Introduction
The IB Visual Arts exhibition is the highlight of the course — your chance to curate and present the best of your creative journey. For many students, the ultimate goal is a level 7, the highest possible score. But what exactly makes an exhibition stand out to examiners?
This guide will break down the qualities of a level 7 IB Visual Arts exhibition and show you how to achieve excellence in both presentation and meaning.
Core Qualities of a Level 7 Exhibition
1. Coherence and Theme
Top exhibitions feel unified. Each artwork may use different media, but together they create a consistent narrative or concept. Examiners should immediately sense the theme when they walk into the space.
2. Variety and Exploration
A level 7 exhibition demonstrates breadth of experimentation. This might include painting, photography, sculpture, or mixed media — but what matters most is that each piece shows curiosity and exploration.
3. Technical Skill and Refinement
While risk-taking is essential, examiners also expect a high standard of execution. Works in a level 7 exhibition show control of chosen media and refinement in detail, scale, and presentation.
4. Conceptual Depth
The artworks are not just “aesthetic” — they communicate ideas. Themes like identity, culture, or social issues are explored in depth, with layers of meaning visible across works.
5. Professional Presentation
Exhibition layout, spacing, labels, and lighting are clean and intentional. Nothing feels rushed or inconsistent. Even small details reflect care.
6. Strong Curatorial Rationale
The written rationale explains the theme, choices, and connections between works clearly. It doesn’t just summarize — it reflects critically on the curatorial process.
Examples of What Examiners Look For
- A student exploring identity shows works in painting, photography, and sculpture, each reflecting a different aspect of self.
- Another student focuses on environmental issues, combining found-object sculpture with digital art to critique consumerism.
- A level 7 exhibition often has a “flow” — viewers move naturally from one work to the next, guided by intentional curation.
Common Pitfalls That Stop Students From Reaching a 7
- Overcrowding the exhibition with too many works.
- Weak or vague themes that don’t unify the showcase.
- Strong individual works but no overall coherence.
- Poor lighting, labeling, or inconsistent presentation.
- A weak or generic curatorial rationale.
Tips for Achieving a Level 7 Exhibition
- Curate works thoughtfully — less is often more.
- Plan your exhibition layout in advance with sketches or mock-ups.
- Balance risk-taking with polished execution.
- Reflect deeply in your rationale — explain not just what you did, but why.
- Ensure that every work connects to your overarching theme.
FAQs on Level 7 Exhibitions
Q1: How many artworks should a level 7 exhibition include?
It depends (8–11 for HL, 4–7 for SL), but quality and coherence matter more than quantity.
Q2: Can an exhibition with only paintings score a 7?
Yes, if it shows variety within painting (different techniques, styles, and scales). But mixed media often strengthens variety.
Q3: How important is the curatorial rationale?
Very. A weak rationale can bring down an otherwise strong exhibition.
Q4: Do examiners care about neatness?
Yes — professional presentation is part of the assessment. Even labels and spacing influence perception.
Q5: Do I need a groundbreaking theme to score a 7?
Not necessarily. Even simple themes can feel powerful if executed with depth and originality.
Conclusion
A level 7 IB Visual Arts exhibition balances coherence, variety, technical skill, conceptual depth, and professional presentation. The strongest exhibitions show that the student has not only created compelling artworks but also curated them thoughtfully into a meaningful experience. By combining risk-taking with refinement, and reflection with clarity, you can build an exhibition that truly earns a 7.
