Ashley Bickerton Polls Facebook on World’s Best Galleries But No Common Ground

Ashley Bickerton

Ashley Bickerton has opened a political Pandora’s Box for the art world.

March 19th the artist asked his 876 Facebook followers for their opinions on the 10 best art galleries in the world. Noting that “I could do the death-star galleries all by myself,” he asked instead for “spaces that keep popping out really interesting shows.”

Bickerton has received over 100 suggestions so far, including bids for galleries from all over the world. However the fun part is that there is surprisingly little agreement among participants: Jacqueline Miro’s picks include Metro Pictures; curator Paul Schimmel names San Art Saigon while Peter Reginato opts for Williamsburg’s Sideshow Gallery. Art advisor Todd Levin plugs several galleries, including Hans P. Kraus and Rossi & Rossi. A few cite L&M Arts, which is funny, as it’s been Mnuchin Gallery since 2012.

Bickerton is doing the research, he writes, because he’s one of dozens of artists being interviewed by Flash Art on his own picks. His faves include The Mistake Room in Los Angeles, the Box in New York and Stuart Shaye in London. But he says he welcomes “any thoughts and suggestions.”