Michael Werner and Gordon VeneKlasen, two renowned art dealers, have announced the end of their partnership at the beginning of next year. This decision marks the conclusion of a 35-year collaboration, during which they built a successful art gallery empire. Werner, the founder of the Michael Werner Gallery, and VeneKlasen, a long-time partner, will continue their artistic endeavors separately but with a shared vision for the future.
In a joint statement to ARTnews, they revealed that their separation will allow them to focus on new ventures while maintaining their artistic collaborations. Werner will continue to operate his Galerie Michael Werner in Berlin, a space known for showcasing German painters such as Georg Baselitz and Jörg Immendorff. VeneKlasen, on the other hand, will launch an international gallery named VeneKlasen, expanding the gallery's presence to New York, London, and Los Angeles. These changes will take effect in February, with VeneKlasen's new program set to be announced early next year.
The Michael Werner Gallery has been a prominent player in the art world, representing a diverse range of artists. From the German painters mentioned above to 20th-century masters like Marcel Broodthaers and James Lee Byars, and contemporary artists such as Issy Wood and Sanya Kantarovsky, the gallery has built a reputation for its eclectic and influential program. The departure of Peter Doig, who was represented by Werner for 23 years, marks a significant shift in the gallery's focus. While the artists they will represent in their new ventures remain undisclosed, this separation promises to bring exciting changes to the art world, leaving art enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the future endeavors of these two influential dealers.
