San Francisco's Altman Siegel Gallery to Close: A Loss for the Art World
The renowned Altman Siegel art gallery, a cornerstone of the Bay Area's artistic landscape, will be closing its doors on November 22nd, according to its founder and director, Claudia Altman-Siegel. This decision comes amidst financial challenges and a shrinking art market, marking a significant setback for the city's art scene.
In a heartfelt statement on the gallery's website, Altman-Siegel expressed her emotions, saying, 'It is with both pride and sadness that I announce Altman Siegel's closure. As a gallery of this scale, it has become increasingly challenging to navigate the current climate, prompting my difficult decision to close rather than compromise on our commitment to showcasing innovative and thought-provoking art.'
Since its founding in 2009 in Union Square, Altman Siegel has been a driving force in the Bay Area's art community, presenting over 200 exhibitions and participating in some of the world's most prestigious art fairs. The gallery's 5,000-square-foot space at the Minnesota Street Project in the Dogpatch has been its home since 2016, and it previously hosted a pop-up gallery in Presidio Heights for six months.
Altman Siegel gained recognition for its bold and experimental approach to art, showcasing the works of both emerging and established artists. Altman-Siegel's statement highlights the gallery's willingness to take risks and adapt to the evolving artistic practices of its artists.
The closure of Altman Siegel is a blow to the San Francisco art world, following the recent closures of KADIST and Gallery 16. Wendi Norris, owner of the Wendi Norris Gallery in Jackson Square, described the news as 'gut-wrenching,' emphasizing the gallery's unique contribution to the local art scene. The Minnesota Street Project, which manages the property, is now seeking another arts institution to take over the space, ensuring the continuity of artistic expression in the area.
Altman Siegel's final exhibition, 'It is not far to the sea,' featuring the works of Japanese painter Shinpei Kusanagi, will be on view until November 15th, offering a fitting conclusion to the gallery's remarkable journey.
