Why are art galleries bitchy?
decoding the cold charm of the contemporary art world
If you have spent enough time in the art world, you might have noticed that this is a very common occurrence. If you haven’t come across anyone bitchy yet in the gallery environment, consider yourself lucky. The other day, I contacted a gallery because I was very interested in one of the artists they were currently exhibiting, and I was not treated nicely. And it wasn’t even a blue-chip gallery or an exclusive, sought-after artist! And that’s not the first time this has happened. My question is: why?
I’ve held every possible role. My first job was as a gallery assistant, where I spent my days sitting at the gallery entrance, essentially greeting visitors. And I was truly greeting them with a smile and answering any (sometimes even stupid) questions. I was not sitting there with my head down (or nose up), ignoring all the visitors. Later, I was answering emails and picking up the phone at Sotheby’s, discussing bidding interests with clients, and I was always pleasant and professional. Later on, in my own art show, I sat with a smile, answering any inquiries about paintings, even those that were sold out, without being reluctant or dismissive. At Sotheby’s, we were taught the importance of being polite and kind to clients for the sake of the company's reputation and business development. And it only makes sense. In my own business, I even added proactiveness. If a client really wants a sold-out piece, I tell them I will try to source another wonderful piece, or keep them posted about upcoming shows of the artists, and I really make a note and follow up. I’ve never met a client who would be discouraged by this and preferred dismissive behavior.
How is it possible that such behaviour doesn't harm your business?
Here are possible explanations why are galleries bitchy:
A) High-stakes sales environment. With limited gallery slots and heavy financial pressure, sales staff strategically control access and information—like pricing or previews—to protect artists’ markets and buyer exclusivity.
*This makes sense to an extent. You can do all that but you don’t have to be bitchy or dismissive.
B) They are doing so well financially that you don’t care about making more sales or meeting new clients.
*In my opinion, a very unrealistic scenario, but possible if they don’t have the capacity to accommodate new clients. Still doesn’t mean they have to be rude to them.
B) Gatekeeping and prestige. Acting rude and dismissive is part of their image to create an exclusive ‘club’ mentality and elitism.
*Probably the most common explanation. With this strategy, they might be attracting and impressing only a minor group of people. The rest will be left unimpressed and mainly discouraged from continuing to interact with the gallery. And you never know who the person trying to talk to you is. It might be a high net worth individual with
C) A culture of snobbery and honestly thinking they are better than the rest of us, and unless they know you are you, prove yourself to them as a worthy collector, they won’t take you seriously.
*No comment on this one
D)Staff under strain. Many gallery employees are underpaid and undervalued, yet expected to maintain professional polish, leading to emotional exhaustion and occasional short tempers.
*This is also entirely possible.* But there are many problems with this theory. Everyone knows jobs in the art world are not well paid, and you know what you are getting yourself into. Also, the strain would usually fall on front desk staff, assistants etc.
E) Please let me know any other reasons why?
Been there. Seen that. Too many times.
I call it the “Pretty Woman Effect”, that iconic scene where Julia Roberts walks into a boutique and gets dismissed for not looking the part.
Same energy at too many art fairs and galleries.
I might walk in looking like a washed-up rockstar (let’s call it seasoned style), but here’s the thing:
They don’t know me. They don’t know my financial means. They don’t know what platform I run or how far my reach goes. (Personally it's non of your business but in that case I am a possible client....)
And that’s a dangerous blind spot.
Because the truth is: there are plenty of galleries out there. Plenty of artists, too.
The moment you act like you don’t need people, don’t be surprised when they decide they don’t need you.
I value politeness. I value professionalism. I love wit, humour, and a little edge — and I know collectors who do, too.
Sure, artists can be difficult. The public can be exhausting. But I’ve always shown up with respect and manners.
And if that’s not mirrored — gallery, restaurant, wherever — I won’t return.
Blacklisted.
There’s no shortage of options.
And in this world? Reputation travels faster than you think.
"IT'S NOT YOU, IT'S ME" Where else can an introvert get a job and do well (without math)? Why is there no bonhomie? These aren't people people; that isn't their milieu. The staff at a gallery is involved full-time with inanimate objects; think about it. They are unsuited to welcoming people on a cruise ship, smiley smiley. Who else wants to care about aesthetics while being underpaid and scorned as charlatans, simultaneously, by the general public and one's family? People love to hate, to weaponize their insecurity, because their ego wasn't stroked the way they had seen on TV, once, I think, maybe. Boo hoo hoo so you went into a private art gallery, for free, and they wouldn't let you use their bathroom. It's the wrong place for that. Don't expect people to have FUN, you've got it all wrong. If you are kind to these "over-educated," the horror, bunny rabbits, and don't expect them to act like bots, maybe your experience would be better. Preemptivly show respect It is not easy when people ask you about what you do and, upon hearing, look at you disappointedly: "poor girl, she won't get far." The art world is its own beast, like any other world. What else do you want: stand-up comedy ballerinas and jolly scientists, district court judges who have the amiability of a first-grade teacher? How about live and let live? Leave the hating to budget slashers who know not from shinola.