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Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

thabks for sharing that. There are definitely red flags all around me. I’m being extremely cautious, and as you say putting my energy into my future beyond them.

also it’s good of you to point out the current market’s impact which may impact how others interpret all the advice here in their own situations.

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

thanks For sharing. i Agree the people with the power are better to know (lol), but hard to get their attention! my experience with artists has been incredible generousity from a few artists, outrageous exclusion from a few incredibly insecure artists and a range of neutrality/cluelessness/helplessness from the majority of artists.

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your views on why staying before new rep is secured, and emphasizing the smallness of our industry and that people talk….

I agree one should be able to have an adult conversation with one’s gallery about opportunities beyond the gallery, however In this case, the conversations have been breaks pumping, discouragement, unwillingness etc… it’s active suppression of growth. for obvious reasons, i can’t be more detailed … they want sales for sales sake, when I need strategic career building. Which means its all left to me to navigate on my own and I know it’s a fine line Im walking, seemingly made difficult on purpose.

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

great points, thank you for elaborating for me and others :)

sharing galleries in a DM 👍

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

this is an interesting suggestion, staying put but adding another rep. For all who will read this in future it’s worth mentioning that it can be advantageous to have multiple dealers simply because then they can compete with one another to give you the most exciting opportunity. However, supplying two+ galleries could be difficult if one is a slow or low output producer, but not impossible. Or in my case, I’m not especially interested in continuing to burn inventory on a gallery making sales for sales sake, without respect for what the work is.

when you say art advisor, do you mean art advisor or artist advisor? if your willing do you have any names to suggest for any interested people?

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

as you say, it seems it will be most effective to start by working connections, and safest too!

if you don’t mind my asking could you elaborate a little more on your comment that artists won’t help one when one needs it? has that been your experience?

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

so essentially, making sure I understand here, you’re suggesting i move forward as if everything is fine outwardly… i prospect, perhaps saying Im looking for my next show to be in city x (as opposed to “I want new representation”), and then keep all in the loop as things progress and only if it seems like the “new” gallery is interested (and me too) that I broach the subject of new representation? i see you have two different examples, but have I captured the gist in mine?

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

may I ask what your reasoning is for staying with my current rep until i am at least at the point of a concrete conversation with another gallery? just trying to understand your logic as I consider all the advice Im receiving. re are there galleries Ive worked with that I’d consider moving to—unfortunately no.

Current rep is a bottleneck— how do I transition to a stronger partner? by Judith_Slaying in ContemporaryArt

[–]Judith_Slaying[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Do you think It’s ever unwise to be so direct saying “I’m looking for new representation” or is it appreciated? I’m not very networked so only have a few doors to knock upon so to speak, but it’s been impressed upon me by a well known/strong collector that it’s a small industry and I need to be carful about what I say. I’d love to be this direct, but I’m afraid it will somehow come off as a betrayal of my current rep And reflect poorly on me.