Be Aware!
‘Flee for Freedom’ art on a preserved section of the Berlin Wall now dedicated to wall art.
Have you ever regretted buying something, travelling somewhere or getting involved with something which ended up being way over your head? I need to remind myself that due diligence is necessary in all areas of life, especially as an artist.
There are a few places in the world where I have felt unsafe travelling as an artist. The first time was in New York when I ventured out to eat Italian food and went to Little Italy. Wandering back to my airbnb in the dark, I found I was travelling through streets that were very empty. I got that prickly feeling, you know the one that alerts you to when things aren’t quite right. I realised I had to get back to areas with plenty of people. I did and lived to tell the tale, but I won’t do that again.
In Berlin I felt uneasy. It was Saturday night, I was with my husband walking to the visit the Berlin wall. There were too many people, too much drinking on the streets, the energy felt charged with raw, combustable emotion. The place itself resonated with conflict, the historical site of so much anguish as east and west were divided by the wall. We didn’t try to visit Checkpoint Charlie and left early the next day.
More recently I was rapped over the knuckles by a copyright agency for not attending to due diligence when I used a photo on the internet of the volcano erupting in Iceland in 2021. The photographer had obviously gone to great lengths to take this picture. I hadn’t realised that I needed a licence to use it on my website and have since had to remove the image and backpay for its use on my blog. The fault was entirely mine, but ouch, it hurt!
Doing your homework is also necessary when it comes to holding art exhibitions that can incur payment in advance. Some questions to ask: Is it worth your investment of time and money? Do you have to install all your works by yourself and sit the exhibition? Will the venue publicise your exhibition or do you have to market it yourself? All things to consider before signing an exhibition contract.
The same goes for artist residencies. Most residencies I have attended have been hugely important to my own artistic practice. Some however, were difficult due to clashes of personalities and ethical considerations. Often you can be in residency for a month or two, so choose wisely as you don’t know how events will pan out until you get there. It can be down to the luck of the draw if the weather is good or you get along with the other artists (or not). As in all things, your safety is paramount. If you aren’t happy, then leave.
I’ve also been involved in an exhibition which I now believe is not aligned to my own moral compass. Although no money was exchanged, I feel my integrity has been compromised. It is a reminder again to investigate where you will exhibit and who with. Businesses are starting to recognise the advantages of publicity through art, so it is wise to keep in mind whether you support their product or not.
I am reminded of the ‘artist as activist’ role when participating in events that are supported by companies which sponsor significant prize money. Twenty years ago the Tasmanian State Government secured Forestry Tasmania sponsorship for their annual Ten Days on the Island art festival. Over 100 artists withdrew from the event in protest and created their own alternative festival. It highlights the power artists have in choosing who and what they align with.
I have been lucky so far in my art career to not get badly burned but there are many artists who have had bad experiences with exhibitions and artist residencies. While it is desirable to seek out the good in others, there are always unscrupulous people in the world who can take advantage of artists at any stage of their careers. Be careful and ensure you have enough funds for emergencies in case things go wrong.
My advice – do your research and be prepared. As in everything in life, from buying something online to accepting friend requests on social media, be(a)ware. In this day and age, due diligence is essential.
Diagram of border fortifications erected on the site of the remnant of the Berlin Wall. The wall is a great reminder that wherever you travel there can be dangers - be(a)ware!
