What's Happening?
Kasmin gallery in New York is closing after 35 years, transitioning into a new gallery named Olney Gleason. The new venture is led by Nick Olney, Kasmin's president since 2020, and Eric Gleason, a senior director since 2013. The transition was planned with the late founder Paul Kasmin, who had discussed the future of the gallery before his death in 2020. Olney Gleason aims to continue the legacy of Kasmin while charting a new course in the art world. The gallery will open its first exhibition in Chelsea this fall, featuring a roster of about 25 artists and estates, many of whom have been associated with Kasmin in recent years.
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Why It's Important?
The closure of Kasmin and the launch of Olney Gleason marks a significant shift in the New York art scene, reflecting broader changes in the market and generational shifts among collectors, dealers, and artists. The new gallery aims to foster cross-generational dialogue between 20th and 21st-century art, which could influence contemporary art trends and market dynamics. The transition is also a testament to the resilience and adaptability of art institutions in navigating leadership changes and external challenges, such as the global pandemic.
What's Next?
Olney Gleason is set to announce its founding program soon, which will reveal the artists and estates that will be part of the new gallery's roster. The gallery's focus on contemporary and historical art suggests potential exhibitions that could attract diverse audiences and collectors. The art community will be watching how Olney Gleason positions itself in the competitive New York art market and how it honors the legacy of Kasmin while establishing its own identity.
