The Rosamund Felsen Gallery, established in 1978, is one of the longest-running art galleries in Los Angeles, California. Over its nearly four decades of operation, the gallery has played a significant role in shaping the broader American art community. Founded by Rosamund Felsen, the gallery has been a beacon for innovative and provocative art, showcasing the works of both established and emerging artists.
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ContactEarly Years and Relocations
The gallery first opened on North La Cienega Boulevard in Los Angeles, a hub for the city’s art district at the time. This original space would later be occupied by Gagosian Gallery. In 1990, the gallery relocated to West Hollywood, and then again to Bergamot Station in Santa Monica four years later. Finally, in April 2015, it moved to the Arts District in Downtown Los Angeles, marking a significant shift in the city’s cultural landscape[1][3].
Notable Artists and Exhibitions
The Rosamund Felsen Gallery has been instrumental in promoting the careers of numerous influential artists. In its early years, the gallery featured artists such as Guy Dill, Richard Jackson, Keith Sonnier, Peter Lodato, Alexis Smith, Maria Nordman, and William Wegman. One of its most notable exhibitions was Chris Burden’s “Big Wheel” in 1979, which is now part of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles’ collection[1].
In the 1990s, the gallery continued to push boundaries with exhibitions like “Helter Skelter: L.A. Art in the 1990s,” curated by Paul Schimmel at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. This exhibition featured four Rosamund Felsen Gallery artists: Richard Jackson, Mike Kelley, Paul McCarthy, and Lari Pittman[1].
Later Years and Closure
In 2015, the gallery added Tanya Haden to its roster of exhibiting artists, and Joan Jonas was selected to represent the United States at the 56th International Art Exhibition in Venice. However, in June 2016, Rosamund Felsen announced that the gallery would close its physical space with a final exhibition titled “Celebration,” which paid tribute to the artists who had been part of the gallery’s identity over the years[1][3][4].
Despite the closure of the physical space, Rosamund Felsen continues to represent her artists and maintains an online presence. The gallery’s legacy extends beyond its physical walls, as it has played a significant role in shaping the Los Angeles art scene and promoting the careers of numerous influential artists[3][4].
Impact and Legacy
The Rosamund Felsen Gallery’s impact on the art world cannot be overstated. It has been a platform for innovative and provocative art, fostering a community of artists and art enthusiasts. The gallery’s commitment to showcasing local talent has helped establish Los Angeles as a major center for contemporary art.
Rosamund Felsen’s own career has been marked by her dedication to the art world. She worked at Gemini G.E.L. and the Pasadena Museum of Art (now the Norton Simon Museum) before opening her gallery. Her contributions to the art community have been recognized through profiles in publications such as the Los Angeles Times[4].
The Rosamund Felsen Gallery’s records, which date from 1949 to 2014, are archived at the Archives of American Art, providing valuable insights into the gallery’s operations and its influence on the broader art community[1].
In conclusion, the Rosamund Felsen Gallery has left an indelible mark on the art world. Its commitment to innovation, community building, and the promotion of local talent has made it a beacon for artistic expression in Los Angeles. As the gallery continues to evolve in its digital form, its legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence the art world for years to come.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosamund_Felsen_Gallery
[2] https://visualartsource.com/index2.php/venue/view/1561-rosamund-felsen-gallery
[3] https://www.artnews.com/art-news/market/los-angeless-rosamund-felsen-gallery-to-close-6608/
[4] https://news.artnet.com/art-world/rosamund-felsen-close-la-gallery-537173
[5] http://www.rosamundfelsen.com