Why Perfect Placement is So Last Century...

Hanging art

Yesterday I talked a little bit about the framing which of course cant be explained in one blog post but today I would like to touch the art of hanging pictures — an age-old practice where perfect placement was once as revered as your grandmother's secret cookie recipe.

The art of hanging pictures, as a recognized aspect of interior design and cultural practice, has evolved over centuries. The history of displaying art in private spaces, like homes, gained prominence during the Renaissance in Europe, around the 14th to the 17th centuries. This period marked a significant shift in the way art was viewed and appreciated.

The display of art dates to ancient times, the more formalized and thoughtful art of hanging pictures, particularly in the context of interior design and personal collections, developed prominently during the Renaissance and evolved significantly in subsequent centuries.

For me recalling the walls of the various places I've lived in over the past two decades reminds me of how significant this task was for both me and my art. I've always believed that everything must be aligned with perfect symmetry. Today, however, I might say that rigidly adhering to traditional art-hanging rules is about as thrilling as watching paint dry. Alchemists, in their endless quest for the philosopher's stone, might find joy in such meticulousness, but for the rest, it's highly unlikely.

The Art of Artful Disarray:

Who said art needs to hang like a well-behaved child in a school photo? There is no official rules, or maybe I didn’t heard about them… The most captivating walls are those that scream, 'I did it my way,' with a crazy wink. We're talking about arrangements that are as unexpected as finding a pineapple in your toolbox. Unpredictable? Yes. Fabulous? Absolutely! Weird? Hell yeah!

Rule #1: Paintings Go on Walls (Or Not):

Sure, hanging your paintings on the walls is one way to go. But why limit your walls when your floors are screaming for attention? Lean that artwork against mantels, rest it casually on chairs, or even balance it on your cat (just kidding, please don't do that). This approach not only adds a quirky charm to your space but also saves your walls from looking like Swiss cheese. I even employed the ceiling-hanging technique, using a large painting as a separation wall between the two rooms, and the result was amazing.

Rule #2: Symmetry is King (But Let's Dethrone It):

Symmetry has its place, but it's not here. Your wall is not a math problem; it's a canvas for your creativity. Mix it up with asymmetrical arrangements that are more unpredictable than a weather forecast. It's like playing Tetris with your art — except there's no 'Game Over' screen, just endless possibilities and everything goes. Get that creativity out!

Rule #3: Eye-Level is the Only Level (Says Who?):

Traditionalists will tell you to hang art at eye level. But why limit yourself to one height? That's like only eating vanilla ice cream for the rest of your life. Boring! Hang some pieces low, some high — create a visual rollercoaster for your eyes. It's the interior design equivalent of jazz: it's all about the places where you don't expect it.

Rule #4: Stick to a Theme (Or Don't):

Coordinating art? Sure, that's one way to do it. But why not mix renaissance with pop art, or impressionism with street art? It's like a cocktail party where everyone's invited — the more eclectic, the merrier.

So there you have it, fellow art rule-breakers. Remember, when it comes to hanging art, the new rule is that there are no rules — just opportunities for a bit of creative chaos. Your walls are your playground, so go ahead, be rebellious and go wild on those ideas of yours . After all, in the world of art, it's better to be a quirky original than a predictable print.