Hauser & Wirth

In 1992, Iwan Wirth, Manuela Wirth, and Ursula Hauser founded Hauser & Wirth in Zurich, Switzerland. What began as a small gallery in an Art Deco villa has grown into one of the most influential and expansive contemporary art galleries in the world. The gallery’s inaugural exhibition, which united works by Alexander Calder and Joan Miró, set the tone for its future: a commitment to showcasing both established masters and emerging talents.

Global Expansion

From its Zurich origins, Hauser & Wirth has expanded dramatically over the past three decades. The gallery now boasts multiple spaces in New York City, including Chelsea and SoHo, as well as locations in London, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Paris. In addition to these urban centers, Hauser & Wirth has established rural art centers in Somerset, England and Menorca, Spain, and maintains seasonal spaces in St. Moritz and Gstaad. This global network allows the gallery to maintain a significant presence in major art markets while also creating unique, community-oriented spaces in less conventional locations.

Artist Representation and Programming

Hauser & Wirth represents over 90 artists and estates, including some of the most significant figures in contemporary art. Their roster includes established artists like Louise Bourgeois, George Condo, and Isa Genzken, mid-career artists such as Mark Bradford and Rashid Johnson, and emerging talents like Nicolas Party and Avery Singer. The gallery also manages important estates, including those of Philip Guston, Eva Hesse, and Mike Kelley.

The gallery is known for its museum-quality exhibitions, often collaborating with renowned curators to present comprehensive surveys and retrospectives. These shows not only showcase the depth of their artists’ work but also attract substantial audiences, bridging the gap between commercial galleries and public institutions.

Beyond the White Cube

Hauser & Wirth has redefined the role of a contemporary art gallery through various initiatives:

1. Hauser & Wirth Publishers: An active publishing arm producing artist monographs, exhibition catalogs, and scholarly texts.
2. Education and Community Engagement: Each location offers extensive programming, including workshops, lectures, and partnerships with local schools and universities.
3. Sustainability: The gallery has made significant commitments to environmental sustainability, particularly evident in its rural locations.
4. Restoration and Adaptive Reuse: Many Hauser & Wirth spaces occupy sensitively restored historic buildings, connecting art with local architecture and history.

The Somerset Model

Hauser & Wirth Somerset, opened in 2014, exemplifies the gallery’s innovative approach. Located on a working farm, it combines world-class exhibition spaces with a restaurant using farm-to-table produce, gardens designed by Piet Oudolf, an extensive education program, and artist residencies. This model has been partially replicated in other locations, most notably in Los Angeles and Menorca.

Digital Initiatives

In response to changing times, Hauser & Wirth has invested heavily in digital platforms, offering online exhibitions and viewing rooms, maintaining a robust social media presence, and providing digital archives and educational resources.

Looking to the Future

As Hauser & Wirth continues to grow, it remains committed to its core values: supporting artists throughout their careers, preserving and promoting artists’ legacies through estate representation, engaging with local communities, and pushing the boundaries of what an art gallery can be.

With its combination of global reach and local engagement, Hauser & Wirth has positioned itself not just as a commercial gallery, but as a cultural institution with far-reaching influence in the contemporary art world. Its innovative approach to art representation, commitment to education and community engagement, and dedication to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of art set it apart as a leader in the global art landscape.

Citations: [1] https://www.hauserwirth.com/artists/ [2] https://arteneos.com/hauser-wirth [3] https://fadmagazine.com/2024/05/23/hauser-wirth-now-represent-george-rouy/ [4] https://lampoonmagazine.com/article/2023/05/28/hauser-wirth-st-mortiz/ [5] https://www.hauserwirth.com/about/ [6] https://ocula.com/art-galleries/hauser-wirth/ [7] https://www.frieze.com/article/how-hauser-wirth-took-over-world [8] https://www.frieze.com/article/we-go-way-back-hauser-wirth