McClain Gallery Founder Robert McClain on the Art World's 'Arms Race' and Houston's Gallery Ecosystem
In a conversation with Glasstire, Robert McClain, the founder of McClain Gallery, reflects on the transformation of the art market since the 1980s, the challenges faced by prominent galleries, and the difficulties within Houston's gallery landscape. Since opening his gallery in 1980, he recalls Arnold Glimcher's sale of Jasper Johns' 'Three Flags' for $1 million, marking the end of the gentleman dealer era. McClain characterizes the current gallery environment as an 'arms race' that necessitates global outreach. He stresses the importance of balancing primary and secondary markets and promotes collections that showcase individual tastes. Representing Dorothy Hood's estate, he also champions local artists like Katsumi Hayakawa and Delita Martin, voicing concerns about the sustainability of Houston's gallery scene amid recent closures and insufficient institutional backing. The gallery features three exhibitions available until July 25, 2026.
Key facts
- McClain Gallery was founded in 1980 by Robert McClain, who trained in writing and journalism.
- The gallery is located off Richmond Avenue in Houston and has three white-walled galleries.
- McClain cites the 1980 sale of Jasper Johns' 'Three Flags' to the Whitney for $1 million as a watershed moment.
- He describes the current gallery model as an 'arms race' driven by the need to retain international artists.
- McClain Gallery represents the estate of Dorothy Hood, controlled by the Art Museum of South Texas.
- The gallery has organized benefit art auctions, most recently for the Rothko Chapel.
- McClain expresses concern about the long-term viability of Houston's gallery ecosystem.
- Three exhibitions are on view at McClain Gallery through July 25, 2026.
Entities
Artists
- Robert McClain
- Andy Warhol
- Robert Motherwell
- Julian Schnabel
- Henrique Oliveira
- Tibor de Nagy
- Leo Castelli
- Arnold Glimcher
- Jasper Johns
- Larry Gagosian
- Mary Boone
- Cy Twombly
- Aaron Karp
- Mark Flood
- Anish Kapoor
- Katsumi Hayakawa
- Christian Eckart
- Dorothy Hood
- Delita Martin
- Henri Matisse
- Bradley Kerl
- Shane Tolbert
Institutions
- McClain Gallery
- Glasstire
- Pace Gallery
- Whitney Museum of American Art
- Guggenheim Museum
- School of Visual Arts
- Art Museum of South Texas
- Moody Center for the Arts
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
- Getty Foundation
- Pacific Standard Time (PST ART)
- Contemporary Arts Museum Houston (CAMH)
- Meredith Long Galleries
- Texas Gallery
- Rothko Chapel
- UBS Group AG
- Art Basel
- New York Times
Locations
- Houston
- Texas
- United States
- New York City
- New York
- Switzerland
- Los Angeles
- California
- London
- United Kingdom
- San Antonio
- Miami
- Far East