DANZIGER GALLERY
From 2013 to 2020, I had the privilege of leading the Danziger Gallery. During this time, I was able to contribute to a dynamic community of patrons and museums by showcasing a diverse range of artists. Starting as an Assistant Director, I advanced to Director and later became a Partner. In these roles, I curated an exceptional program, building relationships with patrons and collectors worldwide and witnessing the growth and vitality of our community.
I found great fulfillment in shaping exhibitions and curating collections for esteemed private collectors and renowned museums worldwide. The gallery's substantial growth and recognition during my tenure are sources of immense pride. My expertise and contributions as a curator and dealer have been acknowledged in publications such as the New York Times, W Magazine, ArtForum, Office Magazine, and the Daily Mail. Below, I am excited to share some highlights from this period.
View of guests looking at artwork at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes of Office Magazine.
Gallery History
Danziger Gallery, located in New York City and Los Angeles, stands as a prominent fixture in the art world, particularly renowned for its focus on photography. Established in 1990 by James Danziger, the gallery has garnered a reputation for showcasing a diverse range of photographic works, from vintage prints to contemporary pieces by both established and emerging artists. With New York locations ranging from Chelsea, Madison Avenue, and the Lower East Side, hubs for contemporary art, Danziger Gallery has consistently provided a platform for innovative and thought-provoking photography exhibitions. Its commitment to promoting the medium as an artistic expression has led to collaborations with renowned photographers and curators, further solidifying its position as a leading force in the photography scene. With its ever-evolving roster of exhibitions and events, Danziger Gallery continues to captivate audiences and contribute to the discourse surrounding photography in the modern age.
James Danziger, 2018
"In the five years that Lerner has worked at the gallery, she has become a valued member of the team and a vital point of communication for both artists and clients…she has made key additions to our program and helped bring our artists’ work into important museums and private collections, as well as running the day-to-day operation of the gallery...I look forward to her continued energy, discerning eye, and the welcoming presence she brings to all.”
Artists & Exhibitions
Robert Frank
Robert Frank (1924-2019), a pioneering Swiss-American photographer, captured the essence of American society in his seminal work, "The Americans." Published in 1958, this groundbreaking photographic collection portrayed a candid and unfiltered view of the nation during the post-war era. Danziger Gallery had the privilege of exhibiting this historic body of work in multiple celebrated presentations, offering viewers a profound glimpse into Frank's vision. As photography critic Sean O'Hagan aptly remarked, Frank's images "revolutionized photography" by offering "a vision of America that was at once critical, poetic, and enigmatic." Through his lens, Frank challenged traditional representations of America, shedding light on its complexities and contradictions. "The Americans" remains a timeless and influential portrayal of the country's cultural landscape. Frank’s work has been exhibited in countless museums worldwide, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, USA, the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., USA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, USA, the Tate Modern in London, UK, and the Centre Pompidou in Paris, France.
Robert Frank | Hoboken, New Jersey, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Detroit. Belle Isle, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | New York City, 1950s | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Fans at a Movie Premiere. Los Angeles, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Detroit, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Canal Street, New Orleans, 1956 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Rodeo, Detroit, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Belle Isle, Detroit, 1955 | from "The Americans"
Robert Frank | Hoboken, 1955 | from "The Americans"
The Americans
"The Americans," a revolutionary photographic book by Robert Frank, featuring an accompanying essay by Jack Kerouac, swiftly became a cornerstone of photo history. Frank's candid imagery vividly encapsulated the essence of American life in the 1950s, harmonizing with Kerouac's Beat Generation narrative in its authentic portrayal. Their collaboration provided a poignant dive into the depths of American society, profoundly influencing the realms of both photography and literature. Enduring as one of the most significant photographic essays of all time, the book maintains its relevance across generations.
