As New York's prominent auction houses gear up for a bustling May, one of the city's leading galleries, David Zwirner, is set to unveil a remarkable collection that has remained largely under the radar until now. The exhibition, titled "The Great Unseen Collection," will open on May 7 at the Chelsea location and features works from the private collection of Joel and Carole Bernstein, a couple whose art holdings have been influential yet discreet.
The Bernsteins, whose collection has been dubbed "The Great Unseen Collection," include pieces that have graced major museum exhibitions, though they themselves have not been widely recognized in the art community. Every artwork in this exhibition will be available for purchase, offering a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
While the collection may not boast numerous seven-figure artworks, it is rich in historical significance. Highlights include a self-portrait by Joan Brown from 1975, used in her recent retrospective at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, alongside an Alex Katz painting of his wife, and an Alice Neel portrait of artists Red Grooms and Mimi Gross. Additionally, the exhibition features notable works by iconic artists such as Andy Warhol, Peter Saul, and Romare Bearden.
Joel Bernstein, who passed away last year, was a passionate advocate for the arts. He had a successful career in pharmaceuticals and briefly managed a gallery in Chicago, while also supporting institutions like the Smart Museum of Art and the Phoenix Art Museum as a trustee. His widow, Carole, expressed the profound impact art has had on their lives, stating, "Art has taken me places in my life that I never thought I would see, or become part of."
The Bernsteins have previously sold artworks at auction, achieving impressive results. For instance, a painting by Bob Thompson sold for $693,000 at a recent Christie's sale, exceeding expectations significantly. Their collection has also contributed to museums, with significant donations including a Jo Baer abstraction to the Art Institute of Chicago and a Jennifer Bartlett painting to Yale University Art Gallery.
Kristine Bell, a senior partner at David Zwirner, remarked on the honor of presenting the Bernsteins' collection, emphasizing their role as custodians of the art. She noted that it is now time for these works to find new homes, allowing them to enrich the lives of others.
This exhibition not only highlights the artistic journey of the Bernsteins but also serves as a reminder of the enduring value of art in connecting people and fostering appreciation across generations. The impact of such collections on future art discourse and ownership will undoubtedly inspire new collectors and enthusiasts.