Ken Crost Art

I have been in brick-and-mortar and online galleries both of which have their pluses and minuses. The way art reaches its audience has changed dramatically. Once, the gallery wall was the primary stage. Now, digital platforms offer global reach at the click of a button. Each path carries its own opportunities and challenges.

Online Galleries

Pros

• Global reach: Your work can be seen by audiences far beyond your local community.

• Lower costs: Many online platforms charge less than traditional galleries, and some take no commission.

• Accessibility: Artists can upload and manage their portfolios directly, often with analytics to track engagement.

• Flexibility: No need to ship or frame works until they sell.

Cons

• Oversaturation:     Millions of artworks compete for attention; visibility is a constant challenge.

• Less prestige: Online platforms may lack the aura of exclusivity that collectors associate with physical galleries.

• Limited physical experience: Viewers miss the scale, texture, and presence of seeing art in person.

• Variable legitimacy: Some platforms charge submission fees or operate more like marketplaces than curated spaces.

Brick‑and‑Mortar Galleries

Pros

• Physical presence: Seeing art in person creates emotional impact that digital images can’t replicate.

• Prestige and validation: Being represented by a gallery signals credibility to collectors and institutions.

• Community and networking: Openings, events, and exhibitions foster relationships with curators, critics, and peers.

• Curated context: Your work is presented alongside others in a carefully designed space.

Cons

• High costs: Galleries often take 40–50% commission, and some charge submission or exhibition fees.

• Limited reach: Exposure is tied to geography; audiences are mostly local.

• Gatekeeping:     Access depends on curators’ choices, making entry competitive and sometimes opaque.

• Logistics: Shipping, framing, and installation add expense and effort.

Final Thoughts

Neither path is perfect. Online galleries democratize access but risk dilution; brick‑and‑mortar galleries preserve prestige but limit reach. Many artists now pursue a hybrid approach—using online platforms to build visibility while cultivating relationships with physical galleries for credibility and deeper engagement.

Related Topics

• The economics of gallery representation

• Building visibility in saturated markets

• Hybrid strategies for artists in 2026

• Community vs. global reach in art

• Legitimacy and trust in art platforms