Tucked away between therapist offices and reiki salons on the ninth floor of a 17-story high rise on the west side of New York’s Union Square, Gordon Robichaux is a gallery known to those in-the-know. Over its eight years of existence, it has built a dedicated following, attracting collectors, curators, and critics to its carefully curated program. Each exhibition at the gallery delves deep into the story of the featured artist, focusing on their innovative use of materials.
Gordon Robichaux’s spring lineup shines a light on the community of artists it has nurtured over the years. The gallery recently opened two exhibitions dedicated to the late artist and curator Jenni Crain, while also featuring her work at Frieze New York this week.
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Crain was part of the gallery’s first group show in 2018, just a year after its inception, and had a two-person exhibition the following year. Apart from showcasing her work, Crain also provided crucial support as a friend, curator, and salesperson during the gallery’s early years.
Her unexpected passing in 2021 at the age of 30 due to Covid-19 was a devastating loss for the gallery and its community. In 2022, the gallery honored Crain with two exhibitions, one featuring works completed before her death and the other showcasing her final curatorial project, “Synonyms for Sorrow.”
The new exhibitions are a mix of grief and excitement. Jacob Robichaux, gallery co-founder, described Crain’s work as a reflection on memory, sensory experiences, and the relationship between objects, space, textures, and architecture.
The latest exhibitions at Gordon Robichaux feature an unrealized floor sculpture by Crain, completed by her foundation in collaboration with two woodworkers. The larger space will host “Untitled Exhibition (for Jenni),” showcasing artists who influenced her or were influenced by her, creating a space for artistic dialogue and remembrance.
Miles Huston, a collaborator of Crain’s, also contributed to the exhibitions by realizing her vision for the space. The artworks pay homage to Crain’s legacy and the impact she had on those around her.
Gordon and Robichaux launched their gallery in 2017, starting with a six-month exhibition at the 925 space. Their commitment to showcasing overlooked and under-recognized artists is evident in their programming, which continues to shed light on diverse voices and practices.
The gallery’s first show with mixed-media artist Ken Tisa set the tone for their future exhibitions, featuring sculptural collages, emotional found objects, and raw paintings. The positive response to Tisa’s work established Gordon Robichaux as a gallery to watch, garnering praise from critics and art enthusiasts alike.
The program has garnered even more critical acclaim in the eight years since its inception. In addition to commercial success at fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach and Independent in New York, the duo has managed to get many of their 24 artists into the permanent collections of prestigious museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Art Institute of Chicago.
The founders of the gallery, who are also artists themselves, credit their success to their ability to treat other artists with respect and elevate their profiles. They have been instrumental in the career resurgence of artists like Tabboo!, whose work has been acquired by museums such as the Whitney Museum and the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami.
Their approach as gallerists focuses on putting artists first and rewriting art history by championing artists who have been overlooked. They have formed key partnerships with galleries like Karma and Ortuzar, allowing them to grow their program successfully amidst a challenging market.
While the gallery has only briefly extended its physical presence to Los Angeles, their focus remains on increasing their artists‘ visibility on a global scale. By supporting both established and emerging artists, like Leilah Babirye, they aim to provide a platform for artists to showcase their work and gain recognition in the art world. Their unique approach to gallery management has led to success not only for their artists but for the gallery itself. Sie kam zur Eröffnung nach einer Lieferung für Uber Eats. Die zweite Ausstellung des Künstlers war frühzeitig in ihrem eineinhalbmonatigen Lauf ausverkauft. Ein Ko-Vertragsabschluss mit der Stephen Friedman Gallery in London folgte im Jahr 2021. Im Jahr 2023 absolvierte sie eine Residenz im Yorkshire Sculpture Park in Wakefield, England, mit einer anschließenden Einzelausstellung im nächsten Jahr, als sie an der Hauptausstellung der Biennale in Venedig mit dem Titel „Fremde überall“ teilnahm. Ihre erste Ausstellung mit der Galerie Max Hetzler hat letzte Woche im Rahmen des Berlin Gallery Weekend eröffnet. Das ICA Boston plant eine Ausstellung ihrer Skulpturen im Jahr 2026.