Every work of art is framed, notjust in the way that a painting is contained
within either a simple or ornate frame, nor in the way that the “white
cube” of the exhibition space “frames” our vision, but by a verbal frame
the discourse that surrounds the work. Artists could be said to write about
their works each time they title them.From Writing About Art
You can think of an artwork’s title and label (and the information it contains) in a lot of ways.
It can:
• Situate the work in an art historical or historical context
• Verbally describe the work
• Explain the artist’s process
• Provide information about the artist
• Clarify conceptual concerns
• Guide interpretation
• Anchor meaning and narrow possible readings
• Provide cultural or political context
• Identify materials, methods, or technologies
• Connect the work to other artworks or movements
• Frame the work within the exhibition’s theme
• Provide instructions for viewing or interacting
Questions you can ask yourself:
• Does/can/should the statement “reflect” your work in it’s form or concept?
• Does/can/ should the statement reflect your personality?
• Does it contain a brief physical description of the work?
• Does it outline or explain your process?
• Does it contain your conceptual and theoretical concerns?
• Does it position you in the current “artistic discourse?”
• Should it contain any biographical information?
• Is it burdened with artspeak?
• What are you trying to communicate through your work?
• How are you trying to affect your audience?
• What is the intention, or intended purpose of your work?
• Is the statement “too” clever?
• Is it READABLE?
• Does it make sense?
• Should it be readable or make sense?
• What is your work about?
• What is your “story”
Title Manifesto
Avoid Describing Exactly What We See
A title does not need to simply name or describe the image. Titles such as Red Square, Tree Drawing, or Still Life with Bottle often repeat information the viewer already has. A stronger title can introduce a new idea, context, or tension that expands how the work is understood.
Avoid Overly Didactic Titles
Titles that explain the meaning of the work too directly can limit how viewers engage with it. Rather than telling the viewer exactly what to think, a good title can suggest a direction or open a question while leaving room for interpretation.
Avoid Cliché and Generic Phrases
Titles such as Untitled Study, Dreamscape, Inner Thoughts, or Reflections of Life tend to feel vague or formulaic. A more specific or unexpected phrase can give the work a clearer identity and make it more memorable.
Use the Title as an Extension of the Work
Think of the title as another material in the artwork. It can add context, introduce humor, create contrast, or shift the meaning of the image or object. A well-chosen title can create a productive relationship between language and the visual work rather than functioning as a simple label.
Title Format:
Firstname Lastname
Title of Work
Medium or Mediums, Comma delineated
Medium
The medium listed on an artwork label should clearly describe the primary materials or processes used to make the work, using concise and widely understood terms. The goal is to be informative without becoming overly technical or overly detailed. Focus on the main material categories (for example, oil on canvas, ink on paper, wood, steel, and found objects). For time-based work such as video or audio, include the duration of the piece. Avoid listing software, specific tools, or step-by-step production methods; the medium should communicate what the work is made from, not document the entire process.
Examples:
Digital Illustration
Animation
1:37
Oil on Canvas
Acrylic on Panel
Mixed Media
Risograph Print