Image via Complex Original
There are some rules of etiquette that everyone should follow just for the sake of being polite. Although creative types are known for being strange, the requirement for good manners extends into the art world. Art gallery openings tend to attract people from all walks of life, which can lead to some strange encounters (the open bar doesn't help in these situations either). Ranging from spilling alcohol everywhere to saying shit about the art, some gallery run-ins can turn out to be super uncomfortable. Fortunately, we've got you covered with 10 Things You Shouldn't Do in an Art Gallery. Consider yourself warned.
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Do not talk loudly.
Art galleries are quiet for a reason. People usually don't want to hear your oh-so-inspired opinions about a work of art (especially if you're one of these guys), Unless it's an opening with a DJ or body-painting, we suggest paying attention to the art and keeping your conversation between you and a friend.
Do not try to sell your own art at someone else's show.
Lots of struggling artists show up to art galleries, but there is a time and place to showcase your work to a gallery owner, and that is not the night of someone else's opening. We admire your ambition, but save it for a different night.
Do not abuse the open bar.
It goes without saying that the open bar is the only reason most people show up a great perk at an art gallery opening, but don't go too hard on the booze. It will help you loosen up at a stuffy opening, but you're also surrounded by a bunch of expensive art and often some pretty important people. Is anyone else thinking, "bull in a china shop"?
Do not hit on other people at the gallery.
It's impossible to deny that a lot of attractive people hang out at art galleries, but that doesn't mean that a gallery opening is the perfect place to meet a potential lover. Although an art gallery is perfect for networking, you will appear way too thirsty trying to get laid.
Do not ask the featured artist who the featured artist is.
You do not need to know what the artist looks like, but you should definitely know who the art opening is for. Just because he or she is not famous does not mean he or she won't be one day. Avoid embarrassing your ass off by doing five minutes of research on the artist before you walk into the gallery.
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Do not ask celebrities for a photograph.
There are plenty of celebrities out there, like Jay Z and Ben Stiller, who enjoy owning art. It makes sense that you could run into one at a gallery, but you have to keep in mind that they came to the gallery with a purpose. This purpose does not include becoming your BFF. Do not interrupt them from getting that million-dollar sculpture in the corner. Even if they're nice about it, the gallery owner definitely won't be.
Do not spill the alcohol anywhere.
Considering the different forms of contemporary art that exist today, you never know what part of the gallery is a featured work. With this in mind, be very careful with your liquids. If you do spill, at least you can try and convince someone that the wine stain is a work of art.
Do not bring your kids.
We're all for kids learning about art, but an opening isn't the time or the place. As cute as they are, we warn our parental readers to get a babysitter if you are interested in visiting a gallery, especially if you don't want to purchase a $10,000 piece of art because your kid scribbled on it.
Do not talk smack about the art, even if it is awful.
Whether it's the artist, the gallery owner, or a significant person in the art world, you never know who will be listening to you. You just do not want to take that kind of risk. Wait till you leave to hate on the art.
Do not take your clothes off.
We once witnessed a guy take off his shoe, place it on a pedestal and say, "Is this art?" (We think he was trying to be cute). Although these might be the right people to ask that question to, this definitely was not the situation to do it in. Leave the nudity to the artists.
