It has been a week since Through the Looking Glass Exhibition ended. My experience of my first solo show gave me insights and possible improvements to my next one. It was very exciting to have had this kind of opportunity.
I finished all the paintings in December of 2022 and started applying for venues in January 2023. I was only accepted in March, which gave me less than 2 months of preparation time. Preparation includes framing, preparing for labels, marketing, and distributing marketing materials. Howell helped me out which made this short preparation possible. For next time, I would maybe allot at least half a year for preparations so it doesn’t stress me out.
For the installation of the artworks, I initially planned to hire an installation assistant but the guy I was after was not available for the whole month of May so it was up to Howell and I to hang the paintings in the gallery. Te Auaha lent us a laser level which was a lifesaver for us. As this was the first time we were doing this, it took us quite a while to get it done (approximately 6 hours). One huge difficulty we had was entertaining Rapha during these 6 hours. He is quite a cooperative little bubba so the experience was not too bad. It was just physically taxing helping out with the installation with a baby in tow.
For the next one, I will definitely be hiring an installation assistant, who is more knowledgeable and efficient in doing this type of job.
I did not have to be present at the gallery throughout the exhibition, which was a good deal since I did not have the capability for daily travel to the city. However, I initially wanted to pop by every day, which I found, sooner, was not possible. A few days into the show, I instantly got the flu from exhaustion and so the daily visits became impossible. I also did not foresee the difficulties of eating proper food on time, finding time to continue my exercise routines and having ample time for rest. All these factors compounded had me constantly sick throughout the exhibit so I’d need to be more proactive in preparing for these items next time.
Notwithstanding all these difficulties, we were able to pull things through and it was such a wonderful experience to be seeing people appreciate the work I did. I was able to speak to most of the visitors present during my visits. Most of them particularly liked the stories that came with the paintings. It was also heartwarming seeing friends and family visit. I did not have an opening event this time because I feel unequipped to have one but would be a brilliant idea for next time.
It was a wonderful turnout altogether. I sold 1 oil painting and 2 watercolour paintings – all purchased by friends and family. It was a good first solo show and I am looking forward to my next one.
For now, I will continue improving on my craft, experiment further, and just continue having fun creating!
P.S. If anyone is willing to do maybe a group show would me, I’d be so keen!
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