In a bittersweet moment for the New York art world, the celebrated Jack Hanley Gallery has announced its closure after 37 years of pioneering exhibitions and unwavering support for emerging artists. The gallery, which has had a storied history across multiple cities, will close its Tribeca location this month, marking the end of an era for both the gallery and the artists who have shaped its legacy.
A Storied Journey: From Austin to Tribeca
Founded in 1987 as the Trans-Avant Garde Gallery in Austin, Texas, Jack Hanley’s eponymous gallery has been an incubator for bold and innovative art since its inception. Its journey took it from Texas to San Francisco, before finally landing in New York in 2008, where it became one of the most beloved independent galleries in the city. For nearly two decades in Tribeca, Hanley’s gallery was a key player in the evolving contemporary art scene, offering a platform for artists who were often ahead of their time.
Risk-Taking Curatorial Vision: A Legacy of Provocative Exhibitions
Jack Hanley, the gallery’s founder and guiding force, was known for his unflinching commitment to risk-taking and pushing boundaries. His exhibitions were always provocative, often showcasing works that challenged conventional ideas and required engagement beyond the surface. “I’m drawn to stuff that I want to grapple with,” Hanley once said, describing his curatorial philosophy. “If I get it off the bat I’m not really that interested. I like stuff that I need to try and sort out and see what it does to my head.”
A Platform for Rising Stars: From Zoe Leonard to Beeple
Over the years, the gallery has presented groundbreaking solo shows from artists who were in the nascent stages of their careers but would go on to become major names in contemporary art. Among them were Zoe Leonard, Christian Marclay, Jack Pierson, Erwin Wurm, and Rirkrit Tiravanija—artists whose work continues to shape the cultural conversation today.
One of the gallery’s most defining characteristics was its ability to foresee and embrace emerging trends, often championing artists whose work was unconventional, unclassifiable, or even controversial. In recent years, Hanley remained committed to fostering new voices, with solo exhibitions from artists like Margaret Lee, Amy Yao, Elizabeth Jaeger, and Maia Ruth Lee. In a notable moment of foresight, the gallery hosted the first-ever solo exhibition of Beeple in 2022—an artist now known for his trailblazing role in the world of NFTs and digital art.
The Final Show: Ed Loftus and the End of an Era
The gallery’s final exhibition, a show for the artist Ed Loftus, will close this Saturday, marking the end of the gallery’s run. In an email sent to friends and supporters, Hanley expressed deep gratitude for the artists who had entrusted the gallery with their work over the years. “They are the foundation of this gallery and community,” he wrote, “and it has truly been a privilege to work alongside them.”
A Changing Landscape: The Closure of Independent Galleries in New York
As the New York art scene faces the loss of yet another independent gallery, Jack Hanley’s departure is a poignant reminder of the fragility of New York’s once-thriving, ever-evolving gallery ecosystem. The closure of galleries like Jack Hanley, David Lewis, and Simone Subal underscores the challenges facing independent art spaces in an increasingly commercialised art world. Yet, Hanley’s legacy, defined by a fearless pursuit of the avant-garde and a deep respect for artists, will undoubtedly continue to influence the art world for years to come.
As we bid farewell to Jack Hanley Gallery, we celebrate its indelible impact on the art world—an impact that will echo long after its doors have closed. In the words of Hanley himself, “It has been a privilege to work alongside the incredible artists who have shared their visions with us over the years. Their work will always resonate with us.”
Writen by: Lydia Kelly
Published: 20th December 2024