition
When arranging your art pieces, aim for a balanced composition. Start by placing larger pieces first and then fill in with smaller works. Consider the overall shape of your arrangement – whether it’s a grid, a cluster, or a linear progression. Step back and adjust as needed to ensure harmony and flow.
IMAGE: Aleph Contemporary Summer Exhibition 2024
7. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, trust your instincts and personal taste. Contemporary art is all about breaking boundaries and expressing individuality. Let your personality shine through in your selections and arrangements. The most important thing is that your art wall resonates with you and brings you joy.
TOP TIP: Before hanging the art, measure your wall and use masking tape to mark out an area the same size on the floor.Now you can lay out your artworks and try out different variations and placements before you hang them on your wall
By following these tips, you'll gain the confidence to move beyond traditional landscapes and curate a contemporary art wall that is both visually stunning and deeply personal.
Happy curating !
