Larry Gagosian Reflects on Past Business Challenges

Larry Gagosian, widely recognized as one of the world’s most influential art dealers, recently shared insights into some of his less successful ventures. In a new interview, Gagosian detailed a failed gallery opening in San Francisco, stating, “I mean, nobody showed up. It was so depressing.”

San Francisco Gallery Struggles

Gagosian expressed his dismay at the lack of attendance at the San Francisco location. He recounted traveling to the city for gallery openings only to find the space empty, questioning his presence there. “I’d fly up there for an opening, and there’s nobody there. I’d go, What the f*** am I doing here?” he said.

Other Past Mistakes and Current Plans

The dealer also identified a former gallery in Geneva, Switzerland, which opened in 2010 and subsequently closed, as another miscalculation. He attributed this to a lack of understanding of the local market, musing, “I didn’t fully get the Swiss.”

Relocation and a Return to Roots

Gagosian is currently planning a new street-level gallery in the same Upper East Side location where he first opened in 1989. This move comes after being displaced from his long-held office space, which was largely purchased by Bloomberg Philanthropies.

Office Space and Transparency

Gagosian described the loss of his office, where he had been based for nearly 40 years, as “pretty devastating.” He has since relocated staff to Chelsea and other locations. He also noted a shift in the gallery’s approach to transparency, stating that previous practices were “a little off-putting” to artists and have now been eliminated.

Recent Events and Exhibitions

Last month in Los Angeles, Gagosian hosted his annual exhibition coinciding with the Academy Awards, showcasing new works. He was also present at the opening of the exhibition “Pop Forever. Tom Wesselmann &…” at the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris, France, on October 15, 2024.