Key Difference: The main difference between an Exhibition and Gallery is the level of involvement that the artist has in the presentation of their work.
An Exhibition is usually put on by a curator who selects the works to be displayed, while a Gallery is typically run by the artist or their representative.
In both cases, art may be for sale, but most Galleries require the artist to be present to discuss their work and answer any questions from visitors.
What is an Exhibition?
An exhibition is a public event in which products, services, or ideas are displayed to the general public.
Exhibitions may be held indoors or outdoors and may be attended by consumers, businesses, or both.
They can be large or small in scale and can take place over a few days or weeks.
What is a Gallery?
A gallery is a commercial space in which art is displayed and sold.
Galleries may be dedicated to a specific type of art, such as painting or sculpture, or they may exhibit a variety of works.
They may be independent businesses or part of a larger institution, such as a museum.
Exhibition vs Gallery
One of the major differences between an exhibition and a gallery is that an exhibition is usually temporary, while a gallery is permanent.
An exhibition is also usually smaller in size than a gallery.
Exhibitions are typically organized by museums or art galleries, while galleries can be run by either private or public entities.
Key Differences
Important differences between exhibition and gallery are –
Nature
The main difference between an exhibition and a gallery is their purpose.
An exhibition is generally organized by someone other than the artist, and its purpose is to display the work of many artists to the general public.
A gallery, on the other hand, is a space where an artist can showcase their own work and sell it to the public.
Location
Exhibitions are often held in public places, such as museums or convention centers, while galleries are usually located in commercial areas, such as art districts or downtowns.
Duration
Exhibitions generally last for a few days or weeks, while galleries may be open for business hours or by appointment only.
In fact, some galleries only show art for a certain period of time, such as during the month of December.
They are permanent fixtures.
Admission
Exhibitions are typically free to the public, while galleries may charge an admission fee.
This is another way in which galleries differ from exhibitions.
Focus
Exhibitions typically focus on presenting a wide variety of art, while galleries focus on a particular type of art or artist.
So, an exhibition might include paintings, sculptures, photographs, and videos, while a gallery might only showcase paintings.
Marketing
Exhibitions typically rely on marketing efforts by the organizers, such as advertising and press releases.
Galleries typically rely on word of mouth and the reputation of the artists to bring in customers.
This is another important difference between the two types of venues.
Sponsorship
Exhibitions may be sponsored by individuals, businesses, or government organizations.
Galleries are typically funded by the artists themselves or by private collectors.
Similarities
Despite their differences, exhibitions and galleries share some similarities.
Both types of venues are used to showcase art to the public, and both can be a means for artists to make a living.
Additionally, both exhibitions and galleries can provide an opportunity for people to learn more about art and culture.