In the world of contemporary art, the Los Angeles gallery Commonwealth and Council stands out for its dedication to showcasing the work of great experimentalists. Instead of traditional paintings, the gallery’s 39 artists create eccentric and thought-provoking artworks that challenge conventional notions of art. From transforming their bodies into cyborgian low riders to studying tree bark, these artists push the boundaries of artistic expression. Despite the challenges of the art business, the gallery has built a cult following and has even expanded to a second location in Mexico City. However, creating a market for these experimentalists is no easy feat, as their works often come with a high price tag.
Background of Commonwealth and Council
Commonwealth and Council is a renowned gallery that originated from a humble beginning in a one-bedroom apartment. It was founded by Young Chung and Kibum Kim in Los Angeles. The primary focus of the gallery is to showcase and promote experimental artworks that challenge traditional norms and push the boundaries of artistic expression.
The gallery’s formation was driven by the owners’ preference for artworks that are unconventional and thought-provoking. They sought to create a platform for artists who explore new artistic practices and experiment with different mediums and techniques. This vision led to the establishment of Commonwealth and Council as a gallery that embraces the avant-garde.
The gallery has a strong inclination towards nurturing West Coast conceptualists. These artists embody the spirit of experimentation and conceptual thinking. They use art as a tool to delve into contemporary issues like marginalization and decolonization, implementing the philosophical rigor and satirical swagger of the 1960s and ’70s. Commonwealth and Council has become a hub for these artists, providing them with the support and recognition they deserve.
The gallery has gained a cult following due to its commitment to showcasing experimental artworks. Over the years, it has built a reputation for being a platform for unconventional artists and their eccentric practices. This cult following has been instrumental in the gallery’s expansion to Mexico City, where it continues to foster and showcase experimental artworks.
Challenges in Creating a Market
One of the challenges that Commonwealth and Council faces in creating a market is the difficulty of selling ‘unsellable’ artworks. The experimental nature of these artworks makes them less conventional and, therefore, less appealing to traditional collectors. However, the gallery aims to challenge the notion of what is sellable by championing these unconventional artworks and artists.
Another challenge is the modest pricing of the artworks. Most of the artworks at Commonwealth and Council are priced between $20,000 and $50,000, which is relatively affordable compared to the prices of artworks in the traditional market. This modest pricing reflects the gallery’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, but it also means that the gallery operates on tight profit margins.
Surviving on tight margins is another challenge for the gallery. In a highly competitive art market, where overhead costs are constantly rising, it can be challenging for a gallery like Commonwealth and Council to sustain itself. The owners have been reluctant to increase overhead costs, which has allowed them to stay afloat but has also limited their ability to expand or take on bigger projects.
Additionally, there is a reluctance to increase overhead costs due to the unpredictable nature of the art market. The market for experimental artworks is niche and can be unpredictable, making it difficult to project future sales and revenue. This uncertainty makes the owners of Commonwealth and Council cautious in increasing their overhead costs, as they do not want to compromise the gallery’s financial stability.
The Artists and their Eccentric Practices
Commonwealth and Council represents a diverse roster of artists, each with their own eccentric practices. One such artist is Rafa Esparza, who transforms bodies into cyborgian low riders. Esparza’s works challenge traditional notions of identity and explore the relationship between the human body and technology.
Another artist represented by the gallery is P. Staff, whose works incorporate electric netting and dried blood. These unconventional materials create a visceral and powerful effect, confronting viewers with the fragility and vulnerability of the human body.
Kenneth Tam is another artist whose works push the boundaries of artistic expression. Tam hires men off Craigslist to gyrate like horseback-riding cowboys on film, exploring themes of masculinity, performance, and power dynamics.
These artists and their eccentric practices epitomize the spirit of Commonwealth and Council. The gallery has provided them with a platform to showcase their works and has nurtured their artistic growth and development.
Support from Curators and Directors
Commonwealth and Council has garnered a cult following of influential curators and museum directors who recognize and appreciate the gallery’s commitment to showcasing experimental artworks. These curators and directors play a crucial role in supporting the gallery and its artists.
The cult following of influential curators and museum directors has led to various recognition and opportunities for the artists represented by Commonwealth and Council. Many of these artists have been selected to participate in prestigious events such as the Whitney Biennial, Venice Biennale, and Frieze. This recognition further elevates the artists’ profiles and brings their works to a wider audience.
Participation in prestigious events like the Whitney Biennial, Venice Biennale, and Frieze not only provides increased visibility and exposure for the artists but also validates the gallery’s mission and vision. It solidifies Commonwealth and Council’s position as a leading institution for experimental artworks and reinforces its impact in the art world.
