Here, at Gallery 51, we find ourselves at a unique intersection of art and history. Gallery 51 isn’t just another gallery. It’s a celebration of sustainable design. It emphasizes the beauty of handcrafted rugs and textiles. These pieces are created with natural, renewable materials.
The gallery showcases oriental rugs both antique and contemporary. It also boasts textiles that span two millennia. Gallery 51’s clients range from homeowners to sophisticated collectors. Museums and designers also seek out its visually compelling items. You can also find authentic ethnographic objects here. These vintage pieces come from around the world.
But Gallery 51 offers more than just beautiful objects. It champions a philosophy. This philosophy embraces sustainability. It values the durability of design. Gallery 51 emphasizes the importance of natural fibers, wood, and dyes.
Consider the antique textiles. They exemplify creative reuse. These fragile pieces were made by hand. They utilized natural materials and dyes. Many have been cherished for over a century. They represent a ‘green’ approach to antiques.
Think about the vintage oriental rugs. These were often woven by women at home. They lived in ancestral villages or nomadic encampments. These women may not have studied art. They may have been illiterate. Yet, they painted with wool. Their creations are truly amazing.
Gallery 51 also supports contemporary artists. These include tapestry artist Alan Magee. Also featured are Korean fiber artist Bo Young Moon. Multi-talented textile artist Jane Steinsnyder is displayed here too. You can see the works of painters Christopher Windle and Benjamin Casiano.
In the past, a different kind of artistic energy pulsed here. In 1981, Rich Colicchio and Ed Kurpell founded 51X. It was located on 51 St Marks Place. 51X was an artist-run gallery. It became a vital part of the East Village art scene.
51X emerged as an alternative to Soho and 57th Street galleries. It showcased artists from Graffiti, Street Art, and the East Village. Artists like DONDI, FUTURA, and ZEPHYR exhibited here. David Wojnarowicz and Judy Rifka also participated. 51X helped shape a new art movement.
Today, Gallery 51 continues this legacy. It displays art that is visually stunning. It is committed to sustainability and handmade craftsmanship. It’s a place where history and art intertwine.