Postmasters Gallery

Postmasters Gallery has been a trailblazing force in the New York art scene since its inception in 1984. Known for its forward-thinking approach and commitment to showcasing innovative and challenging works, Postmasters has consistently pushed the boundaries of contemporary art.

A Rich History of Evolution

Founded by Magda Sawon and Tamas Banovich in New York’s East Village, Postmasters Gallery has undergone several transformations throughout its 38-year history. The gallery’s journey reflects the evolving landscape of New York’s art world:

• 1984: Opened in the East Village
• 1989: Moved to SoHo
• 1998: Relocated to Chelsea
• 2013: Established a 6,500-square-foot space in Tribeca
• 2022: Transitioned to a nomadic model (Postmasters 5.0)

This willingness to adapt and change locations has been a hallmark of Postmasters’ approach, always seeking to position itself at the forefront of the contemporary art scene.

Artistic Vision and Innovation

Postmasters has built its reputation on exhibiting works that are often challenging for commercial galleries. The gallery has been particularly notable for:

• Embracing new media and digital art since the early 1990s
• Showcasing politically engaged and activist art
• Representing both emerging and established artists
• Exploring unconventional formats and mediums

This commitment to innovation has kept Postmasters at the cutting edge of contemporary art for decades.

Notable Exhibitions and Artists

Throughout its history, Postmasters has hosted groundbreaking exhibitions and represented influential artists. Some standout moments include:

• Wolfgang Staehle’s live-feed video installation that inadvertently captured the 9/11 attacks
• Maciej Wisniewski’s Netomat software, exhibited as art before being shown at the Whitney Museum
• Works by artists such as Eva & Franco Mattes, Kenneth Tin-Kin Hung, and Silvia Kolbowski

These exhibitions often blurred the lines between art, technology, and social commentary.

Adapting to the Digital Age

In response to changing times and challenges, Postmasters has embraced digital platforms and new models of art distribution. In March 2021, they launched PostmastersBC (Blockchain), a platform for selling NFTs that combines emerging artists with historical digital works. This initiative demonstrates Postmasters’ continued commitment to supporting digital art and experimenting with new forms of art distribution.

The Nomadic Model: Postmasters 5.0

In 2022, facing challenges with their Tribeca location, Postmasters made the bold decision to close their physical space and transition to a nomadic model. This new approach, dubbed Postmasters 5.0, involves:

• Hosting pop-up exhibitions in various locations around New York and beyond
• Continuing to operate PostmastersBC, their NFT platform
• Maintaining their Rome outpost, PostmastersROMA

This shift allows Postmasters to maintain its vision without compromising on the type of art they show, free from the constraints of a permanent physical space.

Legacy and Impact

Postmasters Gallery’s influence on the contemporary art world is significant. Known for identifying “what’s next,” the gallery has consistently been at the forefront of new artistic movements and technologies. Its willingness to take risks and support unconventional art forms has made it a vital institution in the New York art scene.

As Postmasters enters its newest phase, it continues to embody the spirit of innovation and adaptability that has defined it for nearly four decades. By embracing a nomadic model and digital platforms, Postmasters is once again demonstrating its commitment to evolving alongside the art world it helps shape, ensuring its continued relevance in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary art.

Citations: [1] https://www.postmastersart.com/gallery_window.html [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Postmasters_Gallery [3] https://www.e-flux.com/directory/73853/postmasters/ [4] https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2022/06/30/postmasters-gallery-closing-tribeca-nomadic