Nick Sears

Nick Sears is a prominent British art dealer and gallery director, best known as the founding director of the influential Victoria Miro Gallery in London. His career has been instrumental in shaping the contemporary art landscape, particularly through his early advocacy for the Young British Artists and his role in fostering the international careers of major artists. Sears is also recognized for his marriage to noted American art dealer and curator Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, with whom he has collaborated on various cultural projects.

Early life and education

Nick Sears was born in 1963 in London. He pursued his higher education at the University of Bristol, where he studied History of Art. His academic background provided a foundation for his deep engagement with the visual arts, and during his formative years, he developed a keen interest in the burgeoning contemporary art scene of 1980s Britain. This period of study and early exposure to the art world in cities like London and Bristol was crucial in shaping his future professional path.

Career

Sears began his professional career in the art world during the late 1980s. His most significant role commenced in 1985 when he became the founding director of the Victoria Miro Gallery, which initially operated from a small space in Cork Street in London's West End. Under his directorship, the gallery quickly gained a reputation for its visionary program, becoming one of the first commercial spaces to exhibit and represent key figures from the Young British Artists movement, including Peter Doig, Chris Ofili, and Isaac Julien. Sears played a pivotal role in organizing early exhibitions that brought these artists to critical and commercial attention, contributing significantly to the movement's rise during the 1990s.

His expertise and curatorial vision helped establish the gallery as a major force in the international art market. Sears was instrumental in facilitating the gallery's move to a larger, renowned space in Wharf Road in East London, and later, its expansion with a second location in Venice. Throughout his tenure, he cultivated relationships with major institutions such as the Tate Modern, the Saatchi Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art, organizing exhibitions and managing the careers of a diverse roster of artists. His work extended beyond the United Kingdom, fostering connections with the art scenes in New York City, Berlin, and Hong Kong.

Personal life

Nick Sears is married to American art dealer and curator Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, the founder of the Salon 94 gallery in New York City. The couple, who divide their time between London and New York City, are considered a powerful duo in the international art world. They have collaborated on various projects and are known for their shared commitment to supporting contemporary artists. Together, they are active in philanthropic circles, particularly those related to the arts and education, and have been involved with institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the Public Art Fund.

Legacy and impact

Nick Sears's legacy is firmly tied to his early and prescient support for the Young British Artists, a movement that radically transformed the British art scene and achieved global acclaim. His leadership at the Victoria Miro Gallery helped launch the careers of several artists who later won prestigious awards such as the Turner Prize and represented their countries at the Venice Biennale. By building a gallery model that combined commercial success with serious curatorial ambition, Sears influenced a generation of art dealers and contributed to the globalization of the contemporary art market. His career exemplifies the crucial role of the gallerist as a cultural catalyst, bridging the gap between artists, collectors, and major museums like the Tate and the Guggenheim Museum.

Category:British art dealers Category:1963 births Category:Living people Category:People from London