They say there’s no art world without artists. But while they are beavering away in their studios, stitching tapestries or painstakingly recording the sound of a pin drop in a bath, there’s an army of people working behind the scenes to get their work out into the world — raising exhibitions, negotiating with museums and enticing collectors. That army is led by the gallerist — supporter, nurturer, cajoler, dealer, manager, administrator and champion of the artists they represent.
Every era has its movers and shakers, and out of their activities it’s possible to glean a picture of what the current generation wants their art world to look like. Culturally and socially diverse, for one thing — many are opening up their spaces to artists from