I like art that makes one puzzle over what the artist is doing I like art that makes one puzzle over what the artist is doing TM: Is your aesthetic similar to Laura’s? JK: We share an
overwhelm the art, and yet if you’re building a gallery then
known gallery district. So, in that regard, the address may
interest in minimal art, and a clean approach to things. In that
you want to have something that has integrity as far as a
not mean as much as what the experience is when visiting
regard, yes, there is a basic shared aesthetic.
building is concerned, and to allow the architect to create
the gallery.
something that would be harmonious with the exhibitions. TM: What kind of art do you relate to? Some people relate
TM: Do first impressions in the art world mean a lot, and
to art that challenges, some to art that makes a statement
TM: Is that the selection of the person who hires them? JK:
is presentation very, very important? JK: Yes, absolutely.
about process. What kind of art do syou particularly respond
Well, possibly, yes. But I do think that it’s important for the
I mean, we are selling aesthetics, and it has to be easily
to? JK: Well, I do like art that makes one think. I like art that
architect and the client to have equal contributions to the
seen when somebody comes into the gallery. They
makes one puzzle over what the artist is doing and what the
project. I don’t think that the best buildings are built with
want to be able to understand what type of work they
artist is trying to say with what he or she has done. I like the
only one voice, meaning if the client shrinks back and allows
might encounter in the space and what type of artists
fact that I can try to understand how the artist is thinking,
the architect complete freedom, then you may not get the
the gallery shows. So, yes, I think that it’s important to
although many times it’s not possible. But there’s something
best building, or if the client is so heavy-handed that they
present a good impression as you walk in to the space.
that’s intriguing about it.
hamstring the architect, then you’re not going to get a good
TM: What about Matthew Marks’ new gallery—the
project there either. I think that the best buildings come
TM: Do clients often ask for help in installing a work in
windowless cube in Culver City? Have you seen it? JK: No.
out of a good relationship and camaraderie between the
their home? JK: I always offer to the client that if they need
architect and the client.
help installing the work, we are able to do that. Or, if they
TM: Have you read about it? JK: Well, slightly. I don’t know much about it, but I’ve read a bit about it, yes.
want recommendations of installation people to help them, TM: I remember Aristotle Onassis saying some forty
we can offer that too. If it’s a specifically made work that is
years ago that having the right address is as valuable as
supposed to have a particular type of installation, then I will
TM: It’s a cube, with no windows, and some skylights
anything else in a business. What do you think of that?
need to see what’s going on there. But I don’t make that a
designed by Culver City–based Zellnerplus in collaboration
JK: I can agree with that to some degree. There are two
part of a sale. I usually offer to help with installation, and if
with the artist Ellsworth Kelly. Of the building, Marks said,
things. One is, if a gallery is in a well-established gallery
they don’t take me up on it, then of course that’s fine too.
“All of a sudden, I have a building that’s a work of art.” That
district and you want to be in that district, then yes, in that
However, some clients are very friendly and they simply
made me wonder: How important is the architecture and
case the address is important. On the other hand, if you
enjoy having you over to see their collections and show you
design of a gallery? JK: Good architecture is as important as
were building a destination gallery outside the traditional
how a new acquisition relates to the others in the collection.
good art, and to have both come together in an exhibition
arts district—a beautiful stand-alone building—the
space is very important. You don’t want the architecture to
experience could be enhanced by its not being in the well-
TM: So let’s say something like that happens. Six months later