Greene Naftali has established itself as one of the most influential contemporary art galleries in New York City since its founding in 1995. As one of the first galleries to open in Chelsea, it played a pivotal role in transforming the neighborhood into the art hub it is today.
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ContactA Rich History
Founded by Carol Greene and Gloria Naftali, Greene Naftali quickly gained a reputation for its innovative approach to exhibiting contemporary art. Carol Greene, who previously worked at the John Good Gallery in SoHo, brought her expertise in art history and her keen eye for emerging talent to the new venture.
Gallery Spaces
Greene Naftali occupies two distinct spaces in the West Chelsea Building at 508 W. 26th Street:
- An 8th-floor space, which has been the gallery’s home since its inception in 1995
- A ground floor space, opened in 2014, which debuted with a solo exhibition by Dan Graham
In 2016, the gallery further expanded its reach by opening Greene Naftali Garage, a temporary exhibition space in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Diverse Artist Representation
The gallery is known for its diverse and influential roster of artists, spanning various media and generations. Greene Naftali represents established contemporary artists such as:
- Rachel Harrison
- Jacqueline Humphries
- Paul Chan
- Cory Arcangel
It also champions emerging talents like Justin Caguiat, Aria Dean, and Walter Price. The gallery’s program includes critical historical figures such as Tony Conrad, Konrad Lueg, and Harun Farocki, demonstrating its commitment to presenting art that engages with both contemporary issues and historical contexts.
Innovative Exhibition Program
Greene Naftali’s exhibition program is marked by its ambition and innovation. The gallery mounts shows that often blur the lines between commercial presentations and museum-quality exhibitions. Some notable aspects of their program include:
- Solo exhibitions showcasing new work by represented artists
- Thematic group shows exploring contemporary artistic practices
- Presentations of historical works that contextualize contemporary art
A standout series is “Painting: Now and Forever,” a large-scale survey of contemporary painting organized in collaboration with Matthew Marks Gallery. This ongoing project, which began in 2008, provides a comprehensive look at the state of painting every decade.
Performance and Interdisciplinary Programming
Beyond traditional exhibitions, Greene Naftali has gained recognition for its ambitious performance programming. The gallery has hosted music events featuring artists such as Thurston Moore, the NNCK Blues Band, Dan Graham, and Loren Connors, further cementing its reputation as a multidisciplinary art space.
Impact on the Art World
Over its nearly three decades of operation, Greene Naftali has played a crucial role in shaping the contemporary art landscape. The gallery has been instrumental in launching and sustaining the careers of numerous artists and has influenced collecting trends and critical discourse in the art world.
Greene Naftali’s commitment to presenting challenging and innovative contemporary art has earned it a place in several “top galleries” lists in publications such as Flash Art, Modern Painters, and Artnet.
Community Engagement
The gallery’s commitment to art extends beyond its walls. In 2022, Greene Naftali held a voter-registration drive during a Paul Chan exhibition, offering original drawings by the artist to those who signed up to vote. This initiative demonstrates the gallery’s engagement with broader social and political issues.
Looking to the Future
As Greene Naftali continues to evolve, it remains at the forefront of contemporary art. With its strong roster of artists, innovative programming, and commitment to pushing boundaries, the gallery is well-positioned to continue shaping the art world for years to come.
From its early days as a Chelsea pioneer to its current status as a global art powerhouse, Greene Naftali has consistently demonstrated a commitment to presenting the most exciting and challenging contemporary art. As it moves forward, the gallery continues to be a vital force in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.
Citations: [1] https://ocula.com/art-galleries/greene-naftali-gallery/ [2] https://www.meer.com/greene-naftali-gallery/en [3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greene_Naftali_Gallery [4] https://greenenaftaligallery.com