Sperone Westwater, a prominent New York art gallery, has announced its closure after 50 years in business. The decision comes amidst a legal dispute between co-founders Angela Westwater and Gian Enzo Sperone, highlighting a deep division that has reportedly left them no longer speaking directly.
The gallery, which played a significant role in the contemporary art scene since its founding in 1975, will cease operations on December 31. Its final exhibition features the work of artist Richard Long, a long-standing fixture in the gallery's programming.
Key Takeaways
- Sperone Westwater Gallery is closing after five decades.
- The closure follows a lawsuit filed by co-founder Gian Enzo Sperone against Angela Westwater.
- Allegations in the suit include financial mismanagement and control disputes.
- The gallery exhibited influential artists like Bruce Nauman and Francesco Clemente.
- Its final day of operation is scheduled for December 31, 2025.
Decades of Influence in Contemporary Art
Sperone Westwater was established in 1975, initially known as Sperone Westwater Fischer. Konrad Fischer, an early partner, departed in 1982 to establish his own gallery, leaving Sperone and Westwater to continue building the institution's legacy.
Over its 50-year history, the gallery became renowned for showcasing a roster of influential contemporary artists. Its exhibitions featured significant works by figures such as Bruce Nauman, Francesco Clemente, Susan Rothenberg, Enzo Cucchi, David Lynch, and Mario Merz.
Gallery Milestones
- Founded: 1975 (as Sperone Westwater Fischer)
- Key Artists: Bruce Nauman, Francesco Clemente, Susan Rothenberg, David Lynch
- Final Exhibition: Richard Long (closing December 31)
- Norman Foster Building: Opened in 2010, a significant architectural landmark.
The gallery's impact extended beyond its artist roster. Its Norman Foster-designed building, a distinctive architectural landmark, opened its doors in 2010. This building itself represented a substantial investment, with stockholders reportedly contributing $10 million towards its development.
Legal Battle Precedes Closure Announcement
The announcement of the gallery's closure on Monday night followed earlier reports by Artnet News about rumors of its shuttering. These reports included allegations from unnamed contractors similar to claims later detailed in a lawsuit.
The lawsuit, filed in August in the Supreme Court of the State of New York, names Angela Westwater as the defendant. Gian Enzo Sperone initiated the legal action alongside Sandstown Trade Ltd., which holds a 50 percent stake in Sperone Westwater.
Ownership Structure
Sperone Westwater is jointly owned, with Angela Westwater holding 50 percent and Sandstown Trade Ltd. holding the other 50 percent. Gian Enzo Sperone was a director of Sandstown until 2024.
Sperone's suit claims he was in a "parasitic deadlock" with Westwater. He alleges she had taken control of the corporation holding Sandstown's 50 percent stake. The legal documents paint a picture of severe disagreement between the co-founders, stating they are "so divided" that they do not communicate directly.
Allegations of Mismanagement and Financial Disputes
The lawsuit contains several serious allegations against Angela Westwater. Among these are claims of mishandling funds and withholding records from both Sperone and other gallery stockholders. It also alleges mismanagement of rent payments for the gallery's building.
The suit states that the gallery was expected to pay $1.8 million in rent annually for the Foster building. However, Westwater allegedly sought to alter this payment structure. She reportedly claimed the gallery's "program and revenues were in decline" and that it could no longer afford the agreed-upon rent, suggesting it was unprofitable.
"After 50 successful years, Sperone Westwater Gallery will be closing on December 31, as co-founders Angela Westwater and Gian Enzo Sperone have decided to pursue separate endeavors. They appreciate everyone who contributed to the Gallery’s success and accomplishments."
Sperone and Sandstown also allege that Westwater intended to use the valuable Foster Building to subsidize the gallery, which they claim was unprofitable. This included an alleged increase in her own salary without the permission of the other stockholder. Furthermore, the suit accuses Westwater of being "reckless" with consigned artworks and the proceeds generated from their sales.
Shifting Dynamics and External Pressures
The legal documents reveal a complex internal struggle. Sperone was replaced as a director of Sandstown in 2024 by Filippo Pistone, described in the suit as "a trusted family friend who is a successful businessperson." Pistone is reportedly the founder of Bacchanal Wine Imports.
An email submitted with the suit shows Westwater expressing "concerns" about Pistone. She alleged he had been "bullying me with false claims that I and the Gallery have engaged in unlawful misconduct." She also claimed he was "bullying the Gallery’s staff with unduly burdensome demands."
Key Allegations Against Westwater
- Mishandling funds and records.
- Mismanaging rent payments for the Foster building.
- Increasing her salary without stockholder approval.
- Recklessness with consigned artworks and proceeds.
Despite Westwater's claims about Pistone's behavior, the lawsuit describes her initial meeting with him as "cordial." This suggests a breakdown in communication and trust that escalated significantly over time. The suit also alleges that Westwater asserted she could close Sperone Westwater "at any time."
The closure marks the end of an era for a gallery that has shaped the careers of many artists and contributed significantly to the New York art landscape. The legal proceedings shed light on the internal conflicts that ultimately led to this decision, underscoring the challenges even long-standing institutions face when fundamental disagreements arise among leadership.