"The insane snow and waves of flight cancellations on the East Coast last week caused some collectors and advisors to question if shlepping to L.A. for art week was even worth it. (Some decided it was not.) But maybe that's a question many have been asking for a long time."
"And now there are whispers that one powerhouse transplant may downsize, another is trying to sublease its L.A. location, and yet a third may soon shutter, following the lead of other New York galleries that quiet quit the city, like Tanya Bonakdar, Harper's, and Sean Kelly."
"Most everyone exhibiting at the fairs in L.A- Frieze, Post-Fair, Felix-will tell you that they had a great week. And I'm sure some did, but we'll see if they return. Global fairs have turned into casinos, and the house always wins."
Artnet News's Wet Paint column examines whether Los Angeles remains a viable art hub amid recent challenges. East Coast weather and flight cancellations prompted some collectors to skip L.A. art week, raising broader questions about the city's appeal. Several powerhouse galleries are reportedly downsizing or subleasing their L.A. locations, following New York galleries that have quietly exited the market. Despite exhibitors at major fairs like Frieze, Post-Fair, and Felix claiming success, uncertainty persists about future participation. Simultaneously, local gallerists like Sebastian Gladstone and younger players such as Sara Lee Hantman demonstrate continued investment through successful exhibitions and events. The potential reopening of the legendary Hop Louie dive bar in Chinatown signals renewed interest in the city's art community gathering spaces.
#los-angeles-art-market #gallery-relocations #art-fairs-and-events #art-world-economics #local-gallerists
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