On March 28th I opened Entre Mundos – my fourth solo art exhibition – at the atmospheric Toro Wine Bar in Tallinn, Estonia. This show was not only a milestone in my artistic career but also a personal turning point. Entre Mundos (Spanish for “In Between Worlds”) represents my shift from the detailed realism of my earlier years into the free-flowing, textured abstract art that now defines my visual language. In this post, I’m sharing a detailed behind-the-scenes look at how I planned, promoted, and executed this solo art show – offering some insights for fellow artists and art collectors alike.
The Concept Behind Entre Mundos Art Exhibition
The title isn’t just symbolic – it is literal. On one side of the venue hang my older photorealistic oil paintings, rendered with precision and emotional depth. Opposite them stand my new textured abstract paintings, created using acrylics, texture paste, and palette knives. This layout creates a deliberate contrast: the disciplined past meeting the intuitive present. It feels like walking between two creative lifetimes, one brushstroke at a time.
This transition into abstract art came from a deep need for more creative freedom. Abstract painting allowed me to experiment with texture, light, movement, and symbolism in ways that photorealism couldn’t. It opened up space to tell stories through materials and emotion, not just through image.
Preparing for a Successful Solo Art Exhibition
This was the most logistically involved art show I’ve done to date. Beyond creating the artwork, I temporarily took on several roles: curator, graphic designer, social media strategist, web developer, and event planner.
Key preparation steps included:
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- Curating a collection of 9 paintings that reflected both my photorealistic and abstract styles
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- Creating a dedicated shop category on my art website to showcase Entre Mundos
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- Designing QR codes that visitors could scan to buy artwork directly through my website
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- Configuring shipping options to offer local pickup during the show
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- Printing exhibition materials like price tags and flyers
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- Photographing the artwork professionally for high-resolution digital display and prints
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- Designing price tags and a foldable brochure with an artist bio, contact info, and exhibition concept
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- Running social media campaigns, designing a Facebook event banner, and boosting an Instagram ad to reach local art lovers in Tallinn
From photo editing in GIMP to layout design in Canva and WordPress e-commerce setup, the process gave me a crash course in running an art business. It also showed me that professional presentation makes a big difference in how viewers experience and value the work.
The Exhibition Opening Night in Tallinn
The opening night at Toro Wine Bar exceeded all my expectations. Around 30 visitors stopped by throughout the evening to view the exhibition, enjoy wine and tapas, and connect through art.
The venue’s warm ambiance, paired with the dual display of realism and abstraction, sparked conversations. Some guests resonated with the detailed portraiture, while others gravitated toward the color, texture, and symbolism of the abstract pieces. One painting even found a buyer that same day – a moment that’s always special.
To extend the experience, I left printed flyers at the bar for future guests, offering more insight into the exhibition and my artistic journey.
Lessons Learned from Organizing an Independent Art Exhibition
Every solo exhibition brings new insights. Here’s what this one taught me:
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- Create your own opportunities. Don’t wait for a gallery to validate your work – curate your own art show.
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- Details elevate the experience. Professionally designed materials, cohesive visuals, and clear signage all matter.
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- Bridge the gap with tech. QR codes linking to your art shop make purchasing seamless.
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- Conversations matter. Taking time to engage with visitors on a personal level created meaningful exchanges – some of which led to long-term interest and deeper connection to the artwork.
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- Invest in photography. Great photos help promote, preserve, and repurpose your work across platforms.
Tips for Emerging Artists Planning Their First Art Show
If you’re planning your first solo art exhibition – or your fourth – here are some practical tips:
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- Choose an intimate, welcoming venue like a wine bar, café, or boutique that aligns with your aesthetic
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- Set your exhibition date and work backward with a clear checklist
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- Photograph your work well in advance and edit for both print and web
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- Use Canva or similar tools to design your price tags, labels, and promotional graphics
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- Plan an ad campaign (even €20–40 can go a long way) targeting art lovers in your city
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- Think through the buyer journey — from first impression to QR code scan to checkout
Above all, believe in the value of your creation and present it with pride.
Final Thoughts – and an Invitation
Entre Mundos is still on view at Toro Wine Bar (Lai 26, Tallinn) until June 28th, 2025. If you’re in the city, I invite you to stop by, enjoy a glass of wine, and step into the space between worlds.
To those who came, supported, purchased, and cheered me on – thank you! You made this experience unforgettable.
To fellow artists reading this: your next exhibition is possible. Your work deserves to be seen.
– IsabellaDelSol