Art dealer Gordon VeneKlasen, former longtime partner of Michael Werner, launched his own gallery at the start of 2025. The new VeneKlasen Gallery made its art fair debut at the inaugural Art Basel Qatar in Doha and will open twin shows of the late German artist Sigmar Polke at its New York and London spaces on March 3 and 12, respectively. In an interview, VeneKlasen discusses his career trajectory, from studying art history and working at the Ashmolean Museum to a stint with the U.S. Census Bureau, before joining Michael Werner and eventually striking out on his own. Several artists, including Florian Krewer, Issy Wood, and Sanya Kantarovsky, are following him to his new venture.
This story matters because it marks a significant shift in the gallery landscape, with a respected dealer who worked closely with major artists like Sigmar Polke for decades establishing his own independent identity. VeneKlasen's move, including taking over Werner's former New York and London spaces, signals a changing of the guard in the art world and highlights the enduring importance of dealer-artist relationships. The article also offers insight into how personal connections and a bit of serendipity shape careers in the art business.