The Market for Experimentalists
Creating a market for great experimentalists is a constant challenge for Commonwealth and Council. The unconventional nature of the artworks makes them less appealing to traditional collectors, who often prefer more conventional and marketable artworks. However, the gallery firmly believes in the value and importance of experimental art, and actively works to cultivate a market for these artists.
One of the challenges in selling the artworks is the perception that they are ‘unsellable’. The experimental nature of these artworks can be intimidating to some collectors, who may not fully comprehend or appreciate their conceptual underpinnings. However, Commonwealth and Council aims to challenge this perception and educate collectors about the value and significance of experimental art.
The price range of artworks at Commonwealth and Council is relatively modest compared to the traditional market. Most artworks are priced between $20,000 and $50,000, making them more accessible to a wider range of collectors. This pricing strategy reflects the gallery’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity, and its commitment to supporting experimental artists.
Gallery Location and Environment
Commonwealth and Council is located in a modest space near a liquor store and Korean BBQ restaurant. The gallery’s location and environment have influenced its identity and have become an integral part of its artistic vision. The juxtaposition of the gallery with everyday establishments reflects the gallery’s commitment to engaging with the community and making art accessible to all.
The gallery actively engages with the community through various initiatives and events, fostering a sense of inclusivity and accessibility. It strives to break down the barriers between the art world and the everyday world, creating a space where people from all walks of life can engage with and appreciate art.
The modest location and surrounding establishments also serve as a reminder of the gallery’s roots and humble beginnings. It reinforces the gallery’s commitment to supporting emerging artists and providing them with a platform to showcase their works.
Owners’ Background and Vision
Young Chung, a longtime resident of Los Angeles, and Kibum Kim, who hails from South Korea, are the owners of Commonwealth and Council. Their backgrounds and experiences have shaped the gallery’s vision and mission.
Chung’s residency in Los Angeles has given him a deep understanding of the city’s art scene and its unique dynamics. He has witnessed the evolution of the art world in LA and has identified the need for a platform that supports experimental artists and showcases their works.
Kim’s South Korean heritage brings a different perspective to the gallery. He has a keen understanding of global art trends and has cultivated connections with artists and collectors from around the world. This international perspective has been instrumental in the gallery’s expansion to Mexico City and its continued growth and success.
The gallery’s focus on contemporary issues like marginalization and decolonization is a reflection of the owners’ shared vision. Chung and Kim believe in the power of art to address pressing social and political issues and strive to provide artists with a platform to explore and express these themes.
The Future of Commonwealth and Council
The future of Commonwealth and Council is uncertain, as is the case with any art business. The art market is highly volatile and constantly evolving, making it challenging for galleries to sustain themselves. However, Commonwealth and Council has demonstrated perseverance and persistence in the face of challenges, and this resilience bodes well for its future.
The gallery will continue to support and champion experimental artists, pushing the boundaries of traditional art and exploring new artistic practices. It will remain committed to providing a platform for artists to express their unique visions and engage with contemporary issues.
While the future may bring its own set of challenges, Commonwealth and Council is dedicated to continuing its support for experimental artists and contributing to the growth and development of the art world.
The Impact of Commonwealth and Council
Commonwealth and Council has made significant contributions to the art world by challenging traditional norms and pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. It has provided a platform for artists to explore unconventional mediums, techniques, and ideas, opening up new avenues of artistic exploration.
The gallery’s commitment to showcasing experimental artworks has helped pave the way for a more inclusive and diverse art world. It has created space for artists who may not fit into the traditional mold, allowing them to thrive and gain recognition.
By pushing the boundaries of traditional art, Commonwealth and Council has inspired other artists and galleries to embrace experimentation and unconventional practices. It has played a significant role in expanding the definition of what art can be and has encouraged artists to explore new artistic territories.
In the Los Angeles art scene, Commonwealth and Council has become a prominent and influential institution. Its impact is felt not only through the artists it represents but also through its engagement with the community and the conversations it sparks.
Conclusion
Commonwealth and Council has achieved both success and faced challenges in its journey as an experimental art gallery. The owners’ vision and commitment to showcasing unconventional artworks have contributed to the gallery’s cult following and its expansion to Mexico City.
Supporting experimental artists is not without its challenges, from the difficulty of selling ‘unsellable’ artworks to operating on tight profit margins. However, Commonwealth and Council remains steadfast in its mission to create a market for these artists and to challenge traditional notions of art.
The gallery’s location, surrounded by everyday establishments, reflects its commitment to accessibility and community engagement. The owners’ backgrounds and vision, along with the support from curators and directors, have shaped the gallery’s identity and its impact on the art world.
The future of Commonwealth and Council remains uncertain, but its perseverance and commitment to experimental art will undoubtedly continue to make a lasting impact. Supporting experimental artists and exploring new artistic practices remains crucial to the evolution and growth of the art world.
