How Paula Cooper changed New York’s art world
Art Basel has inaugurated its Gallery Legacy Award, honoring gallerists whose work has profoundly impacted contemporary art. The first recipient is Paula Cooper, the 88-year-old New York gallerist who opened Paula Cooper Gallery in SoHo in 1968. She pioneered the neighborhood as an art hub, championing Minimal and Conceptual art with early shows featuring Carl Andre, Donald Judd, and Sol LeWitt. Cooper later led the gallery migration to West Chelsea in 1995. Known for her integrity and commitment to artists, she allocates 60% of sale proceeds to artists rather than the standard 50%, and has maintained intimate, long-term relationships with her roster.