The recent wave of gallery closures has sent shockwaves through the art world, with Kasmin and Clearing galleries being the latest casualties. Kasmin Gallery, a staple in Manhattan for 35 years, will be closing its doors as founders Nicholas Olney and Eric Gleason transition to launch their own gallery, Olney Gleason, this fall. The new venture will inherit some of Kasmin’s renowned artists, although specific details remain undisclosed.
Founded by the late Paul Kasmin in 1989, Kasmin Gallery has hosted a myriad of exhibitions over the years, showcasing the works of artists like Joel Shapiro, Diana Al-Hadid, and Jackson Pollock. The gallery’s last show, featuring oil paintings by Danny Sobor, concluded in July. The closure marks the end of an era for the esteemed gallery, leaving a void in the art community.
On the other hand, Clearing Gallery, established in 2011, is also shutting down, citing an inability to maintain its high standards for artists, staff, and the community. With locations in New York City, Los Angeles, and Brussels, Clearing represented a diverse roster of emerging and mid-career artists. Despite its rapid expansion, the gallery faced challenges that ultimately led to its closure.
The closures of Kasmin and Clearing galleries follow a string of similar announcements from other prominent art spaces, including Blum Gallery and Venus Over Manhattan. These closures have left many employees without jobs and artists without representation, underscoring the volatile nature of the art market. As the industry grapples with these setbacks, the future remains uncertain for both galleries and the artists they supported.
