gallerist

A gallerist is a person who operates or works for an art gallery, focusing on representing artists and promoting their work to collectors, institutions, and the public. In the contemporary art market, gallerists serve as intermediaries who help shape an artist's career, organize exhibitions, and manage the sale and distribution of artworks.

Typical duties include selecting and signing artists, organizing exhibitions, curating shows, negotiating prices and sales, acquiring works for the gallery's inventory, producing catalogs, marketing, and maintaining relationships with collectors and critics. They may work as owners, directors, or agents of a commercial gallery and may take commissions on works sold. Gallerists also oversee logistics, framing, insurance, and conservation considerations, and they may collaborate with artists on editions or special projects.

Gallerists differ from curators, who focus on exhibition concept and research rather than sales. The term is commonly used for owners or managers of commercial spaces; nonprofit galleries and artist-run spaces may operate under different structures. Many gallerists begin with studies in art history or fine arts and gain experience through internships, residencies, or working in galleries, sometimes moving into ownership after establishing a network and reputation.

The role requires an understanding of market trends, pricing, authentication, and risk management, as well as strong networking, negotiation, and communication skills. The gallerist's influence extends to shaping an artist's visibility and career trajectory, as well as contributing to broader market dynamics and exhibition practices.