Paris Photo 2018
Danziger Gallery showed a solo presentation of Robert Frank’s The Americans for the 2018 edition of Paris Photo. The exhibition was met with such regard that even France’s First Lady, Brigitte Macron, visited us for a private tour.
Susan Meiselas
Susan Meiselas (born 1948) is a renowned documentary photographer and visual storyteller known for her powerful work capturing human rights issues around the world. She gained international recognition for her coverage of conflicts in Nicaragua and El Salvador during the 1970s and 1980s. Meiselas received numerous awards for her contributions to the photographic arts and photojournalism, including the Robert Capa Gold Medal, the Hasselblad Foundation Photography Prize, and the MacArthur Fellowship. Her photographs are celebrated for their compelling narratives and profound social commentary, leaving a lasting impact on both the field of photography and the global community. Meiselas has been recognized with exhibitions at internationally renowned art museums such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA, the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York City, USA, the International Center of Photography (ICP) in New York City, USA, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, USA, the Tate Modern in London, UK, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK, the Jeu de Paume in Paris, France, The Photographers' Gallery in London, UK, the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, D.C., USA amongst many others.
Susan Meiselas | Lena on the Bally Box, Essex Junction, VT, 1973 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | Teen Dream, Woodstock, VT, 1973 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | Curtain call, Essex Junction, VT, 1973 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | The Managers, Essex Junction, VT, 1974 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | from “Carnival Strippers,” 1974
Susan Meiselas | Shortie on the Bally, Barton, VT, 1974 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | Tentful of marks, Tunbridge, VT, 1974 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | Playing strong, Tunbridge, VT, 1975 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Susan Meiselas | End of the lot, Essex Junction, VT, 1973 | from “Carnival Strippers”
Carnival Strippers
"Carnival Strippers" is a seminal documentary photography project by Susan Meiselas that explores the world of traveling carnivals and the women who work as strippers in these environments. Captured between 1972 and 1975, Meiselas in her early 20s at the time immersed herself in the culture of carnival life, gaining intimate access to the lives of the performers. Through her evocative and candid photographs, Meiselas delves into the complex dynamics of power, gender, and performance, offering a nuanced portrayal of the women and the spaces they inhabit. The project has been praised for its authenticity and sensitive depiction of a marginalized community, solidifying Meiselas's reputation as a pioneering figure in the field of documentary photography. Her work as a cultural historian is reflected in the strength of the project’s archive and the cult notoriety of the publication by the same name.
Installation view of the solo presentation of Susan Meiselas' Carnival Strippers by Danziger Gallery (New York) at the 2017 edition of Paris Photo.
French newspaper La Monde profiled Danziger Gallery's presentation of Susan Meiselas' Carnival Strippers for the 2017 edition of Paris Photo in a cover story of their culture section.
Photographer Susan Meiselas discussing her work Carnival Strippers, at the solo presentation of her work by Danziger Gallery (New York) at 2017 edition of Paris Photo. Photograph by Whitehot Magazine.
Art Dealer James Danziger and Photographer Susan Meiselas in front of the solo presentation of Meiselas' Carnival Strippers, at the solo presentation of her work by Danziger Gallery (New York) at the 2017 edition of Paris Photo. Photograph by Whitehot Magazine.
Ed Templeton
Ed Templeton (born 1972) is a renowned figure in skateboarding, contemporary art, and photography. Rising to prominence in the 1990s as a professional skateboarder known for his innovative style, Templeton's unique point of view extended to art, where he co-founded the influential collective "The Beautiful Losers." His raw and candid approach to photography and art, often depicting street culture and youth rebellion, has earned him widespread acclaim. Templeton remains deeply connected to skateboarding, advocating for its culture and continuing to skate himself. Through his uncompromising vision and boundary-pushing creativity, Templeton has inspired generations of artists and skateboarders worldwide. Templeton’s work has been exhibited in numerous museums worldwide including: the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, USA, the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Taipei, Taiwan, the Kunsthal Rotterdam in Rotterdam, Netherlands, Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Monterrey (MARCO) in Monterrey, Mexico, New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York City, USA, Modern Art Oxford in Oxford, UK, amongst others.
