The metrics used in rating NYC art galleries is pretty clear cut. If one makes a simple analysis of gallery reviews made by different media both online and offline, one could easily outline the qualities that separate the ordinary galleries from the outstanding ones.

Let us consider reviews made by Gothamist, Artsmart, and Timeout. One will take note that the metrics used in rating galleries are congruent among them. Although, one may argue that these publications are more inclined towards the mainstream reader rather than the art intellectual. However, a decent publication should make discourse such that it appeals to a readership that cuts across different sectors of society.

In order to rate the best NYC art gallery, certain qualities were taken into consideration as outstanding, setting one apart from another. In the a fore mentioned publications, a number of adjectives were used to describe these qualities. These descriptors; such as “trend-setting,” “head-turning”, amazing”, and “prominent” do portray an awe inspired viewer lost in euphoria.

A second commonly used descriptor places an emphasis on the talents and celebrities whose works grace the gallery; such include terms like “roster,” “biggest names,”  and “legends.” For these same reasons, sports brands would make risky investment of millions of dollars into famous athletes for the purpose of brand promotions. It is simple logic: A famous person attracts the biggest drawl. Emphasis is also placed on history and the age of the gallery. This seems to point to the fact that the gallery is timeless. Items contained therein remain valuable across several ages in spite of changes in taste and fashion over the years. Terms such as “blue-chip,” “reputable,” “museum quality,” and “well-established.” These terms lend an air of prestige, dignity and quality. These are the descriptors used in reference to galleries in Chelsea and in the area of West 57th Street, such as: David Zwirner, Cheim and Read, Gagosian, Luhring Augustine, Jack Shainman, Peter Blum, Mary Boone, and the Pace Gallery. Two of the galleries are also described as being unique in making record breaking auction sales.

Looking at this from another perspective, galleries are considered to belong to a superior class because they are considered ‘unique” by having a strikingly stylish and unusual beautiful appearance that is unrivalled in the region. (This could also mean eliciting a creative skill that is unconventional) Some of these art work rooms described as such include: Mixed Greens, Eleven Rivinton, also Lisa Cooley. However some galleries or art libraries are highly acclaimed for being pacesetters in techniques of aesthetically transforming neighborhoods like Pierogi in Wlliamsburg or Stellar Rays also Canada Gallery on the Lower East Side.

As an artist, why would these galleries be worthy to host your work? Or why should you make time from your busy schedule to visit these galleries? The answer is simple – they have a name to reckon with. Besides having unique status, these galleries are likely to have items that will arouse your interest. Besides presenting items that are unique; success seem to follow this equation: status + prestige = greater success.

What If the metrics used in classifying these galleries were vague but apertinent measure of conformation with an era in history, or the degree in which they influence perception of a particular concept?

These benchmarks are quite interwoven.
Nick Cave’s Made by Whites for Whites is by far the best exhibition I have witnessed in a long time. It was incredibly powerful in renaissance of appraisal of relics and souvenirs. I will recommend that part of the factors to be considered in making appraisal of galleries be impact on public discourse; else we will continue revolving around the pathetic circle of celebration of celebrity.

Junzi Fine Art is an art advisory firm servicing New York City art galleries, art collectors, institutions, artists, and the art communities throughout Asia and Europe. Joseph Manqueros Is A 35 year gallerist with galleries in Los Angeles, New York, Vienna & Singapore. Serina Manqueros consults galleries throughout the world regarding collection & media development through curatorial guidance, content branding online and through printed publications.