Why do artists exhibit? ?

Question

Why do artists exhibit? In your answer , consider the different reasons that artists have for participating in exhibitions as part of their practice

Answer 1

to promote thems self and to get feedback and contacts and to network in order to create more opportunies in art and design  

Answer 2

I don't think this is such a "duh" question.  

Many artists are deeply conflicted about exhibiting their work.  Some are forever insecure about it and feel that it's never good enough to show.  Some are not comfortable with the exposure, the attention, the publicness, the potiential criticism, or the commercial end of the art world.  Some don't like to be asked about their art or expected to explain or defend it.  Some are very shy and simply do not enjoy being the center of attention.  

I think Maia3000 gave a very good list of the reasons why an artist WOULD want to exhibit -- don't think I can improve on it -- but there are also plenty of reasons why many artists are conflicted about it.

Answer 3

Simply put, for exposure and make some money so they can make some more.

Answer 4

Artists exhibit so people will see their work and buy it.

Duh.

Answer 5

To gain useful responses from those who see the work, to see the work in an environment outside the studio, to help raise a profile and build a client base, to earn some money from sales, as  a networking tool ie.in a group show, because you are contracted to and cannot easily get out of it! For the love of, the fun of or simply to raise some funds, to build a CV in the hope of getting further shows......all, any or none of the above. :-)

*maybe i should add i hate doing shows? but they're kind of a necessary evil for the above reasons