A Shocking Split: The End of an Era for Werner and VeneKlasen
A 35-year partnership, a powerhouse in the art world, has come to an unexpected end. Michael Werner and Gordon VeneKlasen, the dynamic duo behind the renowned Michael Werner Gallery, have decided to part ways professionally. Effective February 1, 2026, Werner will continue his legacy in Berlin, while VeneKlasen embarks on a new chapter with his own gallery, VeneKlasen, taking over the former Michael Werner spaces in three major cities: London, New York, and Los Angeles.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the artists they will represent moving forward remain a mystery. Despite this, they assure us they will collaborate on artist projects and museum exhibitions, focusing on the historical artists associated with Michael Werner Gallery. This leaves us with more questions than answers, doesn't it?
Let's delve into their journey. Werner's first gallery, Werner & Katz, opened its doors in Berlin in 1963, followed by Galerie Michael Werner in Cologne in 1969. VeneKlasen joined the team in 1990, establishing the New York branch. His impact was significant, leading to the gallery's expansion to London in 2012 and its recent venture into LA in 2024. However, the Cologne outpost closed in 2022, and the Athens branch, a unique apartment-based gallery opened in 2024, seemed to have a short-lived run.
Michael Werner Gallery has built an impressive reputation, showcasing a stellar lineup of German painters. Artists like Georg Baselitz, Jörg Immendorff, Markus Lüpertz, A.R. Penck, and Sigmar Polke have all been part of its roster. Additionally, the gallery represents a diverse range of talents, including Kai Althoff, Marcel Broodthaers, James Lee Byars, Per Kirkeby, and Don Van Vliet, as well as emerging artists like Sanya Kantarovsky, Florian Krewer, Raphaela Simon, and Issy Wood. The gallery's exhibitions regularly feature works by Hans Arp, Joseph Beuys, Peter Doig, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Wilhelm Lehmbruck, Piero Manzoni, Francis Picabia, Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, and Kurt Schwitters.
And this is the part most people miss: the impact of this split on the art world. With two separate galleries now, will we see a shift in the representation of these renowned artists? Will the collaboration between Werner and VeneKlasen truly continue, or will there be a competitive edge? These questions are left for us to ponder and discuss.
What are your thoughts on this split? Do you think it will change the art scene, or is it just business as usual? Feel free to share your insights and predictions in the comments below!
