Jenkins Johnson Gallery’s Strategic Return to Manhattan via Partnership with Marian Goodman Gallery in Tribeca
After nearly a decade in Brooklyn, the influential Jenkins Johnson Gallery is making a significant move back to Manhattan by collaborating with the prestigious Marian Goodman Gallery. Beginning November 2025, Jenkins Johnson will occupy the third floor of Marian Goodman’s Tribeca headquarters at 385 Broadway, presenting periodic exhibitions throughout the coming year. This alliance marks an important moment of creative solidarity in the New York art scene.
A Collaborative Vision for Contemporary Art
Jenkins Johnson Gallery’s founder, Karen Jenkins-Johnson, views this partnership as a response to the current global arts climate, emphasizing the need for galleries to unite and innovate together. The gallery’s move is part of a broader trend in which cultural institutions seek new models of collaboration to amplify their artists' voices amid shifting market and social dynamics.
This collaboration developed over nearly a year of dialogue with Marian Goodman Gallery partners, including Lord, Jane Kirwan, Leslie Nolen, and Junette Teng, facilitated through their mutual affiliation with the Art Dealers of America, an organization fostering cooperation among galleries nationally. Jenkins-Johnson shared that the gallery’s return to Manhattan aligns with a desire to engage with vibrant city energy in Tribeca, a neighborhood undergoing cultural revitalization.
Historical Context and Evolution of Jenkins Johnson Gallery
Founded originally in San Francisco before relocating to New York in 2005, Jenkins Johnson Gallery initially opened in Chelsea during the district’s rise as a gallery hub. The space remained active there until 2013, after which the gallery established a project space near the Brooklyn Museum until 2024. The decision to shift back to Manhattan, particularly Tribeca, reflects both pragmatic considerations—such as declining Brooklyn foot traffic—and strategic arts positioning.
Maintaining a dual presence with the continued Ocean Avenue location, Jenkins-Johnson cited that Tribeca’s dynamic environment provides opportunities to increase visibility for her roster of artists, many representing often overlooked voices in contemporary art. The neighborhood’s blend of architectural heritage and contemporary cultural momentum complements the gallery’s ethos.
Commitment to Black Artists and Diverse Voices
Over nearly 30 years, Jenkins Johnson Gallery has been a steadfast supporter of Black artists and other underrepresented creators. Representing about 20 artists including Lovel O’, Gordon Deweyumpler, Jae Jarrell, Aïda Muluneh, and Enrico Riley, the gallery has earned recognition for its dedication to artists who challenge dominant narratives. Earlier exhibitions featured pioneers such as Romare Bearden, David Driskell, and Renée Cox.
The inaugural exhibition in the new Tribeca space, launching November 8, 2025, will highlight photographer Lola Flash, known for her groundbreaking 'Cross Colour' series that reversed color photography to address marginalization during the AIDS crisis. The exhibition speaks poignantly to the gallery's ongoing mission to provide platforms for critical and socially engaged art.
Jenkins-Johnson emphasized that in an era where cultural censorship has surfaced, particularly during contentious political periods, the gallery remains resolute in supporting artistic freedom and social consciousness. The gallery’s new home within Marian Goodman’s Tribeca headquarters underscores a commitment to amplify innovative, diverse voices in the art world.
Marian Goodman Gallery’s Expanding Cultural Footprint
Marian Goodman Gallery, founded in 1977, is internationally renowned for championing influential contemporary artists across generations. Its newly inaugurated tribeca flagship, occupying the historic Grosvenor Building at 385 Broadway, opened in late 2024. The Marian Goodman Gallery website highlights the flagship’s light-filled, 35,000-square-foot space spanning three floors, designed by studioMDA to retain the building's cast-iron façade and original architectural details.
The gallery’s 2024 inaugural exhibition, Your Patience Is Appreciated, presented a sweeping collection of over 75 works across disciplines, reflecting its commitment to rigorous contemporary practice. The partnership with Jenkins Johnson Gallery complements Marian Goodman’s mission by introducing fresh perspectives and socially relevant programming to the Tribeca cultural scene.
Image Sources and Keywords
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Photos of Marian Goodman Gallery’s Tribeca flagship and architectural details can be found at the official Marian Goodman Gallery site.
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Coverage of Jenkins Johnson Gallery’s move and exhibition announcements is available on ArtNews.
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Images and exhibition materials related to photographer Lola Flash and other represented artists are accessible through gallery press releases and art archives.
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Context on the Art Dealers of America, facilitating this collaboration, can be read on their official website.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the nature of Jenkins Johnson Gallery’s partnership with Marian Goodman Gallery?
Jenkins Johnson Gallery will rent the third floor of Marian Goodman’s Tribeca headquarters to mount exhibitions periodically, marking its return to Manhattan after nearly 10 years in Brooklyn.
Why did Jenkins Johnson Gallery decide to relocate to Tribeca?
The move reflects a response to decreased foot traffic at the Brooklyn space and a strategic decision to engage with the vibrant Tribeca art scene, providing enhanced visibility for its diverse roster of artists.
Who are some of the key artists represented by Jenkins Johnson Gallery?
The gallery represents about 20 artists, including Lola Flash, Lovel O’, Jae Jarrell, Aïda Muluneh, and Enrico Riley, with a longstanding history of showcasing Black artists and socially engaged creators.
What is the significance of the Marian Goodman Gallery’s new Tribeca location?
Opened in 2024, it features a 35,000-square-foot, three-floor flagship space housed in the historic Grosvenor Building, becoming a crucial cultural platform for contemporary art in New York.
When will the inaugural exhibition of Jenkins Johnson Gallery in Tribeca open?
The inaugural exhibition is scheduled for November 8, 2025, featuring a solo show of photographer Lola Flash.