After a notable seven-year journey in Zurich, Galerie Philipp Zollinger is set to close its doors, as announced by its founder on social media. Zollinger expressed a blend of hope and realism, stating, "I have always believed in hoping for the best while preparing for the unexpected." He emphasized his commitment to the gallery's growth earlier this year, but acknowledged the ongoing challenges in the global art market.
In his statement, Zollinger noted that the current landscape presents persistent instability and that the essential conditions for sustaining and expanding the gallery are no longer viable. Despite this, the gallery had cultivated a unique collection, showcasing Swiss and Scandinavian artists alongside talents from Southeast Asia and the United States.
The gallery's final exhibition featured Swiss painter Renée Levi and graphic designer Theo Eble, celebrating the rich tradition of Basel's abstract art. This event was hosted at Galerie Mueller in Basel and concluded on April 18. Notably, Levi has recently been commissioned to create a significant work for the Hayward Gallery in London, set to debut this fall.
As Galerie Philipp Zollinger prepares to close, its website shows no upcoming programming. The exact timeline for the closure remains unspecified. This decision reflects a broader trend of gallery closures worldwide, highlighting the evolving dynamics of the art market.
Previously, the gallery operated in a nomadic manner before establishing a physical presence on Rämistrasse, strategically located between the Zurich Opera House and the Kunsthaus Zürich. Zollinger had previously indicated that the art market's instability and shifting collector behaviors contributed to this difficult decision.
In response to the closure announcement, fellow Zurich galleries expressed their support and gratitude to Zollinger for his contributions to the community. "Thank you for the wonderful time and for being such a great neighbor," shared Galerie Schudi, while Galerie Gregor Staiger praised Zollinger for his successful tenure.
Zollinger concluded with heartfelt appreciation for the artists and supporters who made the gallery's dream a reality. "I face this new reality with a heavy heart, but also with profound gratitude," he said, reflecting on the journey and the connections forged over the years.