The Ambiguous Rise of 'Gallerist': Art World Debates a Term's Meaning and Purpose
The art community has increasingly adopted the term 'gallerist,' though its definition remains ambiguous—whether it signifies an art dealer, gallery owner, or curator. In a 2005 article for The New York Times, Grace Glueck pointed out that some dealers perceive a gallerist as an individual who represents living artists without engaging in secondary market transactions. Critics argue that the term is unclear, suggesting a connection to the gallery itself. While Steven Madoff sees no benefit in the term, Allegra LaViola views it as indicative of a responsible role. Artists like Lars Kremer and Deborah Brown dismiss the label, emphasizing their identities as artists. Carlo Lamagna acknowledges the term’s clarity in Europe but notes its limited acceptance in the U.S., reflecting ongoing confusion in the art sector.
Key facts
- The term 'gallerist' has become fashionable in art headlines despite initial doubts about its utility.
- In 2005, Grace Glueck reported in The New York Times that some dealers defined a gallerist as representing living artists without secondary market business.
- The word 'curator' originates from the Latin 'curare,' meaning 'to care for,' implying a professional obligation to artistic intent.
- Steven Madoff sees no advantage to 'gallerist,' as it lacks specificity about actual duties in a commercial gallery.
- Allegra LaViola finds the term puzzling but notes it's often used for individuals in responsible gallery positions.
- Artist Lars Kremer, who co-opened Airplane in Bushwick in 2011, does not consider himself a gallerist, viewing it as a role focused on collector relationships.
- Deborah Brown defines a gallerist as someone operating a gallery on a strict business model, unlike her artist-run space.
- Carlo Lamagna, an NYU professor, first heard 'gallerist' in Germany and the Netherlands over a decade ago, where it described career-building gallery proprietors.
Entities
Artists
- Grace Glueck
- Steven Madoff
- Allegra LaViola
- Lars Kremer
- Liz Atzberger
- Kevin Andrew Curran
- Deborah Brown
- Carlo Lamagna
Institutions
- The New York Times
- School of Visual Arts
- Airplane
- Storefront
- NYU Masters in Arts Administration program
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Bushwick
- Jefferson Street