Here are two things you probably don’t associate with one another: contemporary art and raising horses. That might be about to change, though — all because of a brand-new contemporary art space situated in Montauk. Writing at Artforum, Max Lakin has a report on the opening of The Ranch, a new space from art dealer Max Levai. And while the name of The Ranch brings to mind a host of cultural and architectural references, it also happens to be very literal — The Ranch is also home to a ranch where cutting horses are raised and trained.
Lakin’s article offers plenty of reasons for contemporary art enthusiasts to want to venture towards the tip of Long Island, including hailing its “sheer overwhelming Arcadian splendor, as well as novelty.” The space is open by appointment only, which can be booked via The Ranch’s website. Currently on display at The Ranch are shows dedicated to the work of Peter Halley and Susan Te Kahurangi King, as well as an outdoor sculpture show with pieces by Frank Benson, Aaron Curry, Virginia Overton and Marianne Vitale.
Levai isn’t the only high-profile figure to be drawn to the space. Its previous owner was former J. Crew CEO Mickey Drexler, who also owned Andy Warhol’s estate Eothen next door. The space sold last summer for $8.2 million, according to an article in The Southampton Press.
From reading the Artforum article, it sounds like the overall mood there is less “a new center of the art world is born” and more about the appeal of Montauk — both close to New York City and remote enough to feel like a destination. It’s not hard to see the appeal; throw great art into the mix and you have something very compelling.
Thanks for reading InsideHook. Sign up for our daily newsletter and be in the know.
