A Bluffer’s Guide to Art Parties

There are two highly misconstrued clauses about exhibition openings. Firstly, that you have to know a lot about art to go to them. Secondly, that you need an invitation. To set things straight, you actually need neither. Most openings are come one, come many so we've enlisted the experts to help you brave a debut into the commercial art world with A Bluffer's Guide to Art Parties.

Who goes?

"Exhibition openings are celebrations of art and welcome community participation through discussion," says Nicky Ginsberg, Director of NG Art Gallery. "Openings serve to promote awareness and support in the contemporary art scene."

Openings are about engaging with art, the artists, gallerists, artsy types and non-artsy types. They are exciting events where guests are in the privileged position of being able to actually meet the artist and talk to them in person about their work and practice. Don't shy away from openings because you 'don't fit the mould' – there's no such thing.

Rhianna Walcott, Manager at Artereal Gallery, is another oracle we asked. "Exhibition openings in commercial spaces attract a very diverse mix of people including the artist's friends, family and supporters. You also find a mix of the gallery's regular clients and ongoing supporters, as well as collectors and arts industry professionals," she says.

What to expect

And what should we expect from the evening's festivities? Well, ordinarily, guests are given ample time to browse the art on offer, chat with artists and soak up the atmosphere. Next there's normally a formal speech from either the gallery's director or a guest speaker who will declare the exhibition open.

And yes. Complimentary wine and canapés are the norm. But remember not to over indulge. No one enjoys the token drunk kid in the corner who has suddenly become an expert on all things contemporary art. Needless to say you're there for the art and engagement, not the free booze.

Art criticism 101

Now that we've covered the who and what, we should probably discuss the how and when. The question of how to navigate your way around an opening can be a tricky one. For first timers, Ginsberg offers the advice: "Don't be shy, on arrival survey the room; if in doubt, go clockwise. Take in the art by asking yourself: do I like it? Why don't I like it? How was it made?"

"Spend the first ten minutes or so looking at all the work and reading through the available information on the exhibition – curatorial text, artist biography etcetera. If you are serious about engaging with the work in the exhibition it is best to read up on the artist via the gallery's website in advance. This gives you some context and prior knowledge, which will allow you a better appreciation of the work when you do see it in the flesh," adds Walcott.

The when of exhibition openings varies. Most, however, are hosted during the week, after hours, from around 6-8pm.

Talking art

Before presenting our fast fact manual, we'd like to leave you with a few crucial words of departure from the experts. "If in a conversation about the art on offer, it is advised to engage your companion's opinion and relationship to the artist before slandering harsh criticism," offers Ginsberg.

And from the Walcott camp: "The art world is not as uptight as it is made out to be. Never be afraid to approach people whether it is the artist or the gallerist, or just the person standing next to you. Galleries feel a responsibility to create a welcoming environment where anyone can come to experience and learn about the work."

Fast facts

Who: Commercial exhibition openings welcome all and it is not necessary to RSVP.

What: An exhibition opening is an event hosted by an art gallery/institution to formally open an exhibition. You go to them to be educated, to celebrate and to congratulate.

When: Varied, but usually on a weekday evening from 6-8pm.

Where: All galleries on the commercial circuit host exhibition openings to expose artists' work to the public.

How much: Usually free, with the exception of invite-only openings or ticketed launch events (usually reserved for major public art institutions such as AGNSW or MCA).

For the diary:

Iain Dawson gallery pop up. 12 Mary Place, Paddington. Opening night June 21, 6-8pm. www.iaindawson.com

The Greater Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere group show. Artereal Gallery, 747 Darling Street, Rozelle. Opening night July 4, 6-8pm. www.artereal.com.au

Gary Carsley. Breenspace, Level 3/17-19 Alberta Street, Sydney. Opening night August 17, 6-8pm. www.breenspace.com

Mingle like a pro:

Don't: Use fancy words you don't know the meaning of when discussing a work just to impress someone.

Do: Try descriptive words like 'costly', 'historic', or 'monotonous' rather than 'rip off', 'big', or 'boring'.

Don't: Overlook the art nearest the bar.

Do: Use the art near the bar as a conversation starter in the likely event there is a queue.

Don't: Assume you know everything about the artist just because you've read the catalogue essay.

Do: Read up on the artist before the show if you want to get the most out of the opening.

Don't: Forget that 'modern' and 'contemporary' are different genres in art history.

Do: Be inquisitive if other guests start dropping art historical terms, mid-conversation, that you don't understand.

Don't: Say 'I could do better than that'.

Do: Say you've been inspired to create your own art.

Photo credits: Mishy Lane