Fossilized Maiasaura Skeletons Debut at Amanita Gallery Alongside John Chamberlain Sculpture
Amanita gallery, located on the Bowery in New York, is hosting a groundbreaking exhibition that features a unique John Chamberlain sculpture alongside three authentic, fossilized Maiasaura dinosaur skeletons. These Maiasaura specimens, dating back over 70 million years to the Upper Cretaceous period, have never been displayed in New York, especially not in a commercial setting. Comprising 62% to 85% genuine bone, each skeleton surpasses many museum-quality examples in completeness. The Chamberlain work, Gondola Marianne Moore (1982), belongs to his gondola series, which consists of horizontal pieces made from crushed car parts. Gallery partner Jacob Hyman notes that the exhibition seeks to emphasize the sculptural aspects of the fossils in relation to American post-war art, amidst a rising market for dinosaur skeletons that has merged with traditional art collecting since the pandemic.
Key facts
- Exhibition at Amanita gallery on New York's Bowery pairs John Chamberlain sculpture with three real Maiasaura dinosaur skeletons.
- Maiasaura specimens are from the Upper Cretaceous period, over 70 million years ago.
- Fossils have never been exhibited in New York before, much less in a commercial gallery.
- Each skeleton is 62% to 85% real bone, more complete than many museum-grade specimens.
- Chamberlain's Gondola Marianne Moore (1982) is from his gondola series; only 14 exist.
- Most gondola sculptures are held by Dia Art Foundation and Chinati Foundation.
- Market for dinosaur skeletons has skyrocketed since the pandemic, with record sales at auction.
- Stegosaurus fossil Apex sold for $44.6 million at Sotheby's New York in July 2024; Phillips sold a Triceratops skeleton in November 2024.
- Private sale of dinosaur fossils is controversial; some experts call for it to end.
- Jacob Hyman, Amanita partner, says private patronage can ensure good stewardship.
Entities
Artists
- John Chamberlain
Institutions
- Amanita
- Dia Art Foundation
- Chinati Foundation
- Sotheby's New York
- Phillips
Locations
- New York
- Bowery
- United States