A museum's MO is, of course, to showcase art. On the heels of the N.C. Museum of Art's recent expansion, the museum's curator of design Eric Gaard chats about art placement.
1. Tell a story. Lay all pieces on the floor and look for the conversation between them. The possible relationships are endless - even if creating polar opposition - but should remain consistent within a given space or grouping. Consider historical content, art historical conversation, cultural stories, subject matter, artists, era, chromatic style or technique.
2. Create a model. Photocopy, print out or take pictures of your art and place in desired location. Gauge how pieces interact with surroundings, and move them around until you're satisfied. Affix copies with painter's tape to avoid wall damage.
3. Hang everything on a 60-inch centerline. Start at a 60-inch height from floor. Then set the center point of the object flush with the centerline, so as to align centers, not tops or bottoms. If hanging two smaller pieces vertically, one atop the other, the centerline is the space between the two pieces, with the works hung an inch above and below the centerline.
4. Emphasize space between objects. To see pieces individually and as part of a larger conversation, keep enough space between them so they don't jumble together.
5. Use color to direct focus. Consider colors of paint, wallpaper, drapery and furniture. White palettes draw the eye to art, whereas deeper jewel tones create an emotional quality and drama.
6. Understand your collection. By recognizing how your pieces interact, you'll be able to acquire new objects consciously, knowing whether they will work within existing groupings.
