Bortolami Gallery has established itself as a significant player in the contemporary art scene since its founding in 2005. Located in the heart of New York City, this gallery has become known for its innovative approach to exhibiting and promoting both established and emerging artists.
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ContactHistory and Evolution
Stefania Bortolami and Amalia Dayan founded the gallery in 2005, bringing their extensive experience from working with major galleries like Gagosian. After the partners split in 2007, Stefania Bortolami continued to run the gallery solo, guiding its growth and development over the years.
The gallery has had several locations throughout its history. It started in Chelsea before moving to its current home in Tribeca in 2017. Today, Bortolami programs three spaces on Walker Street, including a shared space at 55 Walker with Andrew Kreps and Kaufman Repetto galleries.
Artist Representation and Programming
Bortolami represents a diverse roster of 29 artists, with a notable focus on female artists who make up 19 of those represented. This shift towards representing more women artists has been a deliberate choice as the gallery has matured.
Some of the notable artists represented by Bortolami include:
- Richard Aldrich
- Daniel Buren
- Tom Burr
- Barbara Kasten
- Anna Ostoya
- Virginia Overton
The gallery is known for its dynamic exhibition program, featuring both solo shows and thoughtfully curated group exhibitions. These shows often push boundaries and explore new artistic territories, reflecting Bortolami’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation in contemporary art.
Innovative Projects
One of Bortolami’s most notable initiatives is the “Artist/City” project, launched in 2015. This unique program organizes year-long exhibitions that pair artists with American cities, often utilizing unconventional spaces like abandoned buildings or former commercial sites. This project has allowed artists to create site-specific works and engage with different urban contexts across the United States.
Collaborative Spirit
Stefania Bortolami is known for her collaborative approach within the art world. The gallery frequently partners with other dealers and galleries on various projects. A prime example of this is “The Campus,” a collaborative venture with five other New York galleries that transformed a former school in Claverack, NY, into a sprawling exhibition space.
Gallery Approach and Philosophy
Bortolami describes itself as a “proud mid-size gallery” with no ambitions to become a mega-gallery. Instead, it focuses on nurturing artists’ careers and creating meaningful exhibitions and experiences for art lovers. The gallery is known for its experimental programming and willingness to take risks on emerging artists and unconventional projects.
Conclusion
Bortolami Gallery has carved out a unique space in the contemporary art world through its innovative programming, focus on female artists, collaborative projects, and commitment to both established and emerging talents. As it continues to evolve and adapt to the changing art landscape, Bortolami remains a vital and influential presence in the New York art scene and beyond.
Citations: [1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bortolami_(gallery) [2] https://myartguides.com/artspaces/galleries/new-york/bortolami-gallery/ [3] https://dailyartfair.com/exhibitions/bortolami-gallery [4] https://news.artnet.com/market/stefania-bortolami-shoptalk-2524077 [5] https://observer.com/2024/07/best-exhibitions-2024-upstate-art-weekend/ [6] https://www.bortolamigallery.com/news [7] https://news.artnet.com/art-world/the-campus-opening-upstate-new-york-2508491 [8] https://www.bortolamigallery.com/exhibitions [9] https://www.bortolamigallery.com