Danese/Corey

In 1997, the New York art scene welcomed a new player that would soon become a significant force in contemporary art. Renato Danese, a seasoned art professional with an impressive background, founded Danese/Corey gallery. Located in the heart of Chelsea, the gallery quickly established itself as a hub for innovative and thought-provoking exhibitions.

A Focus on Minimalism and Painting

Danese/Corey carved out a niche for itself by primarily showcasing paintings with a particular emphasis on Minimalism. This focus allowed the gallery to build a reputation for presenting carefully curated exhibitions that pushed the boundaries of contemporary art while maintaining a strong connection to artistic traditions.

Notable Exhibitions and Artists

Throughout its tenure, Danese/Corey hosted numerous exhibitions that captured the attention of art enthusiasts and critics alike. One such exhibition was “Capita,” a group show held in early 2018 that explored various artistic interpretations of the human head. This exhibition exemplified the gallery’s ability to bring together diverse artists around a central theme, creating a dialogue between different artistic approaches.

Another significant exhibition was “The Museum Imagined,” curated by the renowned Lilly Wei. This show demonstrated Danese/Corey’s commitment to collaborating with respected curators and presenting conceptually challenging work.

The gallery represented and exhibited works by both established and emerging artists. Doron Langberg, for instance, had a solo exhibition at Danese/Corey in 2015, showcasing his powerful paintings of shadowy figures in suggestive interior spaces. Langberg’s distinctive bravura painting technique and exploration of emotional themes aligned perfectly with the gallery’s aesthetic vision.

The Visionary Behind the Gallery

Renato Danese, the founder and president of Danese/Corey, brought a wealth of experience to his role. With a background that included curatorial positions at the Corcoran Gallery of Art and the Baltimore Museum of Art, as well as a stint at the National Endowment for the Arts, Danese had a deep understanding of the art world from multiple perspectives. His time as director at Pace Gallery and as a Senior Partner at C & M Arts further honed his skills in the commercial art sector.

A Physical Space and Digital Presence

Danese/Corey’s physical gallery space was as impressive as the art it housed. Located at 511 West 22nd Street in Manhattan, the gallery offered a spacious environment with ample natural light, providing an ideal setting for viewing contemporary art. Even after the closure of its exhibition program, the gallery maintained a digital presence through its website, serving as an archive of its contributions to the art world.

The End of an Era

In June 2020, Danese/Corey announced the permanent closure of its exhibition program. This decision marked the end of an era for the gallery, which had been a respected institution in the New York art scene for over two decades. The closure came shortly after the passing of Renato Danese in April 2020, following a brief battle with cancer.

Legacy and Impact

The impact of Danese/Corey on the art world extends far beyond its physical presence. Over its 23-year history, the gallery provided a platform for numerous artists to showcase their work and gain recognition in the competitive New York art market. Many artists who exhibited at Danese/Corey have gone on to achieve significant success in their careers.

Renato Danese’s passion for art and unwavering support for artists left an indelible mark on the contemporary art community. His dedication to fostering strong relationships within the art world and his commitment to presenting challenging and innovative work set a standard for galleries to aspire to.

While Danese/Corey may no longer operate as a physical gallery, its legacy lives on through the artists it supported, the exhibitions it presented, and the impact it had on the New York art scene. The gallery’s contribution to the dialogue of contemporary art will continue to resonate in the years to come, serving as a testament to the vision of Renato Danese and the power of a gallery to shape the artistic landscape.

Citations: [1] https://curatorsintl.org/about/collaborators/7268-renato-danese [2] https://www.artist-info.com/users/publicpagegallery/5088 [3] https://www.yelp.com/biz/danese-corey-new-york [4] https://www.montclair.edu/arts/2015/12/11/15642_art-and-design-faculty-exhibits-work-at-danese-corey-gallery-in-chelsea-new-york-city/ [5] https://milesmcenery.com/news/stephen-dean-at-danese-corey [6] https://winterhouseprojects.com/press/danese-corey-gallery-nyc-works-on-paper/ [7] https://www.asyageisberggallery.com/news/matthew-craven13 [8] https://artfacts.net/institution/danese-corey/2976 [9] https://www.meer.com/danese-corey-gallery/en [10] https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/renato-danese-dead-1202683024/