Behind the Scenes: How to Set Up a Professional Art Exhibition with Me [Art Vlog]

Every exhibition has its big reveal—art on the walls, champagne glasses in hand, and a buzzing crowd. But what most people don’t see is the real work that happens before the doors open. In my latest art vlog, I take you behind the scenes as I prepare and install my latest women portrait pop art collection at the stunning Gallery Intussen in Amsterdam Nieuw-West. Whether you're a fellow artist curious about how to set up your own show, or an art lover wanting a peek into the process, this is your exclusive access to what it really takes to bring an exhibition to life—from bubble wrap to bright lights.

Art Gallery Intussen

Located in the heart of Amsterdam Nieuw-West, Gallery Intussen is a professional art space with clean white walls, high ceilings, and most importantly—beautiful natural light. The gallery team is passionate about diversity, culture, and contemporary expression, which aligns perfectly with the themes of my work: empowerment, identity, and bold femininity.

When they invited me to exhibit, I knew I wanted to share not only the artwork but also the journey of installation.

Morning Prep: Packing from the Art Studio

The day began bright and early in my home studio. Paintings lined the walls, still wrapped in love and energy from their final touch-ups. With care and excitement, I began packing each original piece—wrapping the canvas, protecting the surfaces, and labeling everything for easy access later.

I use a combination of:

• Bubble wrap and thick box packages to cushion the paintings
  

• A checklist of all artworks, their titles, sizes, signatures and prices

• Separate envelopes for art labels and wall layouts

Once the pieces were packed and ready to go, we booked an Uber XL. The driver helped load the pieces carefully into the car, and off we went to Gallery Intussen.

Arrival at the Gallery: Unpacking & Planning

Upon arrival, I was warmly welcomed by the gallery team. We brought all the artworks into the space and began unpacking carefully, one piece at a time. There’s something special about seeing your work out of the studio and in a clean, open space—it feels like watching your children step into the world.

Once unpacked, we walked through the gallery to decide on the flow of the exhibition. This step is key. I always ask:

• What story do I want the viewer to experience as they walk through the space?

• Should the boldest piece go near the entrance to capture attention?

• Where do the soft, intimate portraits best fit?

We laid the canvases on the floor against the walls to test the layout before committing. Then came the more technical part.

Measuring, Marking & Laser Precision

To ensure a perfect hanging alignment, we measured each wall and piece, considering:

• The height of the center of each painting 

• Equal spacing between artworks

• Groupings based on theme, color palette, or subject

We used a laser level tool to draw straight horizontal lines across the walls. This ensured every piece would hang perfectly aligned, regardless of wall or floor irregularities.

Next, we marked the hanging points, drilled holes, and inserted screws with spacers to secure the canvas without damaging the walls or the work.

Hanging the Paintings: The Transformation

This is my favorite part—the moment the space transforms into a story. One by one, we lifted each painting, lined it up with the laser guide, and gently mounted it on the wall.

It was amazing to see how the room changed with every canvas. The colors, textures, and expressions on the women’s faces filled the space with energy. As each piece found its place, the exhibition began to come alive.

Adding the Finishing Touches: Art Labels & Atmosphere

Once all the paintings were mounted, we added the printed art labels next to each one. Each label included:

• The artwork title

• Medium (Acrylic, mixed media, spray paint, etc.)

• Dimensions

• Year

• Price (for collectors interested in purchasing)

These little plaques may seem simple, but they are crucial. They provide context, help collectors make informed decisions, and make the exhibition feel complete and professional.

We also double-checked lighting to make sure no painting was left in shadow. Gallery Intussen’s lighting setup is top-notch, and the natural daylight pouring in from the windows gave the space a fresh, radiant vibe.

A Tip for Fellow Artists

Setting up an art exhibition can be stressful, but it’s also an act of devotion. You're offering your vision to the world—and that’s no small thing.

Explore More Exhibitions on My Website

Want to see how this exhibition turned out? Or explore my other shows across Amsterdam and Europe?

Click here to visit my Exhibition Page
You’ll find:

• Current and past exhibitions

• Behind-the-scenes stories and vlogs

• My full catalog of originals and prints

• Ways to book a studio visit or commission a portrait

Thank you for being part of this creative journey. Whether you’re an artist looking for tips, a collector exploring my work, or a dreamer seeking inspiration—know that you’re welcome here.