Ed Templeton | "Time Margins" image cluster
Installation view of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery
Ed Templeton | "Memory Foam" image cluster
Installation view of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery
Ed Templeton | "Deformer" image cluster
Ed Templeton | "Eulogy for Lost Saliva 2" image cluster
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
Ed Templeton at the opening of his 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of guests at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of guest looking at artwork at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of guest looking at artwork at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of installation at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of guests looking at artwork at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of guests looking at artwork at the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of thecrowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
View of the crowd gathered for the opening of Ed Templeton's 2017 exhibition AMALGAMATED FRAGMENTS at Danziger Gallery New York. Photograph by Anna Zanes.
Mark Cohen
Mark Cohen (born 1943) is an infamous American photographer known for his distinct photographic style. He gained recognition for his bold use of flash and unique perspective, shooting from the hip and avoiding the viewfinder altogether, creating his visual language. A revolutionary of street photography, Cohen often used his hometown of Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, as a metaphor and muse for America in the 1970s. With a career spanning over five decades, Cohen's work has been exhibited in numerous galleries and museums worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA, The J. Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles, USA, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) in San Francisco, The National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., USA, and The Victoria and Albert Museum in London, UK, amongst others. The global recognition cemented his legacy as a pioneer in contemporary street photography and an enduring fan favorite.
Mark Cohen | Bubble Gum, 1975
Mark Cohen | Dark Knees, 1974
Mark Cohen | Jump Rope, 1975
Mark Cohen | Upside-Down Girl, 1974
Mark Cohen | Boy and Black Cat, 1977
Mark Cohen | Bare Thin Arms and Aluminum Siding, 1981
Guests outside of the 95 Rivington Street location of Danziger Gallery. There for the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Installation view of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne
Guests at the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Mark Cohen at the opening of his 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Grace Coddington arriving at the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Kesewa Aboah and Gabija Mitchell at the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Jihad Harkeem, Grace Coddington and James Danziger at the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Guests at the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
Madeline Weeks of GQ, Suzanne Donaldson aka Mrs. Sizzle branding, Leslie Simitch of TRUNK Archive and Cory Jacobs of Cottage 8 Films attend the opening of Mark Cohen's 2016 exhibition CLOSER at Danziger Gallery. Photograph by Rebecca Smeyne.
David Benjamin Sherry
David Benjamin Sherry (born 1981) is a contemporary American artist renowned for his striking landscape imagery created using traditional analog photography techniques. His work delves into themes of identity, culture, and the environment. Sherry's meticulous use of color through analog processes lends a unique depth and sincerity to his compositions, serving as a poignant reflection of the diversity and vibrancy within the LGBTQ+ community. By employing these methods, Sherry invites viewers to connect with the rich textures and nuances of his photographs, fostering a deeper appreciation for the spectrum of queer experiences captured through his lens. Benjamin-Sherry’s contribution to contemporary art through the photographic medium has been celebrated by numerous museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) in Los Angeles, USA, the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA) in Boston, USA, the Denver Art Museum in Denver, USA, the Columbus Museum of Art in Columbus, USA, the Staatliche Kunsthalle Baden-Baden in Baden-Baden, Germany, and the Aspen Art Museum in Aspen, USA.
David Benjamin Sherry | Winter Sunrise over Yosemite Valley, Yosemite, California, 2013
David Benjamin Sherry | All The Words Float in Sequence, 2014
David Benjamin Sherry | Winter Storm, Zion Canyon, Utah, 2013
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Installation view of David Benjamin Sherry's 2014 exhibition at Danziger Gallery.
Nera and guest at the 2019 opening of 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair. Danziger Gallery exhibited a large presentation of photographs by the renowned African photographer, Seydou Keïta.