Art dealer Michael Werner is set to launch his second New York gallery, hosting a two-part exhibition by Sanya Kantarovsky.
Keepin' it Uptown: Michael Werner Gallery Expands with Sanya Kantarovsky
Let's face it, the art market's gone a bit cold lately, and the whisper of a gallery closing is louder than the hum of a Jackson Pollock masterpiece. But when Michael Werner Gallery ditches its usual extensive for double the space on the Upper East Side, it's anything but a bummer.
The secret behind this poppin' new art spot? A dash of serendipity. Werner's been havin' a ball on the second floor of 4 East 77th Street since 2000. It's no rookie pad; it was the original New York digs for legendary dealer Leo Castelli back in '57—all done up in his living room! But when the building hit the market, gallery partner Gordon VeneKlasen started sweatin' bullets, fearing the new owners might not wanna serve up more art.
Expansion to trendy Tribeca was briefly on the table, but Germany-based Michael Werner—keepin' it spry in his mid-80s—was dead set on stayin' hype on the Upper East Side. And VeneKlasen, well, he had his own concerns about Tribeca's grandiose spaces not vibin' with the gallery's identity. (Werner's also got digs in London, LA, Berlin, and Athens.) VeneKlasen explained, "Our identity is a big part of why the artists come to us, and the spaces are part of that identity."
When Werner first moved base to the Upper East Side in '90, Old Masters reigned supreme, makin' it an awkward choice for a contemporary dealer. But as the neighbors moved on to Chelsea, then Tribeca, Werner stuck around.
Lucky for VeneKlasen, a spot opened up right around the corner at 1018 Madison Avenue, which shares digs with galleries Gray and Alexander Berggruen. Hit the jackpot, he did! Just as the new owners of 4 East 77th gave him the 'All clear,' he realized that bein' two venues apart wasn't such a bad idea. Sanya Kantarovsky jumped at the chance to open his new representation with the gallery with a two-part exhibition at both spots.
New York architecture royalty Annabelle Selldorf handled the venue refurbishment, bringin' her sought-after skills to Werner for the first time since 1989. The Kantarovsky show, a collection of paintings, drawings, ceramics, and brand-new monotypes, opens on May 7, and it's gonna be a blast!
Why Sanya Kantarovsky Matters:
- Artistic Brilliance: Kantarovsky's work explores themes of identity, heritage, and artists' roles, makin' him a standout contemporary artist.
- Extensive Exhibition: By presentin' Kantarovsky's works across two venues, the gallery offers a broader experience for viewers, showcasing an extensive appreciation of the artist's oeuvre.
- Expanded Presence: This dual-venue event marks a significant moment in Michael Werner Gallery's expansion, demonstratin' their dedication to showcasing prominent contemporary artists and ambition to enhance their standing in the art world.
Thanks to this double venture, Michael Werner Gallery's puttin' the art world on notice: they're not playin' around. This strategic move aims to create an unforgettable and impactful exhibition experience for both the artist and the audience.
- The expansion of Michael Werner Gallery to double the space on the Upper East Side is a departure from the recent chill in the art market.
- The new art spot, located at 4 East 77th Street, has a rich history, having been the original New York digs for legendary art dealer Leo Castelli since 1957.
- Sanya Kantarovsky, a contemporary artist known for his exploration of themes such as identity, heritage, and the role of artists, will be represented by the gallery with a two-part exhibition across both of their new venues.
- The dual-venue event, an extensive exhibition of Kantarovsky's paintings, drawings, ceramics, and new monotypes, opens on May 7 and promises to create an unforgettable and impactful experience for both the artist and the audience.
- The strategic move by Michael Werner Gallery to present Kantarovsky's works across two venues demonstrates their dedication to showcasing prominent contemporary artists and their ambition to enhance their standing in the art world.
