Printing, Framing, Mounting & Organization

As the final stages of exhibition preparation unfold, Life Finds a Way is transforming from a vision into a tangible, immersive experience. With months of sculpting, photography, and planning now behind me, this stage is about ensuring that every detail aligns with the exhibition’s artistic intent. The way the work is presented - through high-quality prints, precise framing, and thoughtful mounting - will shape how viewers engage with the project’s themes of decay, renewal, and nature’s quiet resilience.

While much of the creative work is complete, the transition from digital to physical display comes with its own challenges. Selecting the right paper, framing method, and installation techniques is as much a part of the artistic process as capturing the original images. This phase requires a balance of aesthetics, durability, and practicality - every choice must enhance the work while ensuring the exhibition remains cohesive and professional.

Matte Prints for a Refined Finish

One of the first key decisions was selecting the right print finish. I opted for matte archival inkjet prints to ensure each detail remains crisp and free from glare under the exhibition lighting. Unlike glossy prints, which can create distracting or additional reflections behind glass, matte paper enhances the depth and texture of the images, allowing the delicate interplay of rust, fungi, and moss to be fully appreciated.

The choice of archival printing also ensures the longevity of the work. These prints are resistant to fading and environmental changes, making them ideal for gallery settings. Seeing them for the first time in their final form will be a major milestone - after viewing the project digitally for so long, the transition to large-scale physical prints will bring a new level of presence and impact.

Choosing Quality Frames

Framing is just as crucial as the prints themselves, as it plays a defining role in how the photographs are perceived. I needed a solution that was both aesthetically clean and within budget, while also offering protection for the prints throughout the exhibition. After extensive research, I selected slightly oversized A1 frames with plexiglass instead of real glass.

Originally, I hoped to use real glass for the frames, but the cost and fragility made it impractical. The plexiglass alternative offered in these IKEA frames, however, offers the same clarity while being lightweight and shatter-resistant - important considerations for an exhibition with multiple large prints. The frames provide a modern and unobtrusive presentation, keeping the focus on the work itself while maintaining a polished, gallery-quality look.

Each print will be mounted flush against the plexiglass without a passe-partout, preserving the full-frame composition without any borders. This approach reinforces the immersive nature of the images, drawing the viewer into the intricate textures and organic details of each piece.

Originally, I hoped to use real glass frames for a more traditional gallery look, but after testing different options, I found that real glass was not only expensive but also highly impractical for transportation and handling. The risk of breakage, especially at A1 size, made plexiglass a safer and more budget-friendly alternative. While plexiglass lacks the same weight as glass, in a gallery setting, this difference is barely noticeable unless touched - which is not common practice for visitors.

Similarly, I considered printing at A0 size for greater impact, but this was ultimately out of budget. However, A1 prints struck the perfect balance between size, clarity, and cost, ensuring that the details of decay and organic textures remained crisp without overwhelming the space.

Precision in Mounting & Display

Presentation plays a major role in creating a seamless viewing experience, and mounting the frames correctly is essential. To achieve a clean, precise alignment, I am using custom 3D-printed spacers. These spacers will ensure that:

• Each frame will sit evenly against the gallery wall without tilting or shifting.

• There is a subtle "floating" effect, adding depth without distracting from the artwork.

• The final arrangement maintains consistency across all pieces, enhancing the exhibition’s visual flow.

The frames will be secured using nails, as hanging from the ceiling is not permitted in this gallery space. This method ensures stability while allowing for adjustments if necessary.

The careful arrangement of the framed works and sculptural elements is designed to guide viewers through the exhibition. While there is no single required path, an inherent narrative unfolds for those who engage with the sequence of works, tracing the tension between human obsolescence and nature’s quiet reclamation.

Testing & Refining the Layout

Before finalizing the planned placement, I conducted multiple tests with lighting and framing arrangements. The goal was to ensure:

• The prints are displayed at an optimal height for viewers of all statures.

• The lighting complements the images without creating harsh shadows or glare.

• The props and tech wall integrate naturally into the space without feeling cluttered.

By refining these details in advance, I can minimize any last-minute adjustments during installation.

Final Steps & Moving Forward

With prints ordered, frames secured, and mounting techniques finalized, Life Finds a Way is now in its last stage of preparation. Seeing the framed images in person - not just as digital files, but as tangible works ready for display - will be a defining moment.

The countdown to the exhibition has officially begun. Up next: Launch Date, Brochures & Advertising - preparing to welcome visitors into the world of Life Finds a Way.

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