How Many Artworks Do You Need for the IB Visual Arts Exhibition?

4. Use the Upper Range Carefully

Submitting the maximum (7 for SL, 11 for HL) only works if every piece is strong. Sometimes fewer, more intentional works create a more professional exhibition.

Example Exhibition Selections

• SL Exhibition (6 works): 2 paintings, 1 photograph, 1 mixed media collage, 1 sculpture, 1 textile piece — unified by the theme of identity.
• HL Exhibition (9 works): 3 paintings, 2 photographs, 2 sculptures, 1 installation, 1 digital art piece — unified by the theme of environment and memory.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcrowding the exhibition space with too many works.
• Including weak or unfinished pieces just to hit the maximum number.
• Ignoring theme coherence by adding unrelated works.
• Forgetting to annotate in the rationale why you selected each piece.

FAQs on Exhibition Artwork Numbers

Q1: Can I include fewer than the required number?
No — you must meet the minimum or risk automatic mark deductions.

Q2: Should I aim for the maximum number of works?
Only if every piece is strong. Sometimes fewer, more polished works are more effective.

Q3: Do small works count as separate artworks?
Yes, as long as they are independent pieces (not studies or sketches).

Q4: Can I include collaborative works?
No — only individual artworks count toward the exhibition.

Q5: Do works in my exhibition need to be completely finished?
Yes. Only complete, refined artworks should be displayed.

Conclusion

For the IB Visual Arts exhibition, SL students need 4–7 artworks and HL students need 8–11 artworks. The key is not just meeting the number but curating your exhibition with quality, variety, and coherence in mind. A carefully selected set of works will showcase your growth, creativity, and artistic voice — and give examiners exactly what they’re looking for.