You’ve created an artwork, got it photographed beautifully, framed tastefully and then sent it out onto the open calls to see what people think. Then that email lands, the one that says ‘no’. It can be really tough to process the rejection when you’ve given your all.
I’ve been privileged to work in a selector role for exhibitions and it was an eye-opening experience. Seeing the submission process from both sides has given me more perspective on the multiple rejections I receive each year. Here are a few of the reasons why excellent work doesn’t get selected for art shows:
Every selector has their own interests, each exhibition will have sub-themes that they wish to explore in the artwork, images from Canva.com
If you create really large, really small or oddly shaped artworks it can be harder for selectors to envisage the hang options, images from Canva.com
Artwork that shares similar themes, medium or colours with other artworks up for selection can be rejected even when it’s exceptionally good, images from Canva.com
The exhibition venue, art show sponsors and patrons will have their own ideas about what can and cannot be displayed in the art exhibition, images from Canva.com
Top Tip: Focus on exhibitions that are aligned with your practice. Sending three entries to an opportunity that fits is a better use of time and money then submitting three different entries to exhibitions that don’t quite match up.
You need a strong, resilient streak to be an artist. Whenever a rejection shakes your faith dig into that ferocious, fearless creative soul of yours. It may be surprising to learn that even established artists deal with rejection. Ultimately, there are so many reasons that a selector might say ‘no’ to excellent artwork. These are just five of them. Keep making work, keep sending it out into the world and above all keep the faith. I’d love to hear about your experiences on the roller coaster of Open Exhibitions, drop a comment below to tell me how you handle it.
REFERENCE LINKS
Images from Home – Canva
Links to artist opportunities in the UK (I am in no way affiliated with these organisations):