Altman Siegel, a prominent art gallery in San Francisco, will close its doors in November after 16 years of operation. Founder Claudia Altman-Siegel cited the challenging art market for mid-size galleries as the primary reason for the decision.
The gallery, known for its commitment to conceptually uncompromising work, will conclude its run with a solo exhibition by Japanese painter Shinpei Kusanagi. This closure adds Altman Siegel to a growing list of galleries facing difficulties in the current economic climate.
Key Takeaways
- Altman Siegel gallery will close in November after 16 years.
- Founder Claudia Altman-Siegel cited a challenging market for mid-size galleries.
- The final exhibition features artist Shinpei Kusanagi.
- This closure follows similar announcements from other galleries nationwide.
Market Challenges Impact Mid-Size Galleries
Claudia Altman-Siegel, the gallery's founder, issued a statement on Wednesday explaining the decision. She described the current market conditions as particularly difficult for galleries of her size. The inability to scale operations in this environment led to the closure.
"As it has become too difficult for a gallery this size to scale in this climate, I have made the incredibly tough decision to close rather than diminish either the space or the commitment to exhibit conceptually uncompromising work," Altman-Siegel wrote.
This statement highlights a broader trend within the art industry. Many mid-sized galleries are struggling to maintain their business models amidst economic pressures and changing collector behaviors.
Gallery History
- Opened: 2007
- Years in operation: 16
- Number of exhibitions: 213
- Original location: Downtown San Francisco
A Roster of Notable Artists
Altman Siegel represented a diverse group of artists. Its roster included names such as Simon Denny, Lynn Hershman Leeson, Trevor Paglen, Zarouhie Abdalian, Koak, Didier William, and Kiyan Williams. Many of these artists gained significant recognition during or after their time with the gallery.
The gallery's final exhibition is a solo show by Shinpei Kusanagi. Kusanagi has worked with Altman Siegel since its opening year. His exhibition will conclude on November 22, marking the end of the gallery's public operations.
The gallery often took chances on emerging talents. For example, one of its early shows featured Trevor Paglen. At that time, Paglen had few exhibitions outside of institutional settings. He is now represented by Pace, one of the world's largest galleries.
"The art market can be relentless, the true heart of this project has always been ideas, community, and joy," Claudia Altman-Siegel stated, reflecting on the gallery's mission.
Wider Trend of Gallery Closures
Altman Siegel is not alone in its decision to close or reduce operations. The past year has seen several other galleries announce similar plans. These closures affect various art hubs across the United States.
In Los Angeles, galleries such as Blum and LA Louver have announced significant changes. LA Louver, which had been open for 50 years, shifted to private dealing in September. This move illustrates a change in how established galleries are adapting to market conditions.
New York also experienced closures. Clearing and Venus Over Manhattan galleries both ceased operations over the summer. These instances demonstrate the widespread nature of the challenges facing the art sector.
San Francisco Art Scene
San Francisco traditionally offers a smaller art market compared to New York. This can result in fewer local sales and slower foot traffic. However, it also provides greater creative freedom and less competition for galleries willing to take risks.
Earlier this year, the Kadist art foundation also announced it would wind down its operations in San Francisco, further indicating shifts in the local art landscape.
Evolution and Legacy of Altman Siegel
Claudia Altman-Siegel opened her gallery in downtown San Francisco in 2007. Before this, she spent 10 years at Luhring Augustine gallery in New York. She initially found San Francisco appealing due to its creative freedom and less competitive environment.
In a 2011 interview with Art in America, Altman-Siegel noted, "San Francisco is a smaller market, so local sales are fewer and foot traffic is slower than in New York, but there is a lot of creative freedom; I have no peer pressure, and there’s not much competition." This environment allowed her to support artists whose work challenged market norms.
Over the years, the gallery expanded its physical presence. It relocated to a new space in the Dogpatch district in 2016. Last year, it moved again to Presidio Heights. Each move aimed to accommodate evolving artistic practices and take new risks.
Altman-Siegel reflected on the journey: "Each chapter allowed the gallery to take risks, experiment, and keep pace with the evolving practices of our artists. Now, 213 exhibitions and art fairs later, the project is coming to a close."
Reflecting on Community and Inspiration
Despite the closure, Altman-Siegel expressed a mix of pride and sadness. She emphasized the connections made and artists fostered throughout the gallery's history. These relationships, she believes, represent the true essence of the project.
Her statement concluded with a hopeful message: "My hope is that the gallery has brought you as much inspiration as it has brought me." This sentiment underscores the gallery's impact beyond commercial success.
The closure of Altman Siegel highlights the ongoing difficulties faced by independent and mid-size art galleries. These institutions play a crucial role in fostering new talent and presenting diverse artistic voices. Their struggles reflect broader shifts in the global art market and economic climate.