The Brant Foundation Art Study Center Opens in Greenwich, CT

The Brant Foundation, Inc. is pleased to host an “Open House” to celebrate the opening of The Brant Foundation Art Study Center.  Located at 941 North Street, Greenwich, Connecticut, The Brant Foundation Art Study Center is open to the public by appointment.  It is our mission to promote education and appreciation of contemporary art and design by making works available to institutions and individuals for scholarly study and examination.  The inaugural exhibition titled, “Remembering Henry’s Show, Selected Works 1978 – 2008”,    features more than 25 artists from the collection, including Donald Baechler, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Maurizio Cattelan, Larry Clark, Francesco Clemente, John Currin, Urs Fischer, Keith Haring, Mike Kelley, Karen Kilimnik, Jeff Koons, Paul McCarthy, Adam McEwen, Cady Noland, Raymond Pettibon, Elizabeth Peyton, Richard Prince, David Salle, Kenny Scharf, Julian Schnabel, Richard Serra, Jim Shaw, Cindy Sherman, Josh Smith, Piotr Uklanski, Andy Warhol and Christopher Wool.  Included in the works on display are three monumental outdoor sculptures:  Jeff Koons’ “Balloon Dog”, 1994-2000, Paul McCarthy’s “Santa”, 2002, and Richard Serra’s “Ali-Frazier”, 2001.  The theme of this exhibition comes from an exhibition Henry Geldzhaler curated in 1969 at The Metropolitan Museum of Art  titled “New York Painting and Sculpture 1940-1970,” an exhibition which established The New York School as the successor to the school of Paris and influenced the direction Mr. Brant took in building his own collection.  Similar to Henry’s show, TBFASC’s inaugural exhibition will span thirty years.  The works chosen for the exhibition showcase notable works by artists in the collection produced during this time period. The thirty years we are referencing in this show present a continuation of the New York School years as shown in the Geldzahler show.

In choosing Mr. Gluckman for this project, Peter Brant says, “I chose Richard as the architect for his friendly approach and respect for art. Having knowledge of Richard’s other art related projects,  I knew he was the best person to transform the turn-of-the-century stone building into a modern exhibition space, while maintaining the integrity and beauty of the original structure.  In addition, Richard always considers the space and light needed to best display fine works of art.”

The Brant Foundation Art Study Center will present long-term exhibitions curated primarily from the collection.  Scores of artists are represented in depth, including works from their earliest period of their practice through their current works. Most of the early works in the collection were acquired in the early sixties so they will not be included in the inaugural exhibition and may even have been in Henry’s show. There will be early works by Jean-Michel Basquiat collected in the early 80’s and an early piece titled “The Sea” by Julian Schnabel. All of the shows will be put together with works from our collections as well as from other collections with important pieces by the artist or artists we will be showing. Each exhibition will have a catalogue printed to coincide with the show. Mr. Brant states, “I’ve been involved in collecting and studying art since I was about 17.  Seeing museums and other collections has been an important part of my life.  By opening this center it will give me the ability to curate shows myself and invite guest curators here too.”