William Bailey, a consultant to the New York’s Museum of Modern Art, states that a frame is not just a border that protects a canvas. It is a mediator between the painting and its viewer. He states that “the design must effect a transition from the existing physical location, usually a wall in a room or a gallery, into the illusionistic realm of the painting. This should occur graciously and imperceptibly. The frame should also prepare the eye and mind of the viewer to accept and embrace the domain of the painting on its own terms.”
Art frames have been central to works of many artists, almost becoming a part of the artwork itself. Van Gogh was one of the illustrious names in the world of art who worried incessantly about the framing of his work. Salvador Dali is another great example of an artist using the art frame as an integral part of his artwork.
As times move towards the minimalistic from the ostentatious richness of the frames from the early centuries, ‘framelessness’ is now viewed as a natural state for most contemporary art…almost like a mark of reverence to the artist. It would be safe to say that a piece of art is not complete until it has been framed correctly. It is only when the artwork has been framed can it reveal its full potential…its complete beauty. As art frames enter the world of minimalism, thick gilt frames that have the power to turn any room into an 18th-century boudoir are on the slow exit. The whole idea of a frame is to draw attention to the artwork, not to call attention to itself.
We are more familiar with PVC or Wood frames for artworks. However, these materials usually demand a heavier upkeep and can be expensive. While PVC is lightweight and durable, it is definitely lacking in style and charm. Wood has been an art frame staple owing to the elegance it offers, it demands as much care as the artwork itself and can be heavy on the pocket.
Fine metal frames like aluminum have become a mainstay of museums and galleries owing to their conservation quality, sturdy as well as lightness, their versatility, ease of assembly and cost-effectiveness. Aluminum profiles for framing the painted or printed canvas are perfect for retail spaces, hospitality industry, art galleries as well as homes since their lightweight design does not asphyxiate the painting or artwork by overwhelming it with its presence.
Metal frames such as aluminum are known for their strength despite being incredibly lightweight. With aluminum metal frames you can be rest assured that the material won’t bow, shatter or spilt. Another thing to bear in mind with aluminum frames is that they are remarkably affordable even when compared to wood! And despite being affordable, these frames in no way look cheap. You can expect some very professional finishes and a very classy look with aluminum frames…whether brushed, mirrored or natural anodized.
The strength that comes with aluminum frames makes it the perfect choice for mounting large canvases that need slender support. It is also a good frame choice for artworks that are exposed to harsh environments such as extreme moisture or sunlight as it does not render itself to corrosion easily. Canvases framed in aluminum are guaranteed to remain stable and straight irrespective of the size and the environment they are placed in. Along with this, aluminum frames also offer the ease to change the canvas. They are manufactured and recycled with equal ease leaving behind a low carbon footprint…something that we should be considering today.
Making a good choice on the final presentation of the artwork in question can impact the potential sale of the artwork. The artwork and the frame should ideally work together as one. The frame should never overpower the artwork by drawing the viewer’s attention from it but compliment the art in question. Because of their understated elegance, aluminum frames are fast becoming the popular choice for art enthusiasts, galleries and museums alike. Clearly, when the marriage of the frame and the artwork is right, then both the parties sing.
Take a look at our ever expanding Art Frames line and connect with us to see how we can help bring your artwork to life.
