A Changing Beginning in the London Art World
Forty years ago, when Victoria Miro opened her first gallery on Cork Street in London, the art world was undergoing a clear transformation. Traditional institutions still dominated the scene, yet the punk artistic spirit was emerging as a force challenging the established order.
Intuition and Loyalty Make the Difference
Amid this turbulent climate, Miro leveraged her sharp intuition and loyalty to artists to find a unique balance within her gallery space. This space was not merely a commercial venue but a genuine reflection of her deep passion for art.
Expansion and Sustainability in the Face of Challenges
Soon after the initial success, Victoria Miro made a significant expansion by moving to a larger location in Hoxton in 2000. Later, in 2016, she opened a new space in Venice, reflecting her growth and expanding international presence.
Despite numerous challenges, such as the severe economic recession and major shifts in the art market caused by the influence of the Frieze Art Fair and the British young artists movement, Miro managed to maintain her position. Thanks to her flexible strategies and commitment to artists, she was able to withstand market fluctuations at a time when the art scene was rising to a global scale.
Celebrating Forty Years of Artistic Evolution
At its Hoxton headquarters, which has expanded since 2006 to include a connected exhibition gallery and a sculpture garden by the waterside, Victoria Miro continues to support the art scene in multiple ways. This integrated space reflects a clear evolution in how art is presented and how audiences engage with it.
Artistic Diversity Between Old and New
The recently celebrated exhibition showcases a wide range of works by artists associated with the gallery, including prominent names such as Sarah Sze, Ian Hamilton Finlay, Conrad Shawcross, Do Ho Suh, and Yayoi Kusama. This diversity combines both contemporary and historical works, such as Maria Berrio’s dreamy watercolor paintings on linen alongside the ghostly portraits by Celia Paul.
Ongoing Support for Multiple Artistic Media
The collection also highlights the variety of media that Miro consistently supports, ranging from Wangéchi Mutu’s sculptures made from soil, wood, ceramics, and bone, to Doug Aitken’s works crafted from high-density foam, steel, and acid-etched mirrors, as well as Grayson Perry’s glazed ceramics. This diversity underscores the gallery’s commitment to presenting contemporary art that transcends traditional boundaries.
