BLUM to Close Los Angeles and Tokyo Galleries

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Summary

  • Heavyweight dealer Tim Blum has announced the closure of his eponymous Los Angeles and Tokyo art galleries following its current run of summer exhibitions.
  • Blum cited burnout as a reason for his departure, and has plans for “a more flexible model” as opposed to the traditional gallery framework, with a focus on long-term visions, collaborations and slow-paced artist engagements.

After spending 30 years as head of one of LA’s leading contemporary art galleries, established art dealer Tim Blum is starting a fresh journey. Once the ongoing summer exhibition ends, BLUM will close both its Los Angeles and Tokyo branches. The future of the planned New York branch remains uncertain at this time.

In a recent conversation with ARTnews, Blum explained his departure by pointing to burnout as the main cause. He emphasized that this isn’t about the market but rather about the demanding system inherent in being a gallerist, which includes art fairs, openings, and the growing expectations of providing global representation.

Two years after ending his long-term collaboration with Jeff Poe, the change occurred. In 1994, they established the Blum & Poe gallery in Santa Monica, a significant milestone that boosted the careers of artists like Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara, as well as elevating Los Angeles’ art scene to an influential global platform. The gallery subsequently opened a branch in Tokyo in 2014, and following Poe’s departure in 2023, it was rebranded as simply BLUM.

Now, Blum is shifting his approach towards what he refers to as a more adaptable model. This model deviates from the idea of a fixed physical location or a traditional list of artists. Instead, his focus will be on fostering collaborations, long-term initiatives, and innovative structures for more profound and “significant” interactions with artists.

Instead of citing the 2008 market crash as a pivotal moment, Blum underscores that this choice has been in development over several years. He clarified, “I will continue to engage in buying and selling art, but I won’t be providing advice or consulting services anymore.” He added, “It’s simply an inherent part of who I am.

Everybody seems to discuss getting off the carousel, yet no one actually does it. I’ve made up my mind that I should be the one to do it.

At present, BLUM is showcasing individual exhibitions by Sarah Rosalena, Tomoo Gokita, Adam Silverman, and Wilhelm Sasnal in Los Angeles. These exhibitions will conclude on August 16. Meanwhile, the group exhibition Surface and Signal can be seen at its Tokyo location and will remain there until August 2.

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2025-07-03 00:55