In 1963, Michael Werner opened his first gallery, Werner & Katz, in Berlin, Germany with the first solo exhibition of Georg Baselitz. Galerie Michael Werner was later established in Cologne in 1969. Since then, Galerie Michael Werner has worked with several of the most important artists of the twentieth century.
History When he opened his own gallery in 1963, Michael Werner gave Georg Baselitz his first solo show.Christopher Bagley (1 January 2013), The Artist Whisperer W.
A branch was opened in New York City in 1990, in a house on East 77th Street formerly used by Leo Castelli, and re-designed by Annabelle Selldorf.Carol Vogel (31 December 1999),New and Famous Home New York Times. In 1997, the gallery entered into a partnership with Knoedler.Carol Vogel (6 June 1997), Gallery Collaboration New York Times.
In 2009, Michael Werner and Gordon Veneklasen opened an art, film and performance space called VW (Veneklasen/Werner) in Berlin.Nancy Keates (9 November 2012), An Art Dealer's Private Collection Wall Street Journal. The space closed in 2016. A London branch with of exhibition space opened in 2012 in Upper Brook Street, Mayfair; the first show was of work by Peter Doig.Caroline Roux (14 September 2012), All about rarity value Financial Times.
In 2017 the gallery collaborated with a Brazilian gallery, Mendes Wood DM, to open Hic Svnt Dracones, a project space on East 66th Street in New York. In 2022, the gallery briefly operated a pop-up space at a former Warby Parker glasses store in downtown East Hampton.Andy Battaglia (2 July 2020), Adding to Action in the Hamptons, Michael Werner Gallery Opens Pop-Up Exhibition Space ARTnews.
In October 2023, Michael Werner Gallery collaborated with the late James Lee Byars for an exhibition at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan, featuring striking gold-themed installations, including a 21-meter tall golden pillar, showcasing Byars' unique artistic vision and Werner's dedication to presenting monumental art.
Artists Galerie Michael Werner represents numerous artists, including: Kai Althoff Hurvin Anderson Aaron CurryKevin West (1 November 2009), Young Artists: Thomas Houseago & Aaron Curry W. Markus Lüpertz Peter Saul (since 2019)Annie Armstrong (12 July 2019), Following Mary Boone Closure, Legendary Painter Peter Saul Will Be Repped in New York by Michael Werner, Venus Over Manhattan ARTnews. Issy WoodAnnie Armstrong (12 July 2019), Following Mary Boone Closure, Legendary Painter Peter Saul Will Be Repped in New York by Michael Werner, Venus Over Manhattan ARTnews.
In addition, the gallery manages various artist estates, including: Marcel Broodthaers James Lee ByarsAndrew Russeth (2 March 2017), James Lee Byars Tower, 65 Feet Tall and Golden, Will Grace Venice During the Biennale ARTnews. Jörg Immendorff Per KirkebyAlex Greenberger (9 May 2018), Per Kirkeby, Pioneering Neo-Expressionist Painter, Dies at 79 ARTnews. Ernst Wilhelm Nay A.R. PenckWilliam Grimes (5 May 2017), A.R. Penck, German Neo-Expressionist of Cold-War Era, Dies at 77 New York Times. Sigmar Polke
In the past, the gallery has worked with the following artists and estates: Georg BaselitzChristopher Bagley (1 January 2013), The Artist Whisperer W. Peter Doig (2000–2023)Anny Shaw (15 February 2023), Peter Doig leaves international dealer Michael Werner after 23 years The Art Newspaper. Thomas HouseagoKevin West (1 November 2009), Young Artists: Thomas Houseago & Aaron Curry W. Anselm Kiefer (−1979)Christopher Bagley (1 January 2013), The Artist Whisperer W. Tomas Schmit
Recognition In 2017 Michael Werner became a chevalier of the Legion of Honour, in recognition of his contributions to French culture, which included the donation of 130 artworks to the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris.
Legal issues From 2011, Galerie Michael Werner launched a $1.35 million legal dispute with the Gwangju Biennale and the biennial's insurance company in a South Korean court over three onyx sculptures by James Lee Byars; the works were lent by the gallery for the 2010 biennial and were damaged during removal after the show and in transit back from South Korea.Jennifer Maloney (23 December 2013), International Arts Dispute Wall Street Journal.
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