Founded in 2010 by artists and curators Elle Burchill and Andrea Monti, Microscope Gallery has established itself as a unique and vital space in New York’s contemporary art scene. From its inception, the gallery has been dedicated to showcasing risk-taking artists working in moving image, sound, performance, photography, and digital art.
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ContactBridging the Divide
One of Microscope’s most significant contributions to the art world is its commitment to addressing the long-standing divide between the “white box” of traditional gallery spaces and the “black box” of screening and performance venues. The gallery was conceived as a flexible space where artists working with time-based arts could present their works in either context, depending on their artistic intent. This innovative approach has allowed for a more nuanced and appropriate presentation of diverse artistic practices.
Dynamic Programming
Alongside its regular exhibition schedule, Microscope Gallery presents a weekly series of events that complement and expand its programming. These events include screenings, sound performances, readings, and lectures, creating a dynamic and multifaceted artistic environment. This commitment to diverse programming has made Microscope a hub for artists and art enthusiasts alike, fostering a community around time-based and experimental art forms.
Collaborations and Expansion
Throughout its history, Microscope has collaborated with various institutions on exhibitions, screenings, performances, and other events. Notable collaborations include “Dreamlands: Expanded,” a series of 10 expanded cinema events in partnership with the Whitney Museum of American Art, and screenings at prestigious institutions like Centre Pompidou in Paris.
The gallery has also participated in international events, such as live performances at Haus der Kultura der Welt in Berlin and Paul Klee Museum in Bern as part of “Bauhaus Imaginista” on the occasion of the Bauhaus centennial.
A New Chapter
In 2021, Microscope Gallery embarked on a new chapter, relocating from its original location in Bushwick, Brooklyn, to a new space at 525 West 29th Street in Manhattan. This move signifies the gallery’s growth and its increasing prominence in the New York art scene, while also reaffirming its commitment to showcasing cutting-edge, time-based art.
Curatorial Vision
Under the leadership of co-founders and co-directors Elle Burchill and Andrea Monti, Microscope Gallery has maintained a consistent curatorial vision. The gallery represents a diverse roster of artists, from emerging talents to established figures, all of whom push the boundaries of their respective mediums.
Recent exhibitions have featured works by artists such as Rachel Phillips, Peggy Ahwesh, and Zach Nader, showcasing the gallery’s commitment to a wide range of artistic practices within the realm of time-based arts.
Community Engagement
Microscope Gallery’s impact extends beyond its exhibition space. As a member of the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA), the gallery actively participates in the broader art community, contributing to discussions and initiatives that shape the contemporary art market.
Looking to the Future
As Microscope Gallery continues to evolve, it remains true to its founding principles of supporting risk-taking artists and providing a platform for time-based arts. With its unique approach to exhibition and event programming, Microscope Gallery is poised to continue its role as a vital space for artistic experimentation and innovation in New York City and beyond.
In an art world that often struggles to accommodate non-traditional media, Microscope Gallery stands as a beacon for artists working in time-based and experimental forms. Its continued success and growth are a testament to the enduring importance of these art forms and the gallery’s crucial role in bringing them to the forefront of contemporary art discourse.
Citations: [1] https://microscopegallery.com/about/ [2] https://expcinema.org/site/en/venues/microscope-gallery [3] https://artistrunalliance.org/initiatives/microscope-gallery/ [4] https://microscopegallery.com/slide-slide-slide/ [5] https://microscopegallery.com/exhibitions/