Spring Art Refresh?
/Now that spring has sprung, many of us think of Spring cleaning and just generally freshening our spaces. This mindset of revitalization presents a good opportunity to ask yourself if your art collection could use a refresh.
Letting Go
Although ideally, every piece you collect continues to resonate for the ages, sometimes we have held works that we’ve simply outgrown or which no longer fit with the direction of the collection. Or perhaps a move has eliminated the appropriate spot in which to best highlight a piece. If any of these apply, it could be that the time has come for a piece to find its next forever home where it will be newly appreciated. There are several options for divestment, such as auction, private sale, or a consignment to a gallery, or design shop, depending on the current market for that specific piece at that point in time.
Mix it Up
However, I find that sometimes just rearranging existing works is all it takes to breathe new life into a collection and change your perspective. I think of a group of works which hang together as being “in conversation” with one another. Sometimes just mixing up these conversations brings out different qualities in the individual works. A certain color comes to the forefront, or some elements become more or less prominent. Try moving pieces around to different walls or even different rooms. Play with hanging things higher or lower than normal. Sometimes the unexpected is a revelation! Here’s a link to a previous blog post about DIY art installation: https://www.arnoultfineart.com/news/2019/3/1/simple-steps-to-hanging-art
Let’s Reframe
And if you have works that were framed many years ago, it might be time to consider reframing.
This is especially important for works on paper and fine art prints framed before the 90s (as a general rule). These days, newer methods in archival framing and high-tech glass and acrylic will protect these more fragile works so they can live on into the future. You’ll want your framer/conservator/advisor to check for foxing, fading, mat burn, and other condition issues, many of which can be repaired. A new mat and frame can provide a fresh presentation for the piece’s future chapters. I find keeping it simple is a good rule of thumb. A clean mat and simple black or metallic-tone frame will let the piece take center stage.
Before and After: Unframing this etching by Eduardo Chillida revealed two areas of mat burn as well as a horizontal area of bleaching caused by part of the previous frame structure (left). After professional restoration the piece was reframed with a new mat and a simple black frame (right).
When reframing a painting on canvas, I recommend a float frame when possible. These types of frames punctuate a piece without interfering with the image. Of course, if you have an older painting on canvas in its original frame, or an artist-made frame, its usually best to keep the two together (theirs is a long-term relationship). Some old, high-quality frames can have significant value. Best to check with an expert before doing away with them.
If you need assistance with a divestment, or framing advice, get in touch!