Introduction
Your IB Visual Arts exhibition isn’t just about the artworks — it’s about how you curate and present them. A poor layout can weaken even the strongest pieces, while a thoughtful arrangement can elevate your entire exhibition. Examiners notice layout choices, and common mistakes can make your exhibition feel rushed or incoherent.
This guide will highlight the most common mistakes students make in their IB Visual Arts exhibition layout — and how to avoid them.
Mistake 1: Overcrowding the Space
Some students try to include every artwork they’ve made. This leads to cluttered walls and an overwhelming viewing experience.
How to Avoid It: Curate carefully. Select only your strongest works that connect to your theme. Leave space between works so each can be appreciated.
Mistake 2: Poor Lighting
Harsh lighting, glare, or dark corners can ruin the impact of artworks.
How to Avoid It: Test your lighting in advance. Use natural light where possible or ensure spotlights enhance details without creating shadows.
Mistake 3: Inconsistent Labeling
Messy, inconsistent, or missing labels make exhibitions feel unprofessional.
How to Avoid It: Use clean, uniform labels that include artwork title, medium, and size. Place them neatly and consistently.
Mistake 4: Weak Flow and Organization
Randomly placing works without thought makes exhibitions feel disconnected.
How to Avoid It: Plan your layout in advance. Consider thematic, chronological, or media-based organization to guide viewers through your exhibition.
Mistake 5: Ignoring 3D Works
Sculptures or installations are often squeezed into corners or placed without enough space for proper viewing.
How to Avoid It: Give 3D works breathing room. Position them where viewers can walk around and engage with them.
Mistake 6: Forgetting the Viewer’s Experience
Examiners walk through your exhibition just like any audience. If the layout feels confusing, your coherence may suffer.
How to Avoid It: Sketch your layout and test the flow. Walk through as if you were the viewer and adjust for clarity.
Mistake 7: Displaying Unfinished or Weak Works
Some students include unfinished or low-quality works to increase numbers. This lowers overall impact.
How to Avoid It: Only display polished, refined works. Fewer strong pieces are better than many weak ones.
FAQs on Exhibition Layout Mistakes
Q1: Can I include small works together in one section?
Yes — grouping small works can work, but balance them with larger pieces for rhythm.
Q2: Do examiners mark the layout directly?
Not separately, but poor layout can affect coherence and professionalism scores.
Q3: Is it okay if my layout looks simple?
Yes — simple, intentional layouts are better than cluttered ones.
Q4: What if my space is too small?
Prioritize fewer, stronger works and arrange them carefully.
Q5: Should my layout match my curatorial rationale?
Yes — explain your curatorial decisions in the rationale for coherence.
Conclusion
The most common mistakes in IB Visual Arts exhibition layout — overcrowding, poor lighting, weak flow, inconsistent labels, neglecting 3D works, and including unfinished pieces — are all avoidable with planning. By curating intentionally, balancing space, and reflecting on the viewer’s experience, you’ll create a professional exhibition that strengthens your artworks and impresses examiners.
