Should Art be Framed?

Should art be framed? It is common practice to frame paintings, collages, and most 2D artworks. And it is common practice to not frame tapestries. So what about art like mine? They are often called artquilts, fabric art, or textile art. I like to call them mixed-media constructions since I use many types of materials to make them. But should my artworks be framed?

The answer to the question depends on the personal taste of the viewer and also on the place where they will be displayed. Until this past year, I never framed my artwork. I liked the way they hung on the wall as tapestries. But then, I started to wonder what they would like framed and I was surprised when I started to audition them, virtually, using an App called ArtStage.

First, here is one of my artworks called Navigating Change. It is almost square in shape. The first photos show the pieces (using the App) on a wall not framed. And the second shows what they would look like framed. Of course, there are many types of frames to choose but I chose ones from the App that I thought complimented it in the surroundings shown.

The artwork called Florida Springs Eternal2 is also close to square in shape. But what about my art pieces that are rectangular and have proportions similar to oriental scrolls? Should art in those proportions be framed?

In the end, the choice to frame or not to frame is a personal choice. My personal choice is that when my art is framed, I mount it on matboard with the edges exposed to preserve the look of a textile. And when someone buys my art, they can make the choice that suits them. Whatever they decide is fine with me as long as they enjoy it.