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Artist Statement (Compiled Article)

Admin 19-03-2018

All the budding and upcoming artist should write their own reasoning behind the painting through their Artist Statement.

It has been observed that mostly artist never use to write their own artist statement. They don't know how to write due to their language problem, but they should write their inner feelings experiences and objectives in their own words and language, hire and assign ghostwriter to edit, rewrite view and to improve it and translate it in English.

As per Art Study.org : your guide to Art Schools Resources and Information : Why most artists need Artist Statement and what is Artist Statement ? : As per Ariane Goodwin in “Writing the Artist Statement.” : An artist statement is a general introduction of your work as an artist . It is the what, and why of your work, from your own prospective. It helps you convey the deeper meaning or purpose of your work to the audience (clients, Gallery owner) etc.

What kind of Artist need personal statement ? : If you are a designer, photographer, fashion designer, illustrator, sculptor, artist, abstract artist, painter, or any kind of artist, you need an artist statement.

Why you need an Artist Statement ? : An artist statement lets you convey the reasoning behind your work - Why you choose a particular subject, matter, why you work in a certain medium etc., And further, a well written statement shows the relationship of you to your art work, and helps creates a connection with the viewer that will make your work (and your name) memorable.



An Artist Statement can

  • Clarify your own ideas about your work,
  • Describe your work, in your own words
  • Be a base for a proposal for an exhibition or work
  • Be a good source of information for art reviewers, journalists, reporters etc.
  • Introduce your work to the buying public.


    • How to write an Artist statement

    Decide what to write and how to write Artist statement content :

  • Ask yourself questions about your work, why you have created the work and what is it history, Your overall vision…., What are you trying to say in the work ?, How does your current work relate to your previous work ?, What influences your work? What is your inspiration for your images ?, How does this work fit into a series or larger body of work?
  • Create a list of words and phrases that describe your chosen things, your artistic values, creation process, and influences (i.e. experiences, dreams). Draw from your answers from the previous steps.
  • Edit down your list of words and begin crating sentences using those words.
  • Combine the sentences into logical, flowing paragraphs.


    • Start Writing

  • Begin with overview, paragraph that makes a clear and concise statement about your work and support that statement with your reasoning.
  • This paragraph should be broad in scope. Specific will come next.
  • Next, go into detail about how the issues or ideas mentioned in your opening paragraph are presented in your work (after a specific example) and why you use the materials and tools that you do.
  • Point out themes in your work or discuss experiences that have influenced your work.
  • Finally, sum up the most important points made throughout previous paragraph.


    • Content Tips

  • Be concise .. keep your writing simple, clear and to the point. Describe each portion in as few words as possible.
  • Proof reading your artist statement for grammar, spelling, clarity, and interest. Consider a professional proofreader, who is familiar with Artist Statement.


    • Technical Tips

  • Write in the first person perspective (“I created …..”, my experiences with……”).
  • No longer than one page, single spaced using 10-12 point type .
  • No fancy font or design layout: Be sure to keep your personal artist statement up-to-date. If your work begins to change or you tackle new subjects update your statement to reflect your growth. It can be helpful to save previous versions of your artist statement, so you can see how you have changed and grown as an artist.
  • Things to avoid in an Artist Statement : Your artist statement is like a personal creed and should not read like a press release or marketing material. Strive for authenticity.


    • Avoid

  • Arrogance and pomposity (how great or relevant you are)
  • Grandiose expressions and clichés about your work and views.
  • Overuse of technical terms and jargon.
  • Long explanations or discourses on techniques and materials you use.
  • Poems and prosy writing.
  • Childhood or family stories unless they are very relevant to your work.
  • Bragging about awards and honors.
  • Marketing speak : “Marketing strategy, by their very nature, are design to be manipulative, while the power of an artist statement lies in the authenticity of its authorship.”

    • Prof. Hemant Nagdive