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Kenny Schachter on Gallery Changes and Art Market Rumors
The art world is buzzing with the kind of juicy, high-stakes drama that would make a fantastic season of 'Succession,' and it all revolves around the seismic news that Gordon VeneKlasen, a titan of the blue-chip gallery Michael Werner, is reportedly on his way out and headed for the sun-drenched galleries of Los Angeles. This isn't just a simple job change; it’s a gallery divorce, a schism in one of the art market's most powerful families, sending shockwaves from New York's pristine white cubes to the private viewing rooms of Art Basel.VeneKlasen, who has been a cornerstone of Michael Werner for years, represents a significant shift in the gravitational pull of the art scene, with Los Angeles increasingly looking like a formidable challenger to New York's long-held crown. The whispers in the chic, champagne-filled after-parties of the recent New York sales were not just about the astronomical prices for a Basquiat or a Richter, but were feverishly preoccupied with the 'who' and 'why' behind this move.Is it a power struggle? A clash of visions for the future? Or simply the allure of the West Coast's burgeoning creative energy and its deep-pocketed, tech-adjacent collector base? This personnel earthquake coincides with the perennial rumor mill of the auction houses, where the identities of the buyers behind those anonymous paddle raises are the subject of intense speculation—was it a Qatari sheikh, a Hong Kong-based magnate, or a Silicon Valley CEO who snatched up that coveted lot? The entire scenario feels like a glamorous, high-culture telenovela, complete with power players, clandestine deals, and the relentless pursuit of the next big thing. It underscores a broader narrative of the art market in flux: established institutions are being tested, geographical loyalties are shifting, and the very definition of a cultural capital is being rewritten before our eyes.The departure of a figure like VeneKlasen is more than gossip; it's a bellwether for the industry, signaling a potential realignment of influence and taste that will undoubtedly shape the collections and exhibitions of tomorrow. As the art jet-set packs their bags for Miami, you can bet this will be the hottest topic, overshadowing even the most extravagant beachfront installations.
#editorial picks news
#art market
#gallery news
#Kenny Schachter
#Art Basel Miami
#Michael Werner
#Larry Gagosian
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