ARTIST’S VIEW

No white walls founder Julia ibbini offers tips on how to get your work on display

While a spot at the Louvre Abu Dhabi might be difficult to secure, it isn’t impossible to nab a wall at one of the city’s top hotels for your own pieces of art.

“In Abu Dhabi, suitable gallery space is limited so hotels and malls are a great alternative for showcasing art,” says No White Walls founder Julia Ibbini. Launched in 2013, the No White Walls initiative started as a means to bring exhibitions into accessible and public spaces and away from the traditional gallery model. So how can artists get exhibited in hotels?

According to Ibbini, it all depends on the venue and the artist and whether it’s the right fit between them. The key, she says, is to be informed.

“There’s no specific process, it’s more about working together and the type of artwork versus the ambience of the hotel.”

Research is an important step in the process. Consider how your work fits into the hotel’s atmosphere and pitch as if you were pitching to a gallery. “Think about the type of art you are presenting. If you are a Pop Artist you will probably have a better chance of getting exhibited in a modern and contemporary hotel whereas traditional artworks aren’t going to work for that space,” explains Ibbini.

Lighting is also something to consider. “Some hotels can be quite dark, so it’s important to consider if there is enough light so your work is adequately displayed.” Once you secure a coveted spot, you might want to think about the hanging system. Ibbini advises discussing how your work will be presented in advance – will it be hung on a wall or will you need to bring your own easels? Other factors to consider include the time of year and the types of people that will potentially buy your work. Who knows? You could be on to a small fortune.

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