​What is the negative side of being represented by an art gallery

​What is the negative side of being represented by an art gallery

Posted by Deborah Argyropoulos on Aug 16th 2024

One key drawback is the commission that galleries typically take from sales, which can range from 30% to 60%, leaving artists with a smaller portion of the sale price. Additionally, galleries may prioritize certain artists over others, potentially limiting an artist's exposure or control over their own career trajectory. Some galleries may also have specific expectations regarding the types of works an artist should create, which can limit artistic freedom. Furthermore, gallery representation may require artists to commit to certain timeframes for shows or exclusivity agreements, which could restrict the artist’s ability to work with other galleries or explore independent opportunities. Finally, if the gallery does not have strong sales or connections, the artist may struggle to achieve the level of exposure or sales they expect.