by Anne Gabriel
In the last 3 years, Los Angeles has experienced a massive influx of artists from New York seeking sunshine, trying to escape unlivable rent prices so they can both dwell here and eat and not have to choose between the two. With them has come major New York galleries staking their claim and sinking significant investments-in-locations into the Los Angeles art market.
With this mass influx of galleries, however, comes the realization that the collector base in Los Angeles cannot sustain the sheer number of exhibition spaces and has forced closure of several spaces, some of which are less than a year old.
In the last 6 months, the following galleries have either downsized, stopped consistent programming, have gone virtual, have closed up shop completely, or have made signals that they are headed that way.
Sergeant’s Daughters (closing)
The Shrine (closing)
Gaga Reena (closing)
Giovanni’s Room (inconsistent programming, possibly closed)
Superchief Gallery (asking for people to donate to keep them open)
Tufenkian Fine Arts (closed)
Carlye Packer (closed)
Over The Influence (closed)
UTA Artists Space (closed)
Hashimoto Contemporary (closed)
Lauren Powell Projects (closed)
Thinkspace Projects (downsized)
It is true that most of the above spaces are small to mid-size and the news is that the larger galleries are also being affected but possibly have enough cushion to keep them afloat for the near term.
So where does that leave us? Larger galleries at scale seem safe and tiny, smaller projects spaces that run as side projects seem safe, and everything in between is in a churn hoping that this art world market downturn is only temporary.
Image: Over The Influence