Clearing Gallery has announced it will permanently close its operations in both New York City and Los Angeles, marking the end of the contemporary art gallery's presence in two major American art markets. The gallery, which had established itself as a notable player in the contemporary art scene, made the decision to cease operations at both locations effective immediately.
The closure affects the gallery's exhibition spaces in NYC and LA, which had been showcasing contemporary artworks and representing various artists. Clearing Gallery had built a reputation for presenting cutting-edge contemporary art and had become a recognized name within the art community in both cities.
The announcement comes amid ongoing challenges facing the art gallery sector, including rising real estate costs, changing collector behaviors, and market pressures that have affected numerous galleries across major metropolitan areas. Many galleries have struggled to maintain multiple locations while adapting to evolving market conditions in the post-pandemic art world.
The closure of Clearing Gallery represents another significant shift in the contemporary art landscape, particularly impacting the artists and collectors who had worked with the gallery. The decision to shutter operations in both major markets simultaneously suggests the challenges were substantial enough to warrant a complete withdrawal from these key art centers rather than attempting to maintain a reduced presence.
