The records of Lorence-Monk Gallery measure normal="1957"> and scrapbooks documenting approximately ninety exhibitions and over 250 American and European artists represented by the gallery from its opening in 1985 until it closed its operation in 1992.
Scope and Content Note:
The records of Lorence-Monk Gallery measure 3.4 linear feet and date from 1961-1992. The collection consists of exhibition files and scrapbooks documenting approximately ninety exhibitions and over 250 American and European artists represented by the Lorence-Monk Gallery from its opening in 1985 until it closed its operation in 1992.
Arrangement:
The collection is arranged into 2 series:
Series 1: Exhibition Files, 1961-1991 (Boxes 1-3; 2.2 linear feet)
Series 2: Exhibition Scrapbooks, 1985-1992 (Boxes 3-4; 1.2 linear feet)
Historical Note:
The Lorence-Monk Gallery, founded in 1985 by Susan Lorence and Robert Monk was located at 568-578 Broadway, in the SoHo section of New York City. Prior to establishing the gallery, Susan Lorence was the American Director of the Petersburg Press and Robert Monk was the Director of Castelli Graphics.
The Lorence-Monk Gallery promoted the work of contemporary and emerging artists, featuring a diverse selection of paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs. The gallery held rotating exhibits organized by theme, individual artists, and group shows. Among the younger generation of artists represented by the gallery were: John Beerman, Jasper Johns, Jürgen Partenheimer, Alan Saret, Carole Seborovski, Alan Uglow, and Günter Umberg.
Beginning with its inaugural show "A Print Survey, 1960-1985," the Lorence-Monk Gallery became a major venue for the graphic arts, including lithographs, etchings, screenprints, and woodcuts. Exhibitions featured the work of prominent artists, many who had worked in other media, such as Richard Artschwager, David Hockney, Jasper Johns, Bruce Nauman, and Barnett Newman.
The gallery's exhibitions included sculpture and object installations, offering the works of Kim Jones, Laurie Parsons, Ursula von Rydingsvard, Sandy Skoglund, and others. The Lorence-Monk Gallery promoted independent publishers of prints, portfolios, and books, including Peter Blum Editions, Diane Villani Editions, and the Universal Limited Art Editions (ULAE). Several exhibitions were organized by independent curators, such as Marvin Heiferman, Clarissa Dalyrymple, and Christopher Sweet. Also there were exhibitions held in conjunction with other galleries, including Leo Castelli Graphics, Jim Kempner Fine Art, and the Robert Miller Gallery.
The gallery closed in 1992. Susan Lorence continues to work as a New York-based independent dealer. Robert Monk is Director at the Gagosian Gallery in New York City.
Provenance:
The Lorence-Monk Gallery Records were donated by Susan Lorence and Robert Monk in 2002.
Restrictions:
Use of original papers requires an appointment.
Rights:
The Archives of American Art makes its archival collections available for non-commercial, educational and personal use unless restricted by copyright and/or donor restrictions, including but not limited to access and publication restrictions. AAA makes no representations concerning such rights and restrictions and it is the user's responsibility to determine whether rights or restrictions exist and to obtain any necessary permission to access, use, reproduce and publish the collections. Please refer to the Smithsonian's Terms of Use for additional information.
