11 Attributes of a Solo Exhibitionist

There are a great many areas of running an exhibition during SALA, so many in fact that I doubt I can cover them all in one article.

So I’ll cover those that matter most to me in this article, then follow up with specific articles over the next few months.

1. Dedication

When I agreed to be an ‘artist in residence‘ for the duration of the 2010 SALA exhibition, I was actually there. I learnt that commitment and enthusiasm went a long way, particularly when perusing turned into purchases. I spent time talking with my customers about subjects of THEIR interest, thus getting them interested in the subject of my photography – and that often became a sale.

2. Self-confidence:

Having a strong belief in myself and the ability to showcase my work exposed my talent for working alone without relying on others. Utilising both self-confidence and self-assurance, I found my skills and abilities and put them all to the test.

3. Autonomy:

Putting my photography on exhibition during two SALA exhibitions allowed me the freedom to express myself fully without compromise. The independence allows for personal growth and the exploration of new ideas, unencumbered by the input or limitations of others.

4. Responsibility:

Taking full responsibility for my SALA stall enabled its success. I learnt to be accountable for my work, to meet deadlines, and to handle logistical aspects such as marketing, promotion, and managing the event. It was actually fun to apply event management skills.

5. Adaptability:

Gosh, the amount of hats I was required to wear was both daunting and exhilarating . From creating the artwork and organizing the logistics and marketing, being an event coordinator, the whole event demanded adaptability and the ability to handle various roles simultaneously. Not always easy to undertake, yet possible.

6. Resilience:

Exhibiting artwork without a shoulder to learn on meant confronting criticism head on and taking it on the chin. But I developed a resilience to people’s opinions about my artwork, so I bounced back from setbacks quickly and easily. It also enabled me to learn how to respond appropriately, absorb and ponder the information, and respond appropriately without anger nor impudence.

8. Building a personal brand:

As a solo exhibitionist, I discovered that becoming the online face and voice of my work was vitally important. It meant that I could “be seen being seen”. This included developing a personal brand (ezCREATE & stephentrepreneur), thereby giving a clear identity that resonates with my audience, helping me connect with my customers on a deeper level.

9. Networking:

Engaging in solo exhibitions allowed me to network with other artists, industry professionals, and potential patrons. Building connections and collaborations can open up new opportunities for growth, exposure, and future projects.

10. Time management:

Taking on a solo exhibition required effective time management skills. Balancing the display of both my artwork, the negotiation with SALA office, plus still doing my day-job and other commitments became vital. Learning to prioritize tasks and manage your time efficiently is key to success.

11. Appreciating feedback:

Gosh, the worst and best attribute to have whilst being a solo exhibitionist is receiving direct feedback from your audience and critics. Learning to appreciate and value constructive criticism has and continues to help me refine both the production and presentation of my artwork.

Wow, writing this reminds me of the uniqueness of being a solo exhibitionist way back in 2010 as for SALA when I presented 20 of my favourite photographs in Adelaide. These lessons can be a guiding principles, but your personal experience may just be a financial exercise.