Nestled in the vibrant art scene of New York City, the Barbara Mathes Gallery stands as a beacon of scholarly excellence and artistic exploration. Founded in 1978, this gallery has carved a distinctive niche by specializing in paintings, sculptures, and works on paper by modern and contemporary masters. What sets the Barbara Mathes Gallery apart is its unwavering commitment to presenting tightly focused one-person shows, imaginative thematic exhibitions, and showcasing overlooked prominent masters in art historical contexts.

At the core of the Barbara Mathes Gallery's mission is Barbara Mathes herself, a trained art historian whose scholarly focus and emphasis on research permeate the gallery's program. This dedication to academic rigor is evident in the carefully curated exhibitions introducing major modern and contemporary artists in new and illuminating contexts. The gallery encourages visitors to engage in deeper conversations surrounding their work by offering fresh perspectives and shedding new light on well-known artists.

One of the gallery's notable areas of expertise lies in Italian art of the postwar era. The Barbara Mathes Gallery has long championed the work of Fausto Melotti, introducing his artistic brilliance to American audiences in 1995. In a series of exhibitions dedicated to Melotti's work, such as "Fausto Melotti: Sculpture and Ceramics" and "Melotti and Morandi," the gallery has showcased the breadth and depth of his artistic contributions. Additionally, the gallery's inventory includes works by other Italian artists like Carla Accardi, Pier Paolo Calzolari, and Michelangelo Pistoletto, further underscoring its commitment to showcasing the richness of Italian contemporary art.

The gallery's involvement with American artists from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s is equally noteworthy. Carl Andre, Franz Kline, Sol Lewitt, Robert Mangold, and Joan Mitchell are among the celebrated artists whose works have graced the gallery's walls. Through exhibitions like "Spaces of American Pop: Allan D'Arcangelo, Joe Goode and Robert Moskowitz," the gallery offers fresh perspectives on these artists, capturing the essence of the changing American landscape during a pivotal era.

In addition to these impressive showcases, the Barbara Mathes Gallery has a history of rediscovering and reappraising artists whose contributions may have been overlooked. By organizing solo exhibitions of these artists, the gallery provides a platform for their work to be reintroduced and celebrated. Exhibitions featuring Edda Renouf's paintings and drawings and Tadaaki Kuwayama's minimal paintings are a testament to the gallery's dedication to shining a light on deserving artists.

Thematic exhibitions at the Barbara Mathes Gallery delve into intriguing subjects, presenting art in new and thought-provoking ways. Exhibitions like "According to Plan" explore the role of plans in determining artistic outcomes. At the same time, "California Dreaming" offers a diverse selection of Californian artists from the 1960s and 1970s, showcasing an alternative history of American art. Visitors can reconsider artistic narratives and discover hidden connections between works through these thematic exhibitions.

Notable past exhibitions at the gallery, including "Yayoi Kusama Collages: Wings in the Net Forest," "Calder/Melotti: Lyrical Constructions," "Dubuffet & Miró: A Dialogue," and "Enrico Castellani: Silver and White," further exemplify the gallery's commitment to presenting captivating and intellectually stimulating shows.

As a member of The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) and the Confédération Internationale des Négociants en Oeuvres d'Art (CINOA), the Barbara Mathes Gallery adheres to the highest ethical standards and professional practices in the art world. This commitment to excellence further underscores the gallery's dedication to providing an exceptional experience for seasoned collectors and art enthusiasts.

The Barbara Mathes Gallery is a testament to the power of scholarly research and thematic exploration in art. With its tightly focused one-person shows, imaginative thematic exhibitions, and dedication to bringing overlooked masters into the spotlight, the gallery offers visitors a unique and enlightening experience. By continuously pushing boundaries and fostering more profound engagement with art, the Barbara Mathes Gallery leaves an indelible mark on the artistic landscape, enriching the cultural fabric of New York City and beyond.