With the digital landscape continuously expanding, art enthusiasts and seasoned collectors are increasingly turning to online platforms to explore, discover and connect with artworks. To maximize engagement as a gallery or independent artist, it is essential to have a functional yet aesthetic website. However, knowing how to best represent yourself can be a daunting task. We’ve compiled a list of 6 inspiring websites to help you refine your online presence and support your online growth.
1. White Cube
White Cube website homepage © White Cube
The White Cube website offers a highly immersive experience. Utilizing a background which features a close up of artworks, the visitor is transported into the world of the exhibiting artist, where every detail is magnified and constantly stimulating. This innovative approach to web design embodies the gallery's reputation for showcasing cutting-edge contemporary art. The minimalist navigation buttons allow the artworks to speak for themselves and provide a seamless browsing experience, enabling visitors to delve into the captivating narratives and intricate aesthetics that define the gallery’s collection.
2. Petzel Gallery
Petzel Gallery website homepage © Petzel Gallery
The Friedrich Petzel Gallery has created a playful and original site. In particular, Petzel Gallery's site highlights its attention to detail, which sets them apart in the industry. Offering buttons that seamlessly connect visitors to their digital viewing room or the option to explore the historical background of the gallery, the website fosters a sense of exploration and engagement. The rolling slate of upcoming exhibitions at the bottom of the page captures the viewer’s curiosity and provides a glimpse into the gallery’s ever-evolving programming, without creating a website which is too visually overstimulating. Petzel Gallery has found the perfect balance between interactivity, functionality and visual aesthetics.
3. Sophie Hustin
Sophie Hustin's website homepage © Sophie Hustin
Inventive web design can be seen not just in gallery websites but from the websites of independent artists too. Sophie Hustin has a site which showcases a unique creative perspective. Her eye for aesthetics can be felt from the first look at her website. The dark background and minimalist font seem simplistic at first, until Hustin’s surprising works appear. The ability to navigate seamlessly between the artistic forms enriches the experience of exploring her website. Thanks to her strong artistic DNA, any visitor is completely immersed in Hustin's artist’s universe.
4. Galerie Perrotin
Galerie Perrotin's website homepage © Galerie Perrotin
If you want to design a professional, clear and efficient site, Galerie Perrotin, one of Artsper’s partner galleries, is the perfect inspiration. This world-renowned gallery has a clean, elegant site which gives you the impression of entering 76 rue de Turenne. The carousel of current and forthcoming exhibitions showcases art in the various spaces of the gallery, from Paris to Shanghai and Seoul, turning site visitors into collectors. With easily accessible buttons to read the press release of an exhibition or add its details to your calendar, Perrotin has perfected the art of anticipating any visitor’s needs.
5. Museum of Modern Art
Museum of Modern Art's website homepage © MoMA
The MoMA website design does not shy away from color. Its bold and vibrant hues come together in a carefully curated color scheme, evident throughout the entire site. This not only adds a visual appeal but also creates a cohesive and alluring experience for visitors. The energy and dynamism of the colors captivate views and draw them into the world of art. MoMA’s strategic use of colors reflects their institutional commitment to creativity, which is present across all their social media, and the power of visual expression.
6. Charlotte Abramow
Charlotte Abramow's website homepage © Charlotte Abramow
Artist Charlotte Abramow has discovered the secret that maximalism, when done right, can captivate and mesmerize. From the outset, Abramow’s website emphasizes her bold and vibrant artistic style, showcasing the breadth and depth of her portfolio. For a gallery, adopting a more maximalist approach will allow you to feature artworks from several of your artists simultaneously. It can also help you stand out in a crowded digital landscape, where minimalist designs are the norm. This approach resonates particularly well amongst Gen Z.
Boost your professional potential
These six inspiring websites demonstrate the varying possibilities within the digital realm to showcase artwork and redefine the gallery experience. Whether through interactive features and seamless navigation, or thoughtfully curated content, these websites highlight how you can engage visitors and increase site traffic, either as an independent artist or a gallery. Are you going to emphasize your exhibitions with a minimalist approach, or elevate your artworks by allowing them to dominate the site? We can’t wait to see your designs!