The end of a major partnership in the art world has just been announced, sparking questions about the future of two significant gallery figures. Michael Werner, the founder of the Michael Werner Gallery, and Gordon VeneKlasen, a key partner of many years, have decided to part ways early next year after working together for an impressive 35 years. But here's where it gets interesting: although they are ending their business relationship, they will still cooperate on select artist projects and museum exhibitions involving historic artists represented by Michael Werner.
In a joint statement to ARTnews, both Werner and VeneKlasen confirmed their decision, emphasizing the continuation of some collaborative efforts despite the split. Moving forward, each will pursue independent paths. Michael Werner will keep managing his Galerie Michael Werner based in Berlin, maintaining its established presence and legacy. Meanwhile, Gordon VeneKlasen is set to start a new international gallery under his own name, VeneKlasen. He will take control of the current gallery spaces in New York, London, and Los Angeles, with these changes coming into effect in February. VeneKlasen plans to reveal the details of his new gallery program early next year.
To put this into context, Michael Werner’s history in the art world began in 1963 when he opened Werner & Katz in Berlin. He then launched Galerie Michael Werner in Cologne in 1969, which remained active until its closure in 2022. Gordon VeneKlasen joined Michael Werner Gallery in 1990, initially to open the New York location. His commitment grew, and he became a partner in 2005. VeneKlasen played an essential role in expanding the gallery’s footprint to London in 2012 and most recently to Los Angeles in 2024.
Michael Werner Gallery has long been celebrated for showcasing prominent German painters such as Georg Baselitz, Jörg Immendorff, Markus Lüpertz, A.R. Penck, and Sigmar Polke. Beyond these influential 20th-century artists, the gallery has also represented figures like Marcel Broodthaers and James Lee Byars, as well as emerging talents including Issy Wood, Sanya Kantarovsky, Raphaela Simon, and Florian Krewer. Notably, for 23 years, the gallery represented Peter Doig, who decided to part ways with them in 2023. One key point that remains unclear—and this is the part most people miss—is which artists each dealer will continue to represent or sign under their separate new ventures.
This split raises compelling questions about how legacy and innovation will coexist as each dealer embarks on distinct directions. How might the gallery scene shift with VeneKlasen taking charge of key global hubs, while Werner focuses on Berlin? Will there be competition or continued collaboration? Art enthusiasts and industry insiders are sure to watch closely—and weigh in. What do you think this separation means for the artists involved and the broader gallery ecosystem? Feel free to share your thoughts below.
