Metro Pictures, a groundbreaking New York gallery that closed its doors in 2021, left an indelible mark on the contemporary art world during its four-decade run. Founded by Janelle Reiring and Helene Winer in 1980, Metro Pictures played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of numerous influential artists and defining key movements in late 20th and early 21st-century art.
Your partner for fine art services. Request a quote now.
ContactThe Founding and Early Years
Metro Pictures opened its doors on November 14, 1980, at 169 Mercer Street in New York’s SoHo neighborhood. Reiring, formerly of Leo Castelli Gallery, and Winer, previously the director of Artists Space, brought their extensive experience and keen eye for emerging talent to their new venture.
The gallery’s inaugural exhibition set the tone for its future direction, featuring artists who would later be identified as part of the “Pictures Generation.” This group, including Cindy Sherman, Robert Longo, Troy Brauntuch, Jack Goldstein, Louise Lawler, Sherrie Levine, and Richard Prince, became known for their critical engagement with mass media imagery and exploration of representation and appropriation.
Expanding Horizons
Throughout the 1980s, Metro Pictures continued to evolve its program. In 1982, the gallery presented Mike Kelley’s first New York exhibition, followed by shows featuring John Miller, Jim Shaw, and Gary Simmons. These artists, many of whom had studied at CalArts, brought new perspectives that built upon ideas proposed by California conceptual artists.
The gallery’s reach extended beyond American artists. In 1983, Metro Pictures relocated to 150 Greene Street and began introducing European artists like René Daniëls and Martin Kippenberger to New York audiences.
The Chelsea Years and Beyond
In 1997, Metro Pictures moved to its final location in Chelsea, solidifying its position as a leading contemporary art gallery. The space underwent a renovation in 2016, with an award-winning design by 1100 Architects.
As the art world evolved, so did Metro Pictures’ roster. The gallery continued to represent established artists while also championing new talents. Later additions included Isaac Julien, Trevor Paglen, Camille Henrot, and Oliver Laric, among others.
Innovation and Impact
Throughout its history, Metro Pictures was known for its ambitious and often groundbreaking exhibitions. The gallery’s programming consistently pushed boundaries and introduced new ideas to the art world. From Cindy Sherman’s iconic self-portraits to Trevor Paglen’s explorations of surveillance and artificial intelligence, Metro Pictures was at the forefront of contemporary artistic practice.
The gallery’s influence extended beyond its exhibition program. Metro Pictures was known for its collaborative spirit and willingness to engage with broader social and political issues. It played a crucial role in launching and sustaining the careers of numerous influential artists and helped shape critical discourse around contemporary art.
The Final Chapter
In March 2021, Metro Pictures announced that it would close its doors at the end of the year. The gallery’s final exhibitions featured works by long-time Metro artists Jim Shaw, Louise Lawler, and Paulina Olowska, providing a fitting tribute to its legacy.
Conclusion
Metro Pictures’ journey from a small SoHo gallery to a major force in contemporary art is a testament to the vision of its founders and the power of innovative artistic practices. For over 40 years, the gallery served as a crucial platform for artists pushing the boundaries of contemporary art. While its physical presence may have ended, Metro Pictures’ legacy as a pioneer in the art world will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
The closure of Metro Pictures marked the end of an era in the New York art world. However, the gallery’s influence continues to resonate through the careers of the artists it supported and the ideas it championed. Metro Pictures will be remembered not just as a gallery, but as a vital institution that helped shape the course of contemporary art history.
Citations: [1] https://www.frieze.com/article/metro-pictures-closure-2021 [2] https://www.metropictures.com/info [3] https://www.metropictures.com/exhibitions [4] http://arts.timessquarenyc.org/times-square-arts/partners/metro-pictures/index.aspx [5] https://flash—art.com/article/metro-pictures/