Tilton Gallery, a prominent fixture in the New York art scene for over four decades, has announced it will close its public space following a final exhibition this fall. The gallery, located on the Upper East Side, will present a show dedicated to the late abstract painter Ruth Vollmer from September 30 to November 15, marking the end of its public operations.
The decision was confirmed in a statement by Connie Rogers Tilton, who has directed the gallery since the passing of her husband and founder, Jack Tilton, in 2017. This closure adds to a series of recent shutdowns of established art galleries in major cities.
Key Takeaways
- Tilton Gallery will permanently close its public space after 41 years of operation in New York City.
- The final exhibition, featuring artist Ruth Vollmer, is scheduled from September 30 to November 15.
- Director Connie Rogers Tilton will transition to private art projects after running the gallery for eight years following founder Jack Tilton's death.
- The gallery was renowned for launching the careers of artists like Marlene Dumas, Nicole Eisenman, and Glenn Ligon.
Announcement of Final Exhibition
Tilton Gallery has officially stated that its upcoming presentation of works by Ruth Vollmer will be its last formal exhibition. After the show concludes on November 15, the gallery will vacate its longtime home at 8 East 76th Street on the Upper East Side.
In the official press release, Connie Rogers Tilton explained her decision. "This will be the gallery’s final formal exhibition," she wrote. "After eight meaningful years continuing the gallery without Jack, it is time to pursue my own projects in a more private setting and to reformulate my role in the art world whether through private sales or research projects."
"I am incredibly grateful for the support, friendship and enthusiasm of gallery artists, staff, collectors, museums and fellow dealers during these years and I hope to continue to maintain these relationships into the future," Connie Rogers Tilton added in the announcement.
The selection of Ruth Vollmer for the final show is significant. Vollmer had previously shown with the legendary dealer Betty Parsons, where Jack Tilton worked before opening his own gallery. Tilton Gallery began representing Vollmer's estate when it first opened, bringing its history full circle.
A Legacy of Artistic Discovery
Founded in 1983 by Jack Tilton, the gallery quickly established a reputation for its exceptional ability to identify and nurture emerging talent. Tilton, who passed away in 2017, was widely respected for his discerning eye and commitment to artists who often worked outside the mainstream.
The Gallery's Journey Through New York
Jack Tilton began his gallery in 1983 in the former space of his mentor, Betty Parsons, on West 57th Street. The gallery later moved to SoHo during the art boom of the 1990s before settling into its final location on the Upper East Side in 2005.
Championing Groundbreaking Artists
Throughout its 41-year history, Tilton Gallery provided a crucial platform for artists who would go on to achieve international acclaim. The gallery was also instrumental in revitalizing the careers of significant but overlooked figures.
The list of artists who exhibited at Tilton includes many influential names in contemporary art:
- Marlene Dumas
- Nicole Eisenman
- Francis Alÿs
- Glenn Ligon
- Kiki Smith
- David Hammons
- Ed Clark
- John Outterbridge
- Kennedy Yanko
The gallery also played a pivotal role in introducing important Chinese contemporary artists to American audiences in the 1990s, including Huang Yong Ping and Zhang Peili.
A Tribute to a Visionary
In March 2018, nearly a year after Jack Tilton's death, the gallery mounted a major exhibition titled "In Tribute to Jack Tilton: A Selection from 35 Years." This show celebrated his legacy and featured work by artists such as David Lynch, Rirkrit Tiravanija, Carrie Mae Weems, and Richard Tuttle, all of whom had shown with the gallery.
Continuing the Vision
After Jack Tilton's death, Connie Rogers Tilton took the helm, ensuring the gallery's mission continued. She balanced honoring its historical program with a focus on contemporary voices. Artists currently represented by the gallery include Tomashi Jackson, Texas Isaiah, Brenna Youngblood, and February James, as well as the estate of Noah Purifoy.
In a 2019 interview, Connie Rogers Tilton spoke about this approach. "Of course, we want to honor and continue Jack’s legacy, but part of what he and the gallery have always been about is looking at the present—and looking to the future," she said. "The gallery continues to look into the future."
Even in its final year, the gallery remained active on the international art circuit, participating in Frieze Los Angeles in February and Art Basel Miami Beach in December of the previous year.
A Trend in the Art World
The closure of Tilton Gallery is part of a larger, concerning trend of established, mid-size galleries ceasing operations. Earlier this year, the art world saw announcements of closures from other respected venues such as Blum Gallery, Clearing, and Venus Over Manhattan.
Just last week, the storied LA Louver gallery in Los Angeles also announced it would shutter its Venice space after 50 years. These closures signal a shifting landscape for the art market, where galleries face increasing economic pressures and changing collector habits. The loss of these vital spaces represents a significant challenge for the artists they support and the communities they serve.
