karyn mannix contemporary has a wide range of focus with a very specific vision in the art world. From representing emerging and established artists to contemporaries found in major museum permanent collections, kmc has more than 20 years of experience dealing with curatorial, advisory, and collecting, and offers many different services.
With contemporary art as the biggest focus at karyn mannix contemporary, there are a multitude of artists on the represented list. kmc has held numerous past successful shows and has several upcoming shows during the summer season that the community can look forward to.
Karyn began as an artist herself before becoming a gallery owner, and as she continued to adapt and evolve in the art world, she decided to represent artists. She has run a few galleries in the Hamptons and loves all the beauty found on the East End where artists can truly thrive. Karyn spoke more about karyn mannix contemporary’s success over the years, upcoming and anticipated shows, and how special the East End is, especially as a place for artists of all kinds to flourish.
What is karyn mannix contemporary all about?
KM: karyn mannix contemporary’s vision focuses on a multitude of levels, from finding and representing emerging and mid-career artists, to contemporaries that are in major museum permanent collections, with a focus on contemporary art and the secondary market. The latest venture is a project that has been sitting on the shelf since pre-covid time, an artist marketplace where artists sell directly to the client, cutting out the middleman.
How was karyn mannix contemporary conceptualized at the beginning?
KM: It’s ever-evolving. I began as an artist, turned to gallery owner, and since the art world has changed so much, now I represent artists at Art Fairs, Pop-Ups, and to my extensive list of collectors. But it was at my second gallery that the late Peter Marcelle, my mentor, basically handed to me his Hampton Road Gallery in Southampton. I decided to create an artist run gallery which, needless to say, it didn’t take long to realize there were way too many ‘cooks in the kitchen.’ So, I decided to run the business on my own. And I opened two galleries after that. I have had a total of four galleries in the Hamptons.
Can you talk about some of the upcoming shows and which ones you are most excited about?
KM: I have a few through the end of September. July 14-17 is Hamptons Fine Art Fair on the Southampton Fairgrounds. I will be representing 5 artists there from Santa Fe, California, and Manhattan. Aug 6&7 is Hampton Iconic Artist Marketplace in Herrick Park. Aug 11-14 is Art Market and Design in Bridgehampton. I will be representing 8 artists there, and some are local artists. And lastly, bringing it back local, will be Painting & Sculpture (+Photography) which is a continuation of the Vito Sisti annual event at Ashawagh Hall held the weekend after Labor Day. I’m excited about all of these. That’s why I am in this business. I thrive on it.
What has made past shows a success?
KM: The great art and positive energy.
Was there one major factor that contributed to the success of karyn mannix contemporary over all these years?
KM: Constant growth and change. I have a short attention span and an endless mind.
How do you decide which artists to feature?
KM: It depends on what the show is, but rule number one is that I always need to be attracted to the art. Rule number two, the artist needs to be easy to work with.
Is there a specific style of art or artist that karyn mannix contemporary attracts or chooses to work with?
KM: I have a degree in Post-Modern Art Theory & Criticism, so definitely contemporary art.
What do you feel sets the East End apart from anywhere else in the world? And, specifically, what sets the art or artists apart in this area?
KM: The beauty, the light, the calm of being by the ocean. Anyone in the arts can flourish here…writers, musicians, artists. One of the best things about the artists that do live here is that we all pretty much know one another…East End comrades…locals. It’s a wonderful and special thing.
What’s your favorite part about being located on the East End?
KM: All the open space, birds singing, fresh air.…plus the fact that we are less than two hours away from the greatest city in the world, it’s perfect.
What else would you like the community to know about karyn mannix contemporary, the art, the events, or otherwise?
KM: I am thrilled to announce the official launch of the groundbreaking Hampton Iconic Artist Marketplace. This first annual artist marketplace will be held in Herrick Park, in the heart of East Hampton Village, allowing artists the opportunity to exhibit their work and collectors the opportunity to buy directly from the artist.
Forty-eight artists will be selected by jury to participate in this two-day event, scheduled for August 6 & 7, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The jurors are Christian Strassfield, Curator of Guild Hall, Janet Goleas, Independent Curator, Lecturer, Critic, and Artist, and Susannah Perlman, Curator of ArtHouse NYC.
East Hampton has been, and still is, the home to many celebrated artists. We welcome all artists from around the globe, established artists, artists on the cutting edge, and the newly emerging. All mediums are welcome.
To learn more about karyn mannix contemporary, visit https://www.karynmannixcontemporary.com.
