Over the past two weeks I’ve been investigating the possible advantages of virtual (on-line) galleries. This is in response to invitations to exhibit my work in two of them. At first the idea seemed very attractive, but as I have dug deeper into the question I have encountered difficulties I hadn’t anticipated. I believe that they are probably good for artists who work in media such as acrylic, which don’t require to be framed behind glass. As soon as you turn your attention to those which do require glass the balance of advantages shifts dramatically.
It is fine if it is possible to deliver work in person, as I have done on a couple of occasions. The balance of risks moves when it is necessary to call on the services of a courier. It is possible to replace the glass, for the purposes of transit, by perspex or some similar plastic substitute for glass. This is OK for transit, but it is definitely inferior as a means of protecting art on a permanent basis. So it would be possible to put in perspex for the duration of the transit, but the purchaser would have to incur the cost and inconvenience of replacing this with proper art glass on reception. Somebody would really need to want your work quite keenly to be prepared to do that.
I have sent work, in the past, both to the USA and Australia, and I realise the degree to which the process can be time-consuming and expensive. So although I can see the advantages of on-line exhibition I have become cautious about the circumstances under which I would sign ip for it. On the other hand, of course, if you do spot something on my web-site which appeals to you, I would be very happy to correspond with you about how I might get it to you! I look forward to hearing from you.