One of my favorite things to do when visiting a gallery is to pop into their "back rooms". All galleries have them. Unfortunately, not all galleries allow you access. One way to get in to see the hidden space is to ask to see works by an artist they represent that is not currently being shown in their front gallery spaces. This doesn't always work, especially if the gallery doesn't know you, but if you mention that you are interested in collecting the artist about which you are inquiring (i.e. spending money), then they just may oblige. Also, it helps if the gallery isn't especially busy during your visit.
Hidden Gems
"Back rooms" are used for storage. Most works will be shelved and wrapped up, as they are in this picture. If you do your homework and play your cards right, the gallerist accompanying you may take the time to unwrap a few works in which you show interest.
Giovanni showing me works in Roebling's back room
I recently visited Roebing Hall in Brooklyn to see the Eve Sussman show. While there, I asked Giovanni Garcia- French (delightful, professional, and accommodating) if they had any works by Christoph Morlinghaus who had a show up in February that I missed seeing. I was delighted to find that they had three large Morlinghaus photographs wrapped up in the back. Seeing works propped up on the floor may not be the ideal way to view work, but for some reason I get a kick out of it. It's feels like Christmas to me to have works unwrapped and revealed as I stand and watch. I'm weird.
Pierogi's "back room"
One of my favorite galleries, Pierogi, has taken the intimidation out of "back room access" by putting it right up front. Pierogi's famous Flat Files, pictured above, are available to every visitor and are the first thing you see when you enter the gallery. With art-handling gloves available to all, you are free to browse thousands (yes, thousands) of artists' files all on your own. Some of my favorite art has come from these very files and I rarely leave the gallery without purchasing something.
With so many artists to browse in the Flat Files, it can be a little daunting. If you go, just start by randomly opening a few files and you will be hooked. They also have available a list of all artists represented in the files so you can browse for familiar names. I hope to one day post about my recommended "files", but have yet to find the time to commit to weeding through the whole lot. Whenever someone asks me where to go to find affordable work or to start their collections, I often refer them to Pierogi's Flat Files. It's fun, not at all intimidating, and a great way to see a lot of artists, both emerging and emerged, in one place.
Happy hunting!
Oh, I love back rooms...I love to see how everything is organized, what artwork is on the wall, and just that neat stuff in general. What a great post. I think someone should do a book on gallery back rooms. Sometimes they are more interesting than the main room!
Posted by: Caryn | May 13, 2004 at 10:52 PM