Founded in 2011 by Brendan Dugan, Karma has quickly established itself as a powerhouse in the contemporary art world. What began as a small gallery has blossomed into a multi-faceted institution with locations in New York and Los Angeles. Karma’s rise to prominence is a testament to Dugan’s vision and the gallery’s commitment to fostering a diverse and dynamic artistic community.
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ContactA Home for Multi-Generational Talent
At the heart of Karma’s success is its diverse roster of multi-generational artists. The gallery has become known for its ability to represent and promote both established names and emerging talents, creating a vibrant dialogue between different artistic generations. This approach not only enriches the gallery’s exhibitions but also contributes to the broader conversation in contemporary art.
Exhibition Program and Publishing
Karma’s commitment to its artists is evident in its robust exhibition program. The gallery hosts an impressive twenty exhibitions each year, providing ample opportunities for its artists to showcase their work. What sets Karma apart is its dedication to documentation and scholarship. Many of these exhibitions are accompanied by Karma-published monographs and artist books, adding depth to the viewing experience and creating lasting records of the artists’ work.
The Karma Bookstore: A Cultural Hub
In 2018, Karma expanded its reach by opening a standalone bookstore. This space has become a cultural hub in its own right, presenting artist books and rare ephemera alongside the gallery’s own publications. The bookstore serves as a testament to Karma’s holistic approach to art, recognizing the importance of text and documentation in the artistic process.
Institutional Recognition
The quality of Karma’s program is reflected in the institutional recognition its artists have received. Works by Karma artists can be found in numerous prestigious public collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington D.C., the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam, and the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles. This widespread institutional presence underscores the gallery’s influence and the caliber of its artists.
Expansion and Growth
Karma’s success has led to significant expansion. From its origins in New York’s East Village, the gallery has grown to include spaces in both New York and Los Angeles. In 2020, Karma made a bold move by opening a new space in a former beverage distribution center on 2nd Street in New York, further cementing its presence in the city’s vibrant art scene.
A Publishing Powerhouse
Beyond its role as a traditional gallery, Karma has made a name for itself in the world of art publishing. The gallery’s commitment to producing high-quality monographs and artist books has positioned it as a significant player in the dissemination of art knowledge and appreciation.
Looking to the Future
As Karma continues to grow and evolve, it remains true to its founding principles. The gallery’s commitment to representing a diverse range of artists, its innovative approach to exhibitions and publishing, and its engagement with the broader art community position it as a key player in shaping the future of contemporary art.
Karma stands as a shining example of what a contemporary gallery can be – not just a space for showing art, but a multifaceted platform for nurturing talent, fostering dialogue, and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. As it moves forward, Karma seems poised to continue its trajectory as a dynamic and influential force in the art world.
Citations: [1] https://www.artsy.net/partner/karma [2] https://nbktimes.com/en/art-culture/karma/ [3] https://news.artnet.com/art-world/wet-paint-karma-expands-la-gallery-to-new-york-1912480