ABOUT
GALERIE GMURZYNSKA
NAME:
Galerie Gmurzynska
ROLE:
Art Gallery
INDUSTRY:
Art Industry
COUNTRY:
Switzerland / USA
Galerie Gmurzynska: Celebrating 40 Years of Art Excellence
For over three decades, Galerie Gmurzynska has been at the forefront of the art world, known for its exceptional exhibitions and diverse artist representation. Established by Krystyna Gmurzynska, the gallery's journey from its founding in the 1980s to its present international standing is marked by constant expansion, a commitment to museum-quality presentations, and a dynamic approach to both classic and contemporary art. Let's explore the remarkable trajectory of Galerie Gmurzynska, which has its roots in Cologne, Switzerland, but has since branched out to Zurich and New York.
In 1986, Krystyna Gmurzynska began expanding the gallery's classic modern program, setting the stage for its growth and evolution. The gallery's Cologne building, designed by Swiss architect Roger Diener, was inaugurated in 1991. Its second location in Zug, Switzerland, established in 1993, offered an opportunity to experiment with innovative exhibitions juxtaposing modern and contemporary art with classic architectural elements of the historic space. This was where artists like Yves Klein and Kazimir Malevich found a platform.
In 1996, Mathias Rastorfer joined the gallery as a partner, and the repertoire expanded to include contemporary artists, including Donald Judd, Louise Nevelson, and Yves Klein. A decade later, in 2003, the gallery opened its third branch in St. Moritz, furthering its presence in the art world.
EARLIER CAREER
The year 2005 marked a significant shift when Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer relocated the gallery to Zurich's Paradeplatz, occupying a building steeped in history. The same block had witnessed the birth of the Dada movement in 1917. The gallery's inaugural Zurich exhibition showcased Alexander Calder and was executed with the Calder Foundation, setting the tone for museum-quality presentations.
A distinctive feature of Galerie Gmurzynska is its tradition of producing fully illustrated catalogs accompanied by essays for each exhibition, ensuring that the art is presented with scholarly depth.
FURTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The gallery has represented the estates of distinguished artists, such as Yves Klein, Louise Nevelson, Wifredo Lam, and Roberto Matta, often across multiple generations. It also represents contemporary artists like Robert Indiana, Christo, and Ronnie Cutrone.
CURRENT HIGHLIGHTS
Known for exhibitions rooted in historical research and scholarly documentation, the gallery collaborates with leading art historians and museums, participating in prominent art fairs globally. Galerie Gmurzynska has expanded to two locations in Zurich, with the Paradeplatz site featuring the last interior exhibition architecture designed by the late Zaha Hadid.
In 2017, Galerie Gmurzynska US Inc. was established in New York.
The legacy of Galerie Gmurzynska is celebrated not only in its exhibitions and publications but also in the recognition accorded to its founders. Krystyna Gmurzynska and Mathias Rastorfer were both awarded the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres by the French Minister of Culture, acknowledging their contributions to the art world.
GALLERY
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