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.
The moment you act like you don’t need people… this is the downfall of empires.
We have less time, less money and less inclination to be anywhere, let alone in a gallery. So it is actually mind blowing that this trend has not reversed, when the cost of brick and mortar MAKES actual face-time THE reason for being a physical destination in this digital world.
They may catch up, but in the meantime, we have Smiling Gallery over here 👉🏻🚪😃 Step. Right. In.
"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.
It is rubbish. Another reason is that customer/client-facing individuals should be hired because they possess this skill. Most people at galleries are hired purely because they have a background in art history / studied at the right place / related to the right person. That means they may not have the requisite soft skills.
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.
The moment you act like you don’t need people… this is the downfall of empires.
We have less time, less money and less inclination to be anywhere, let alone in a gallery. So it is actually mind blowing that this trend has not reversed, when the cost of brick and mortar MAKES actual face-time THE reason for being a physical destination in this digital world.
They may catch up, but in the meantime, we have Smiling Gallery over here 👉🏻🚪😃 Step. Right. In.
So well said!
"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.
It is rubbish. Another reason is that customer/client-facing individuals should be hired because they possess this skill. Most people at galleries are hired purely because they have a background in art history / studied at the right place / related to the right person. That means they may not have the requisite soft skills.