Lyles & King, a prominent contemporary art gallery in downtown New York, announced its closure on June 20, 2023, after over a decade of operation. Founded in May 2015 by Isaac Lyles, the gallery hosted 118 exhibitions featuring a diverse roster of artists, including Jessie Makinson and Cato Ouyang.
Significant Exhibitions and Artists
Throughout its tenure, Lyles & King showcased a variety of artists who have gained international recognition. Notable exhibitions included works by Aneta Grzeszykowska, who participated in the 2022 Venice Biennale, and Kiyan Williams, who was featured in the 2022 Whitney Biennale. These artists, among others, utilized the gallery as a platform to launch their careers.
The gallery's final exhibitions closed on June 20, featuring a solo show for Jessie Makinson and a collaborative display with Cato Ouyang, Fernanda Galvão, and Ren Light Pan. Lyles expressed gratitude towards the artists and supporters in an email, stating, "It is with profound gratitude and a tinge of sadness that I announce... Lyles & King has closed."
A Legacy of Connection and Engagement
Isaac Lyles emphasized the gallery's mission to foster connections through art, stating, "I believed then, as I believe now, in art's capacity to engage us with our humanity." The gallery's inaugural exhibition, titled “The Inaugural,” showcased an intergenerational mix of artists like Mira Schor and Violet Dennison and set the tone for the gallery's commitment to community and engagement.
After relocating from the Lower East Side to a larger space in Chinatown in September 2020, Lyles & King continued to host impactful exhibitions. The opening show, “I WANT TO FEEL ALIVE AGAIN,” was curated to resonate during uncertain times, focusing on themes of figuration and bodily experiences.
Future Endeavors and Reflections
In his farewell email, Lyles thanked the artists, collectors, curators, and visitors who supported the gallery. He highlighted the importance of shared experiences in art, particularly in today's mediated world. Lyles concluded by expressing his anticipation for future projects, stating, "I look forward to sharing with you what’s next." The gallery’s closure marks the end of an era for contemporary art in New York.
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