Dear Plaster, How do I make friends at exhibition openings?

Dear Plaster,

I moved to London earlier this year and have settled in pretty well. I have a great social life, but none of my mates are involved in the art scene and they’re not interested in going to gallery exhibition openings (even the really cool ones I suggest…). There’s so much going on and I want to get stuck into the art world, but I’m scared to go to the private views alone and feel awkward approaching new people. I’m at my wits’ end. Send help, please!

– Flying Solo

Georgia says:

Turning up to a party and knowing absolutely no one is a high that only a dry martini and railing a line of [redacted] can match. You’re free to do whatever the hell you like. Fuck ‘em! Think you’re important enough for anyone to notice? Please. The eyes are on the collectors, and if they’re not on the collectors, they’re on the drinks, and if they’re not on the drinks they’re on the artist, but mostly everyone is just worried about how they look to everyone else. Finally, at the bottom of this sad and sorry ladder we find you, Flying Solo (I’ve given you the dignity of a pseudonym. Plus, I don’t want to ruin my reputation by associating with you).

Consider yourself lucky. You don’t know anyone, but crucially, nobody knows you. You’ll be excused from the awkward greetings: the handshakes, half hugs and air kisses and the truly painful, “I think we’ve maybe met?” Nobody will look over your shoulder for someone more interesting. Nobody will ask you for a run down of your CV. You can move at your own pace, drink, linger and leave when you feel like it. Don’t like the art? Just leave. Ever clubbed alone? You should. It builds confidence and character. Just buy yourself a ticket and dance. People who are happy going out by themselves are mysterious and chic.

After many years grinding my nose against the stone that is shit art and even shitter parties, I have amassed an array of fine friends. Now I get to reap the rewards. Just the other day, I was at a party where two of my dearest friends almost pretended they knew me. Joy. Over time you’ll get to know many people just like these, and that’s when the trouble starts. Enjoy this moment while you can – you have nothing to lose.

– G xo