Yesterday, when Robert Crumb’s impending visit prompted us to mention Sophie Crumb and Aline Kominsky-Crumb’s current show at DCKT Contemporary, we had no idea the exhibit would be the gallery’s last. But owners Dennis Christie and Ken Tyburski just sent out an e-mail announcing they’ll close later this month.
The gallery — which represented, among other artists, Exene Cervenka of LA punk band X — moved from Chelsea to the Bowery in 2008, when the Times first noted the “Chelsea-fication” of the LES. Then it bounced to Eldridge Street and, most recently, to 21 Orchard Street, where — of course — it replaced another gallery on the move.
Christie tells B+B there won’t be another reopening. “It’s been 12 years and now that we are each in our (early) middle age we have decided to explore new options in our lives,” he explained of the closure. “It’s been a great run!”
Here’s the farewell message.
Dear Friends,
We wanted to let you know that DCKT Contemporary will be closing later this month, at the end of our current exhibition.
For over a decade, DCKT has championed the work of both emerging and established artists. Our final exhibition at the Orchard Street gallery speaks to this strong history: the outstanding work of Sophie Crumb and Aline Kominsky-Crumb, recently reviewed in The New York Times and on view through October 19.
Founded in 2002 by Dennis Christie and Ken Tyburski, DCKT Contemporary has exhibited over 100 artists in more than 80 solo and group exhibitions. From the beginning, we consciously fostered a program that reflected a more equitable balance of female and mwomen and men than seen at many galleries. We also cultivated artists from various regions of the United States and Europe, to provide them with a New York venue.
We extend immeasurable gratitude to everyone we have worked with over the years, especially the collectors, critics and curators who have supported our vision. Most importantly, our sincere and heartfelt thanks go to all the artists we have had the immense honor of working with. Without you, none of this would have ever been possible!
Fondly,
Dennis & Ken