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Nahmad Projects Opens in Mayfair with Francesco Bonami Curated Inaugural Show

exhibition · 2026-05-05

Joseph Nahmad, scion of the prominent art-dealing dynasty, has partnered with Italian former Sotheby's Milan specialist Tommaso Calabro to launch Nahmad Projects at 14 Cork Street in London's Mayfair. The space opens on June 9, 2016, with a mission to present interdisciplinary exhibitions, performances, and site-specific installations that challenge conventional perceptions of contemporary art. The inaugural project, titled 'I am NOT Tino Sehgal,' is curated by Francesco Bonami. It features 30 texts selected from an open call, each inspired by the practice of German performance artist Tino Sehgal. These texts will be performed continuously for 24 hours, one per day over 30 days. The gallery aims to differentiate itself from established neighboring blue-chip galleries like Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Marlborough by offering experiential visits. The venture reflects a strategic move to revitalize Mayfair's art scene, which has faced criticism for becoming overly commercial and inaccessible.

Key facts

  • Nahmad Projects opens June 9, 2016 at 14 Cork Street, Mayfair, London.
  • Founded by Joseph Nahmad and Tommaso Calabro (ex-Sotheby's Milan).
  • Inaugural exhibition 'I am NOT Tino Sehgal' curated by Francesco Bonami.
  • 30 performances selected from an open call, each performed continuously for 24 hours over 30 days.
  • Gallery focuses on interdisciplinary shows, performance, and site-specific installations.
  • Aims to counter the traditional gallery model in Mayfair, offering an experiential visit.
  • Mayfair is home to Gagosian, Hauser & Wirth, and Marlborough galleries.
  • The Nahmad family is known for major auction purchases and a past legal scandal involving a US gallery turned gambling den.

Entities

Artists

  • Joseph Nahmad
  • Tommaso Calabro
  • Francesco Bonami
  • Tino Sehgal

Institutions

  • Nahmad Projects
  • Sotheby's Milan
  • Gagosian
  • Hauser & Wirth
  • Marlborough
  • Artribune

Locations

  • London
  • Mayfair
  • Cork Street
  • New York
  • Chelsea
  • Milan
  • Italy

Sources