In Time of Quarantine, Zwirner Shares Online Platform With Smaller Galleries

Twelve New York galleries will each present two works by a single artist in Zwirner’s digital viewing room. While online viewing rooms have quickly become all the rage during the coronavirus outbreak, not every gallery has the money or staff to send their artworks out into the digital sphere while their physical spaces remain closed. So David Zwirner gallery has invited 12 smaller New York-based galleries to join its existing high-tech online viewing room through an effort called Platform: New York. “It’s like, ‘Hey guys, come in here and put work up on the walls,’” said Mr.

Zwirner, adding that the idea came from his son and daughter — Lucas and Marlene — who work at the gallery, along with other younger members of his staff: Alec Smyth, Thor Shannon and Cristina Vere Nicoll. The galleries — which include 47 Canal, Bridget Donahue, David Lewis, Essex Street and Queer Thoughts — will each present two works by a single artist. Many of these artists had exhibitions that were scheduled for spring or cut short. “We are grateful for any and all acts of solidarity in these incredibly difficulty times,” said Oliver Newton, a founder of 47 Canal.

Essex Street gallery will present the work of Park McArthur, who has focused on the physical limitations of exhibition venues and on new ways to make art accessible. “We immediately thought Park McArthur’s work could not only excel in, but could exceed, the format,” said Maxwell Graham, the owner of Essex Street. All sales inquiries will be passed directly to the participating gallery, and Zwirner is not charging anything for the online space or taking a commission. The site is to go live on April 3.

Next up — Platform: London.