He was given a job at the prestigious art gallery, Feigen & Co., in New York City. At the time, the gallery was known for its extensive collection of modern and contemporary art. Michael Findlay was tasked with assisting the gallery’s director, Richard L.
The photographs are dated 1968, and the text is dated 2019, a 51-year gap that underscores the passage of time and the evolution of Findlay’s style.
Table of Contents
The Early Years: A Formative Experience
Findlay’s entry into the art world was a pivotal moment in his life, marking the beginning of a journey that would take him to the forefront of the art world. In October 1968, he took over as the director of Feigen’s 141 Greene Street gallery, a position that would shape his artistic vision and influence the trajectory of his career.
Duffy was a painter and a sculptor who was part of the Kansas City art scene in the 1920s and 1930s. Duffy’s work was exhibited at the Kansas City Art Institute and the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art.
A Life of Artistic Discovery
Michael Findlay’s early life was marked by a deep connection to the art world. His encounter with Salvador Dali at the age of seven had a profound impact on his life. Dali, the renowned surrealist artist, would often visit Findlay’s family in Kansas City. The young Findlay was fascinated by Dali’s unique style and the way he approached art.
In 1971, the gallery also hosted a performance by the artist and musician, Laurie Anderson.
The Art World’s Hidden Gems
The art world is often dominated by the big names and blockbuster exhibitions. However, there are numerous galleries and museums that showcase lesser-known artists and innovative works. One such example is the 1970s gallery, Findlay Gallery, which played a significant role in promoting the careers of several avant-garde artists.
A Hub for Avant-Garde Art
Findlay Gallery was a hub for avant-garde art in the 1970s, attracting artists and collectors who were looking for something new and experimental.
The store was located in the heart of the city, on the corner of 5th Avenue and 42nd Street, in the iconic Flatiron District. The store’s name was inspired by the founder’s maternal grandfather, John Henry Duffy, who was a renowned Irish immigrant and a successful businessman.
The Birth of a Legendary Store
J.H. Duffy & Sons was more than just a store; it was a cultural institution that brought together art, antiques, and rare books. The store’s founders had a vision to create a space where collectors, artists, and enthusiasts could gather to discover and share their passion for the unique and the extraordinary. From its inception, the store was committed to providing an unparalleled shopping experience, with a curated selection of items that catered to the diverse tastes of its clientele.
Early Years and Expansion
In its early years, J.H. Duffy & Sons established itself as a leading destination for art, antiques, and rare books. The store’s reputation grew rapidly, attracting a loyal customer base of collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts.
In 1978, the gallery was sold to a new owner, who promptly changed its name to the Sean Scully Gallery. The gallery continued to thrive, thanks in part to Scully’s continued involvement, and by the 1980s, it had become a major force in the New York art scene.
The Early Years: A Struggle to Survive
The gallery’s early years were marked by a constant struggle to survive. The gallery ran on a shoestring budget, with rent being a major concern. Despite this, the gallery managed to attract a diverse range of artists, including Sean Scully, who would go on to become a prominent figure in the gallery’s success. Some of the notable artists who showed at the gallery during this period include:
These artists, along with others, helped to establish the gallery as a hub for innovative and experimental art.
The Turning Point: 1977 and Beyond
In 1977, the gallery experienced a major turning point. The gallery’s owner, who had been struggling to keep the gallery afloat, was forced to sell the gallery to a new owner. This change in ownership brought a fresh perspective and new energy to the gallery, which was reflected in the art being shown.
• Michael Findlay, Portrait of the Art Dealer as a Young Man: New York in the Sixties, Prestel, 228pp, 56 b/w illustrations, £24.99/$35, published 3 September
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