Description
The Dwan Gallery records document the
two galleries that Virgina Dwan ran in Los Angeles and in New York, and which promoted
artists associated with earthworks, nouveau réalisme, minimalism, and conceptual art. In the
early sixties, Dwan introduced Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Yves Klein to Los
Angeles. Upon her move to New York in 1965, Dwan also exhibited Robert Smithson and Michael
Heizer. The records consist of publications and ephemera, such as announcements, posters,
and catalogs for the exhibitions held at the galleries.
Background
Virginia Dwan conducted and operated galleries in Los Angeles (1959-1967) and in New York
(1965-1971). Born in 1931 and heir to the Minnesota, Mining and Manufacturing fortune (now
3M), Dwan first worked for the art dealer and gallerist Frank Perls in Beverly Hills. In
1959 she opened a gallery at 1091 Broxton Avenue in Westwood Village in Los Angeles. At
first, she exhibited the work of abstract expressionists from New York. After traveling to
France and discovering the art of the nouveaux réalistes, she also promoted their work in
solo and group shows. She introduced Robert Rauschenberg, Claes Oldenburg, and Yves Klein to
Los Angeles.
Extent
12 Linear Feet
(2 boxes, 3 flatfile folders, 1 roll)
Restrictions
Contact Library Reproductions
and Permissions.
Availability
Open for use by qualified researchers.