HISTORY/MISSION STATEMENT

Gallery 151 is the premier pop-up gallery in New York City, now located in Chelsea on West 18th Street. The first show at Gallery 151 was hosted by Fab 5 Freddy in December of 2007. This exhibit unveiled a collaborative wall of graffiti discovered during the renovation of 151 Wooster by Michael Namer, downtown developer and owner of the building at the time. One of the former residents of the building was Edit DeAK, who in the late 70's and early 80's allowed young artists to "tag" a wall in her loft - some of these "young artists" were Jean-Michel Basquiat, Fab 5 Freddy, Francesco Clemente, Futura 2000, Ero, Nesto, Koor and Johnny Dynell (among others). This graffiti wall was preserved over decades and finally uncovered during construction.


Michael Namer immediately recognized the significance of this "holy grail" of graffiti and founded Gallery 151 so that the "151 Wild Style Wall" could be viewed along-side other works by artists of the same period (such as Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ero, and Koor). The success and popularity of the exhibit led to subsequent requests for exhibits by other artists, and the momentum from the first show in 2007 has continued through the present day.


The mission of Gallery 151 is to support emerging New York-based artists and provide a platform for their talent to be recognized by the public. In 2009, Gallery 151 expanded its vernacular to include issues of sustainability and environmental responsibility. The Urban Green Initiative at Gallery 151 was a series of exhibits, charity events, and performances through 2009 and 2010 that used art to encourage the discussion of these issues.


As a "green" builder, Michael Namer seeks the highest level of energy, resource, and materials efficiency in every project his company develops - whether it is residential, commercial, or hospitality. Through his generous support and sponsorship, he has been able expose the public to this important issue through exhibitions and the voices of talented artists.

 

Current Exhibitions

SLOW FOOD/ FAST FOOD "EAT WHAT YOU ARE"

18 May - 28 Jun 2012

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A selection of works by contemporary artists and old world masters curated as an introspective study of society’s relationship with food.

 

Featured artists include: Paul Brainard, Alia Diaz, John Grande, Marco Kalach, Alexander Kaletski, Tracy Miller, and Jonathan Stein

 
SLOW FOOD/FAST FOOD: “EAT WHAT YOU ARE” is a dynamic and captivating art exhibit that contextualizes the last 500 years of humanity’s relationship with food by juxtaposing still life art works of old world masters created in the 16th and 17th centuries with the contemporary work of artists today. What we find within this six-week-long exhibition is an introspective opportunity for the audience to reflect upon how our relationship with food has changed over time; a story told by the still life images created over the course of that relationship.
 
Artists Alia Diaz, John Grande, Marco Kalach, Alexander Kaletski, Tracy Miller, and Jonathan Stein and others yet to be announced will have works on display that will address Anthelme Brillat-Savirin’ poignant statement “Tell me what you eat and I’ll tell you what you are.” Each artist contributes their own unique interpretation of the present day citizen’s relationship with food: these interpretations range from outright criticism to curious endearment and are each an honest reflection of “what we are.”
 
“SLOW FOOD/FAST FOOD: “EAT WHAT YOU ARE” explores society’s significant transition in the perception of food over the past 500 years, starting in the 16th century when food was meant to sustain, and ending in the present day when convenience is paramount and frozen, pre-packaged meals replace fresh produce sections at the grocery store,” says Michael Namer, owner and founder of Gallery 151, and Founder and CEO of Alfa Development. “Gallery 151’s purpose is to feature emerging contemporary artists in New York and bring them to the forefront of the art world. With this exhibition, we examine a cultural paradigm shift through the work of these provocative artists. We will feature still life paintings of by old world masters when food was revered and placed on a pedestal, alongside more modern artwork depicting a world of mass brands and fast foods.”
 
In honor of this exhibition, Gallery 151 has partnered with Slow Food NYC, a non-profit, member-supported organization founded in 1989 to counteract the culture of fast food. Slow Food NYC works to create and support a food system based on the principles of high quality and taste, environmental sustainability, and social justice. Slow Food stands against the disappearance of local food traditions and people's dwindling interest in the food they eat, where it comes from, how it tastes and how our food choices affect the rest of the world.
 
SLOW FOOD/FAST FOOD: “EAT WHAT YOU ARE” will showcase paintings, mixed media, photography, and sculpture. The exhibition will be open to the public from May 17 to June 28, 2012.
 

News

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John Platt: Interchange


Gallery 151 is proud to present John Platt for his second solo exhibition at its newest location in Chelsea. This dynamic painter fuses together a world of abstract meeting realism in his latest series INTERCHANGE, creating a visual drama based on color, theme and gesture.

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Fred Brathwaite aka FAB 5 FREDDY: NEW YORK : NEW WORK


Gallery 151 is honored to present the solo exhibition of Fred Brathwaite, hip hop pioneer and legendary graffiti artist known as Fab 5 Freddy. In 1980, Mr. Brathwaite gained noteriety by covering an entire subway car with Campbell's soup cans. This homage to Andy Warhol was the creative force in helping Brathwaite lead a cultural revolution out of which graffiti-based artists transitioned from the streets into galleries and the art world.

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