Our editors spoke with some exhibiting galleries at Affordable Art Fair Singapore to get their expertise on appreciating photography.
Coco Ma Hiu Lam
Friday 30 August, 2024
Image curtesy by Objectifs, Foo Tee Jun, Time and tide
Lighting and shadow, printing techniques, colour management, what are some factors to consider when choosing a photograph to hang at home? Our editors spoke with some exhibiting galleries at Affordable Art Fair Singapore to get their expertise on appreciating photography.
When buying art for your home, consider factors such as composition, lighting, and printing quality.
It’s vital to consider the art’s aesthetic harmony with your home. Look at factors like colour palette, style, size, framing, and the atmosphere you wish to create.
Composition:
Composition usually comes up first. It dictates how elements within the frame are arranged. Techniques like the rule of thirds, leading lines, and framing often enhance composition, noted HKI Gallery. Look out for photography that exhibits balance, leading lines, patterns, framing, and thoughtful use of space.
“If you intend to place the print in your home, evaluate the colour palette and style to ensure it complements your interior decor (or the ‘vibe’ of your space!)”
Take note of how it should compliment your home appeal as well. For example, a black-and-white photography may suit a minimalist room or something more retro themed. A large, unframed piece can make a bold statement in a spacious area, while smaller, framed photographs might be better suited for intimate spaces.
Light:
Lighting can also affect the mood and depth of a photograph, highlighting details or creating contrasts.
A good addition to your home should create a sense of balance between the use of lines, subject placement, depth of field and perspectives, just like a painting would.
Look for a balance of light and shadow, as this adds dimension and significantly impacts the mood and depth of a photograph. Impress Galleries also notes that this is especially significant if the piece is intended to be preserved and cherished over an extended period.
HKI Gallery notes that this should enhance, not overpower, the photograph’s natural elements. High-quality prints should be sharp, with accurate color reproduction, appropriate contrast, and be produced using archival materials for longevity. When combined, these factors determine whether a photograph is technically proficient and artistically compelling.
The joy of collecting art is deeply personal and should come from within. Find an artwork that resonates with you personally, invest in works that speak to you, and are produced with high standards of craftsmanship which includes the use of high quality archival materials and printing techniques.
Intersections Gallery, Gilles Massot, Singapore Boy Time Flies With You, Green Pillar, 1991, Photo Collage, 75 x 32 cm, S$1600
“Consider the photograph’s subject matter, composition, and the mood it evokes. Artistic content should not be overlooked — assess the story or emotion the photograph conveys and whether it resonates with you personally.”
Intersections Gallery, Gilles Massot, Chye Hong where the coffee shop series was created and first exhibited in 1992, 3
Fine art photography emphasises the photographer’s creative vision and artistic expression over purely documentary or commercial purposes. It often involves a conceptual approach where the image is intended to evoke emotion, provoke thought, or explore complex themes, often featuring unique compositions, innovative lighting, and artistic techniques that set it apart from standard photography.
From pictorialism to surrealism, street photography to staged photography, it is usually presented in limited editions, with attention to printing quality and presentation, reflecting the photographer’s artistic involvement in every step of the process. HKI Gallery also note that these photographs often feature a high level of technical skill and thoughtful composition, creating a cohesive aesthetic that aligns with the photographer’s artistic intent.
Represented by Objectifs: Ng Hui Hsien’s ‘Being With Water’ shows her hands-on analogue approach, reflecting her own attempt to better understand and connect with the natural world around us.
Appreciate both emerging and established artists to invest in
“Learn about a photographer’s training, life experiences, successes, and market value.”
Intersections Gallery, Gilles Massot, The Coffeeshop Series 27, 1992, Photography Silver Gelatin Print, ed.of 5, S$700
Each gallery works closely with each photographer to understand their artistic vision and goals, providing tailored advice and constructive feedback to help them refine their craft.
As art collectors, it is vital to find artists that connect with you, whether that be from their unique personalities, compelling motivations, or strong narrative content(Intersections Gallery).
“I don’t have a specific method for appreciating art, but I tend to spend a long time looking at paintings and photos. I do this because the art I like always looks new, no matter how much time has passed or the situation.”
There is a strong emphasis on understanding of the artistic vision of the photographer. Galleries, such as Impress Galleries provide constant feedback, communications and share a wide variety of art genres and ideas (not just limited to photography). The goal is to assist in crafting a body of work that is deeply thematic, thought-provoking, and cohesive, resonating first with the artist and then with the intended audience.
KAN, Sangbin IM, Vessel, the Hudson Yards 2, 57.1×102.8cm, Dye sublimation on aluminum, 2021
Do your research
Learning more about the artist’s intention and the story behind the photograph can add depth and meaning to the piece as part of your home.
Try attending lifestyle photography workshops, talks, or curators’ tour, some of which are free at companies such as Objectifs. Engaging with photography communities can also provide valuable insights and opportunities to discuss works with others.
Impress Galleries also suggest to ask questions, both technical and emotionally provoking ones. Have discussions not just with like-minded folks but also other art forms, ie. Painters, illustrators, designers, etc.
In addition, “Visit galleries, museums, and art fairs to experience the breadth of photography firsthand. Take the time to analyze and reflect on the photographs that capture your attention, considering visual elements like color, texture, space, line, pattern, and form, which bring order to their compositions, and the emotions they evoke.” (HKI Gallery)
Ultimately, cultivating a genuine passion and curiosity for photography will enhance your ability to engage with and appreciate this dynamic and evolving medium.
As an avid arts and culture lover, Coco started off her journey with us as a Fair Assistant back in 2017. Prior to this, Coco was as a Senior Executive at the PR agency Edelman, and is looking forward to immersing herself into the art world with Affordable Art Fair. Outside of work, she finds joy in connecting with people and is affiliated with Mother’s Choice, Redress and the Hong Kong International Literary Festival in their pro-bono projects.
