Karma, founded by Brendan Dugan in 2011, has evolved from a small West Village storefront into a dynamic and influential presence in New York’s art scene. Now located in the East Village, Karma operates as a gallery, bookstore, and publishing house, creating a unique ecosystem that nurtures and promotes artists across various stages of their careers.
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ContactGallery Space
Karma’s gallery represents a diverse roster of artists working in multiple media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video, drawing, and printmaking. The space showcases both emerging talents and established names, fostering a multigenerational dialogue within the art world[3].
Some notable artists represented by Karma include:
- Gertrude Abercrombie
- Dike Blair
- Will Boone
- Mathew Cerletty
- Jean Conner
The gallery has also collaborated with major institutions and artists, publishing books for renowned figures like Jonas Wood and Richard Prince, and sharing representation of Nicolas Party with Hauser & Wirth[2].
Karma Bookstore
In 2018, Karma expanded its operations by opening a standalone bookstore. This extension of the gallery serves as a hub for art enthusiasts and collectors, offering:
- Artist books
- Rare ephemera
- Karma’s own publications
- A curated selection of art-related titles
The bookstore complements the gallery’s mission by providing a space for deeper engagement with artists’ works and ideas[1][6].
Publishing Arm
Karma’s publishing division has become an integral part of its identity. The company produces high-quality artist books, monographs, and limited editions that often accompany exhibitions or stand as independent projects. Recent publications include:
- “Sculpture” by Arthur Simms
- “KELLER” by Kim Gordon (Special Edition)
- “The Spinster’s Poems: 101 Bonaku” by Bonami[5]
These publications not only document artists’ work but also serve as collectible objects in their own right, further blurring the lines between art and literature.
Exhibitions and Events
Karma regularly hosts exhibitions that push boundaries and challenge perspectives. A recent example is the group show “Painting in New York: 1971–83,” organized by Ivy Shapiro, which brought together works by 30 women painters active in New York during the 1970s. This exhibition highlighted the intersection of artistic innovation and second-wave feminism, showcasing how women artists were reinvigorating the practice of painting during a time of social and political upheaval[8].
Karma’s Impact
Under Brendan Dugan’s leadership, Karma has established itself as more than just a gallery. It has become a cultural incubator that:
- Launches artists to mainstream fame
- Collaborates with major galleries and institutions
- Contributes to the broader conversation about the future of art
Dugan’s approach, described as both humble and inspiring, has created a space that bridges the gap between emerging and established artists while fostering a community around art, books, and ideas.
As Karma continues to expand its influence, it remains true to its core mission of challenging perspectives and pushing boundaries in the art world. Whether through its gallery exhibitions, carefully curated bookstore, or innovative publishing projects, Karma stands as a testament to the power of a holistic approach to art promotion and appreciation in the 21st century.
Citations:
[1] https://bookstore.karmakarma.org
[2] https://news.artnet.com/art-world/wet-paint-karma-expands-la-gallery-to-new-york-1912480
[3] https://artfacts.net/institution/karma/31914
[4] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brendan_Dugan_%28musician%29
[5] https://bookstore.karmakarma.org/shop/books/
[6] https://www.printedmatter.org/catalog/publisher/10700
[7] https://karmakarma.org/press/19485-2/
[8] https://karmakarma.org/exhibitions/painting-in-new-york-1971-83/press-release/