Introduction
One of the most common questions IB Visual Arts students ask is: How many artworks do I need for the exhibition? While the IB provides official guidelines, many students still feel unsure about the ideal number. Should you include everything you’ve made, or curate only a few?
This guide will explain the exact requirements for SL and HL students, along with strategies for choosing the right number of artworks to maximize your marks.
Official IB Requirements
The number of artworks you need depends on your level:
- SL (Standard Level): 4–7 artworks
- HL (Higher Level): 8–11 artworks
These numbers are non-negotiable — submitting fewer than required will result in lost marks.
Why the Number of Artworks Matters
- Shows development: The required range demonstrates your artistic journey.
- Balances quality and quantity: Too few pieces may feel incomplete; too many can weaken coherence.
- Impacts presentation: The number of works affects how you plan space and layout.
How to Decide How Many Artworks to Include
1. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Don’t include every artwork you’ve ever made. Choose the strongest pieces that connect to your theme and show technical skill.
2. Think About Variety
Select works across different media, scales, and approaches. Variety shows adaptability and curiosity.
3. Consider Coherence
Each piece should contribute to your overarching theme. Random additions dilute focus.
4. Use the Upper Range Carefully
Submitting the maximum (7 for SL, 11 for HL) only works if every piece is strong. Sometimes fewer, more intentional works create a more professional exhibition.
Example Exhibition Selections
- SL Exhibition (6 works): 2 paintings, 1 photograph, 1 mixed media collage, 1 sculpture, 1 textile piece — unified by the theme of identity.
- HL Exhibition (9 works): 3 paintings, 2 photographs, 2 sculptures, 1 installation, 1 digital art piece — unified by the theme of environment and memory.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcrowding the exhibition space with too many works.
- Including weak or unfinished pieces just to hit the maximum number.
- Ignoring theme coherence by adding unrelated works.
- Forgetting to annotate in the rationale why you selected each piece.
FAQs on Exhibition Artwork Numbers
Q1: Can I include fewer than the required number?
No — you must meet the minimum or risk automatic mark deductions.
Q2: Should I aim for the maximum number of works?
Only if every piece is strong. Sometimes fewer, more polished works are more effective.
Q3: Do small works count as separate artworks?
Yes, as long as they are independent pieces (not studies or sketches).
Q4: Can I include collaborative works?
No — only individual artworks count toward the exhibition.
Q5: Do works in my exhibition need to be completely finished?
Yes. Only complete, refined artworks should be displayed.
Conclusion
For the IB Visual Arts exhibition, SL students need 4–7 artworks and HL students need 8–11 artworks. The key is not just meeting the number but curating your exhibition with quality, variety, and coherence in mind. A carefully selected set of works will showcase your growth, creativity, and artistic voice — and give examiners exactly what they’re looking for.
