In May 2023, Portland art gallery ILY2 made a significant move by opening a permanent exhibition space in New York City as part of its group show, SOFT PINK HARD LINE. This marks a notable moment in the art scene, as it is the first time a Portland gallery has established a permanent presence in the culturally rich city.
The gallery’s new location is situated between Chinatown and Tribeca, far from its original Pearl District headquarters in Portland. While art openings in Lower Manhattan are commonplace, this particular event carries extra weight due to its pioneering nature for a Portland gallery.
New York City has long been perceived as the epicenter for serious artists seeking recognition and success in the art world. The definition of ‘serious’ can be debated, and it is widely known that significant artistic and financial opportunities often hinge on an artist’s connection to the city’s elite cultural scene.
This connection often requires more than just talent; it may necessitate credentials such as an MFA from prestigious schools and support from generational wealth. According to the writer Bianca Bosker, establishing this “context” is crucial for artists aiming for recognition beyond a local level.
In contrast, Portland galleries have historically focused on local artists and their communities. Major players like Russo Lee, Elizabeth Leach, and PDX Contemporary Art are more oriented towards nurturing regional talent rather than expanding into broader markets, creating a distinctive, insular Portland art community.
Yet, the creation of a New York foothold for ILY2 is expected to change that dynamic. Portland painter Morgan Buck emphasizes the potential benefits, stating that having access to New York could provide local artists with unprecedented opportunities. He notes that Portland’s art community, while intimate, often becomes too insular, and the gallery’s expansion could help artists break through this barrier.
While the art scene in New York is often viewed as highly competitive, with an atmosphere conducive to overcoming challenges, it also presents significant obstacles for artists who lack resources or connections. The decision of whether or not to move may not be straightforward. Jeanine Jablonski, the senior director of ILY2, expressed her commitment to Portland by stating that she has invested twenty years of her life into the city and its art community, thus she does not plan to relocate to New York.
The ability to showcase Portland artists in New York is a milestone for the local scene. Moreover, the gallery operates with a distinctly Portland ethos, resisting the harsher competitive tactics often associated with the New York art market. Jablonski explains that this expansion is not just about sending local talent eastward; it’s also about fostering a two-way exchange that benefits both communities.
ILTY2 was conceptualized in 2020 by philanthropist Allie Furlotti as a means to support local artists during the pandemic. The gallery has rapidly evolved since its inception, shifting from a series of pop-up retail events to a formal commercial gallery in one of Portland’s most artistic neighborhoods.
Furlotti’s initial vision included providing safe spaces for artists to flourish through live performances and exhibitions. Over the years, ILY2 has transformed through various initiatives, including emotional support hotlines during challenges, and has grown significantly within the local arts landscape. Today, the organization also engages in youth programming under ILYouth2, further broadening its impact.
By 2023, ILY2 formalized its presence in the Pearl District, quickly gaining recognition as a vital part of the local arts community by showcasing both local and international artists. Notably, ILY2 became one of the few galleries actively participating in global art fairs, which are crucial venues for contemporary art sales and promotion. While galleries have long dominated the art fair landscape throughout New York and beyond, the emergence of ILY2 has changed the narrative for Portland.
Jablonski aims to navigate the challenging terrain of balancing national and local priorities while expanding ILY2’s reach without succumbing to the traditional pitfalls of the New York art market. She points out that numerous stakeholders in the art world possess the resources to prioritize artist welfare, yet many choose not to. ILY2’s mission challenges this norm by placing the focus back on people.
The gallery found a partner in Rosie Motley, who joined ILY2 as New York director. With more than a decade of experience in New York’s art scene, including positions at the Casey Kaplan gallery, she shares ILY2’s vision and commitment to community-centric art practice.
Motley describes her disillusionment with the general art world but noted that Jablonski’s vision for ILY2 was refreshing. The gallery is actively engaged in not only discussing but also implementing structural changes that promote a more community-oriented approach.
In the face of expanding into New York, ILY2’s focus remains on supporting its artists while fostering a global dialogue about art. As a fairly young gallery with only a few years of history, the transition is not without its challenges, but it signifies an exciting new chapter for the Portland art scene. As ILY2 embarks on this journey, it represents a valuable opportunity for artists to gain broader exposure.
The intersection of local, national, and international art practices is complex, but ILY2 takes a unique approach by prioritizing both Portland’s artists and the New York art world. For local artists looking to navigate the often intimidating landscape of New York City’s art scene, the establishment of ILY2 in Manhattan marks a pivotal moment, paving the way for a richer, more inclusive art community.
image source from：pdxmonthly
