Step inside the mind of acclaimed artist Anna Sudbina, as she shares a creator’s unique perspective on curating gallery walls that transcend aesthetics. With an insider’s understanding of her own work, Sudbina knows exactly how to make each piece stand out and evoke its deepest meaning.
By Sophie Heatley | 27 Nov 2024
From bold abstractions to intimate portraits, Sudbina‘s insights reveal how to create walls that are not only visually captivating but rich with depth and emotion. Discover how to curate a gallery wall the artist’s way and transform your space with purpose and personality.
In her own work, Sudbina blends the atmospheric gestures of her large abstract pieces from her Interior of the Mind series with smaller, nuanced portraits from her Notes to Self and Abstract Portraits collections. This unique pairing, she says, creates a dialogue between bold, open-ended expressions and intimate, detailed portrayals, offering viewers a layered experience within any space.
Craft a Dialogue Between Artworks
When arranging these contrasting works, Sudbina emphasises the interplay between bold abstractions and subtle human elements. “The larger pieces pull you in with their rich colours and textures, while the smaller portraits invite you to come closer,” she explains. This juxtaposition creates a space that feels both grand and personal—a blend that invites viewers to step back to take in the whole wall, then approach individual pieces to uncover their intricacies. The result is an immersive environment where abstract exploration and emotional resonance coexist, adding a sense of movement and depth to the room.
Layer Textures and Play with Frames
Known for her use of impasto and unconventional tools, Sudbina’s artworks are deeply tactile. When combining several of her pieces, she suggests playing with frames but to avoid glass to maintain this tangible quality, “you want to allow the textures to come forwards, inviting viewers to engage more closely with the art.”
“Framing should not only complement the artwork but also reflect the character of the space,” she says, noting that a carefully chosen frame can help an artwork feel more at home in any interior and stand out amongst a larger selection on a wall.
“A simple, high-quality frame always looks elegant, but don’t shy away from experimenting with scale or making bold choices if it suits the room. I’m a big fan of incorporating vintage elements into interiors—bold vintage frames can add incredible character and charm.” If you already own or discover a standout frame, consider commissioning Sudbina (or another artist whose work you love) to create a custom artwork perfectly sized for it. “It could become a stunning centrepiece, serving as the anchor for your gallery wall.”
Create with Emotion
For those embarking on building their first gallery wall, Sudbina’s advice is refreshingly simple: “Start with what you love.” Art, she believes, should evoke a personal connection, creating an experience that resonates deeply with the viewer. “Each artwork tells a story,” she says, “and ideally, it echoes memories, emotions, and parts of the collector’s own life.” If you start with a piece that means something to you rather than just one that suits the space, the rest will follow more organically.
Personal and Universally Inviting Gallery Walls
In creating a gallery wall, Sudbina encourages designers and collectors alike to consider how the art interacts with the textures, colours, and materials within a room. A well-curated collection, she says, shapes an atmosphere that’s both personal and universally inviting. By layering different pieces, colours, and textures, Sudbina’s approach to gallery walls transforms interiors into dynamic, engaging spaces where every viewer can find a piece of themselves reflected within the art.
