New York's Kasmin gallery is closing after 35 years, transitioning into a new venture called Olney Gleason, led by Nick Olney (Kasmin's president since 2020) and Eric Gleason (senior director since 2013). The plan was discussed with founder Paul Kasmin before his death in 2020, and the estate is fully supportive. Olney Gleason will open its first exhibition this fall in Chelsea with a roster of about 25 artists and estates, around 80 percent of whom began working with Kasmin within the last five years.
The closure of a long-standing Chelsea gallery and the launch of a successor venture reflects a broader generational shift in the art world, as galleries navigate leadership transitions, market uncertainty, and the legacy of founding dealers. The new gallery's focus on contemporary art and historical works that speak to the present signals an evolution in programming, while the support from Paul Kasmin's estate underscores the importance of continuity and honoring founder visions.