C L E A R I N G is a contemporary art gallery that has made significant waves in the New York art world since its inception in 2011. Founded by French-born Olivier Babin, this gallery has established itself as a powerhouse for showcasing both emerging and established artists, with a keen eye for identifying and nurturing new talent.
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ContactA Journey of Growth and Expansion
What began as a modest artist-run space in Bushwick, Brooklyn, has evolved into an international enterprise with locations in New York, Brussels, and Los Angeles. The gallery’s journey reflects its commitment to growth and adaptability in the ever-changing art landscape.
In its early days, C L E A R I N G was known for hosting unconventional, offbeat exhibitions that challenged traditional gallery norms. The space often resembled a construction site, with artists creating interventions that played with the gallery’s physical structure. This experimental approach set the tone for C L E A R I N G’s future as a platform for innovative and boundary-pushing art.
The Move to the Bowery
In a significant development, C L E A R I N G recently relocated from its sprawling Bushwick location to a new space on the Bowery in Manhattan. This move marks a new chapter for the gallery, trading its 5,000-square-foot former truck repair depot for a more intimate 6,600-square-foot space spread across three floors at 260 Bowery.
The new location presents both challenges and opportunities. While it may be smaller than the Bushwick space, it offers a chance to reimagine how artworks are presented and experienced. The inaugural exhibition, aptly titled “Maiden Voyage,” showcased how the gallery plans to adapt its curatorial approach to the new environment.
Nurturing Artistic Talent
C L E A R I N G has built a reputation for giving internationally acclaimed emerging artists their first gallery shows. Names like Korakrit Arunanondchai, Marina Pinsky, Calvin Marcus, and Harold Ancart all had early exhibitions at C L E A R I N G, testament to the gallery’s ability to spot and nurture talent.
The gallery now represents over 20 living artists, supporting them through the production of works, exhibitions, and books. C L E A R I N G also works closely with public and private institutions to further promote its artists.
A Diverse and Dynamic Program
While C L E A R I N G is particularly well-known for its work with emerging artists, it has also organized exhibitions of lesser-known historical works. The gallery represents the estates of artists such as Bruno Gironcoli, René Heyvaert, Eduardo Paolozzi, and Loïc Raguénès, demonstrating its commitment to presenting a diverse range of artistic voices.
The gallery’s program is characterized by its willingness to take risks and push boundaries. From large-scale installations to intimate paintings, C L E A R I N G embraces a wide variety of media and artistic approaches.
Looking to the Future
As C L E A R I N G settles into its new Bowery location, it continues to evolve and adapt. The gallery’s ability to balance its support for emerging artists with a respect for art history positions it uniquely in the contemporary art world.
With its international presence and reputation for identifying and promoting innovative artists, C L E A R I N G is poised to continue shaping the contemporary art landscape for years to come. As it embarks on this new chapter, art enthusiasts and collectors alike will be watching closely to see what exciting developments emerge from this dynamic and forward-thinking gallery.
Citations: [1] https://www.artsy.net/partner/c-l-e-a-r-i-n-g [2] https://www.independenthq.com/galleries/c-l-e-a-r-i-n-g [3] https://www.c-l-e-a-r-i-n-g.com/home-2/ [4] https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2023/04/25/clearing-gallery-bowery-new-space-manhattan-brooklyn [5] https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/clearing-gallery-leaves-bushwick-bowery-1234654117/ [6] https://artreview.com/maiden-voyage-clearing-new-york-review/ [7] https://news.artnet.com/market/clearing-q-a-2173242 [8] https://www.artland.com/galleries/c-l-e-a-r-i-n-g-new-york-b48d63