TRANSFORM YOUR SPACE WITH THE PERFECT COMBINATION OF ARTWORKS

Pairing artworks is an art in and of itself. Done well, it can be a powerful way to showcase your collection and create a visually stunning display. Whether you're combining photographs, drawings, or other media, pairing works requires careful consideration and a few key principles. In this article, you will explore some tips and tricks to help you create a cohesive and visually appealing art display in your space.

Step 1: Consider the Space

Before selecting and pairing works, it's important to consider the space where they will be displayed. Take note of the size and shape of the room, the color palette and any other decor elements that may affect the overall aesthetic. Consider the wall color, furniture, and accessories in the room, and choose art pieces that will enhance the space's existing colors and style. This will help you determine what types of works will be suitable for the space.

For example, if the room has a minimalist style with neutral colors, selecting black and white fine art photography and simple line drawings can create a cohesive display. If the space has bold colors and patterns, pairing bright, colorful photography and abstract drawings can create a visually stimulating contrast.

Step 2: Identify your theme

Next, it's important to identify the themes or concept that you want to convey. This could be a particular style, era, color palette, subject matter, or any other organizing principle that will help you create a cohesive display. For example, you might choose to pair works that all feature the color red, works that all depict abandoned places, or works that all have a pop aesthetic.

To help you get inspired, check out the photography page where you can see examples of art displays divided by theme or subject matter and get some ideas for your own perfect art pairing.

Step 3: Group Your Works

Once you've identified your themes, it's time to start grouping your works accordingly. This could involve grouping works by subject matter, color, medium, or any other characteristic that ties them together. For example, you might group all of your black and white photographs together, or group all of your abstract paintings together.

Step 4: Experiment with Contrast

Contrast can be a powerful tool when pairing works. This could involve contrasting different styles, media, or colors.

• You might pair a minimalist photography with a more detailed drawing, or pair a black and white photograph with a colorful one.

• Contrasting works can create a sense of energy and tension that can be very effective when done well.

Step 5: Consider Scale and Proportion

When pairing works, it's important to consider the scale and proportion of each piece. Larger works should be paired with larger works, while smaller pieces should be paired with smaller pieces.

It's also important to consider the relative proportions of each work in relation to the others in the display. For example, a large painting may need to be paired with several smaller works to create a balanced and visually pleasing display.

Step 6: Experiment with Placement

Once you've defined your theme and you have your works grouped, it's time to start experimenting with placement. There are several ways you can arrange your paired works to create different effects. HOW?

• Create a focal point: Choose one work to be the centerpiece of your display, and arrange other works around it to draw attention to it. This could be a large painting, a striking sculpture, or a dramatic photograph.

• Create a symmetrical arrangement: Arrange two works that are similar in size and shape on either side of a central axis, creating a balanced and harmonious display.

• Create a grid: Arrange several smaller works in a grid pattern, either in rows or in a more random arrangement, to create a dynamic and visually interesting display.

• Create a salon-style display: This involves hanging works of different sizes and styles together in a visually eclectic and lively display. This can be a great way to showcase a collection of works that don't necessarily have a unifying theme.

Step 7: Edit Your Display

Finally, it's important to edit your display ruthlessly. Not every work in your collection will be a good fit for every display, and it's important to be willing to remove works that aren't working well with the others. This can be a difficult process, but it's essential for creating a truly outstanding display.

By following the seven key principles outlined in this article, you can create a cohesive and visually appealing art display that reflects your personal style and enhances your space. So go ahead and start experimenting pairing artworks!