Ways to exhibit prints - other than gallery

[helvetica]

I am working on a photography project on a social issue, and have found that I am not so sure what to do with my prints once done! I come from an agency & marketing background, so everything for me starts with a motive, then the method, and finally the execution. I'm going about it the opposite way here.

The two traditional methods I can think of would be for a magazine or newspaper to commission you to photograph a subject - negating the need for prints, darkroom, and the lot. Alternatively, you could build a gallery showing around a theme and sell prints, where you could dodge, burn, and print to your heart's content!

What I am looking for is a way to present the prints for consideration to the public. Have you ever seen - or participated in - something to the effect of a temporary gallery in a public space, such as an interior courtyard or building lobby? Given that it's prints that I am after, I am not thinking of a blog, social media campaign, email blast, or otherwise web-only delivery.

 

[mwooten]

Projection of the images onto the side of a building. A giant slide show.

 

[Moto-Uno]

Out here in Vancouver,to get your work displayed in even the smallest of venues can take months. Not to dissuade you, only a heads up. Peter

 

[back alley]

a gorilla gallery…
there used to be a local group of photographers that would talk their way into unused store fronts…display their photos and have info printed and hung as to how to make contact and buy the photos.

 

[daveleo]

A public display regarding a "social issue" could be a challenge.

For showing a series of nice, pretty, thematic pictures, our public library sometimes has Sunday afternoon shows. Topics are not what you'd call "edgy".

They would probably turn down anything controversial.

Actually, depending on the topic and your inclination, possibly a local church might take it on. . . ?

 

[RichC]

If it's about a social issue, consider democratic ways of distribution (galleries are elitist - not a criticism per se, but an observation: I use galleries).

So, think about posters (perhaps even flyposting), flyers or newspapers, and where to display or distribute. Let's go with images in a newspaper format: you could simply post these to homes in a particular neighbourhood (could be privileged or deprived, depending on what you want to say and to whom). Or you could choose a suitable venue, perhaps a library or the town hall, and display a couple of prints (don't have to be framed - could be glued or pinned: frames tend to imply elitism and art, which may not be appropriate), alongside a pile of your newspapers that people can just pick up.

Anyway, a few thoughts for consideration...

 

[helvetica]

If it's about a social issue, consider democratic ways of distribution (galleries are elitist - not a criticism per se, but an observation: I use galleries)...

That was exactly my thinking. In many ways, the most logical, most cost-effective, most impactful implementations all seem to diverge from the strengths of printing. Newspaper / online ads, printed handouts, etc are all fantastic ideas.

I too was thinking of the above mentioned "gorilla gallery" - but assumed that you would need someone manning it. Are you saying something non-interactive, like a big print and then... a placard or something directing viewers to a website/contact info? Interesting!

 

[helvetica]

Actually, this is a case where I wish Apple would adopt NFC. It's great for android to say "press your phone here for more information" - I suppose you could engage iphone users with a semacode block.

 

[back alley]

That was exactly my thinking. In many ways, the most logical, most cost-effective, most impactful implementations all seem to diverge from the strengths of printing. Newspaper / online ads, printed handouts, etc are all fantastic ideas.

I too was thinking of the above mentioned "gorilla gallery" - but assumed that you would need someone manning it. Are you saying something non-interactive, like a big print and then... a placard or something directing viewers to a website/contact info? Interesting!

if i remember correctly…it was prints in a window monday to friday and then open to the public on saturdays…these guys had day jobs…the display lasted as long as they had the space.
this was before the web etc.

 

[Jockos]

At AstraZeneca, the employees cold exhibit on the work site, with the option of selling their works. If you have a job (besides photography), you could talk to our manager regarding this 🙂

 

[RichC]

That was exactly my thinking. In many ways, the most logical, most cost-effective, most impactful implementations all seem to diverge from the strengths of printing. Newspaper / online ads, printed handouts, etc are all fantastic ideas.

I too was thinking of the above mentioned "gorilla gallery" - but assumed that you would need someone manning it. Are you saying something non-interactive, like a big print and then... a placard or something directing viewers to a website/contact info? Interesting!

Exactly - it's all about dissemination: with social projects, it's often about getting your project to the audience rather than vice versa - and it's often more radical, which may well fit with the work. Democratisation and activism often go hand in hand.

Part of democratising your work may well be making disposable copies: a "precious" print displayed with an invigilator hovering by it is not democratic. (I make work intended for gallery walls - but I wouldn't hesitate to flypost a project if I thought it would suit it.) So, yes, think of "poster" prints on thin paper (which can be had pretty cheaply from online printers), rather than expensive prints on photographic paper. You could go guerilla or get permission (some people rent billboards - great exposure but can be pricey). As for info, you could include a short statement alongside/on the work, or perhaps just an URL to a dedicated website. Think laterally but plan well!