Gratin Gallery, founded by Talal Abillama, is opening a new outpost in Tribeca at 15 White Street, leased for ten years. The space will debut on May 15 with “Blinds and Shutters,” the first U.S. solo exhibition of Spanish sculptor Mónica Mays. The gallery, which started on Avenue B in 2022 and later moved to Grand Street, is expanding despite a challenging art market. Abillama cites the need to be closer to collectors who avoid the 15-minute walk from Tribeca to Chinatown. The new location sits near Luhring Augustine and Ortuzar Projects, and will officially open in November after renovations.
This expansion matters because it signals a contrarian bet on young, emerging artists during a period of market uncertainty. Abillama’s model—offering studio space, housing, and long-term commitment—challenges the trend of galleries shrinking or closing. By doubling down on artists like Mays and planning decades-long relationships, Gratin positions itself as a dealer-driven incubator for rising talent. The move also reflects broader shifts in New York’s gallery geography, as dealers follow collectors into Tribeca.