Robert Klein opened his first Boston gallery in 1980 and maintains an extensive, ever-changing inventory of 19th century, 20th century, and contemporary photographs. In 2012, Robert Klein Gallery (RKG) began collaborating with South End book dealer Ars Libri to host satellite installations and, in 2013, partnered with Azita Bina to introduce Western collectors to the work of contemporary Iranian artists. RKG participates in international art fairs such as Paris Photo, Art Miami, and AIPAD, which provides contemporary artists with international exposure while exhibiting works by recognized masters.
From 1995 through 2008, Robert Klein served as President of the Board of Directors of the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) and engineered the 2006 expansion of its NY Photography Show to the Park Avenue Armory, establishing it as one of the leading photographic fairs in the world. In addition, Robert has acted as an advisor to the William H. Lane Collection and the MFA, Boston and has appraised photographs for the PBS series Antiques Roadshow.
I am delighted to present my Curator’s Viewpoint interview with Robert Klein.
Robert Klein in his office at Robert Klein Gallery on the 4th Floor at 38 Newbury Street in Boston (photo by Elin Spring)
Are you from the Boston area and, if not, what brought you here?
I grew up in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, where my father owned an auto parts shop. I came to Boston to get my MBA at Babson University in the late 1970s and never left.
“The Steerage, 1907” by Alfred Stieglitz (courtesy of Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
How did you become interested in curating photography? Was there a particular inspiration or experience that led you into it?
I got my start as a photographer and was seeking representation at a gallery, now long gone, on Newbury Street. I was offered a show and a job; because I knew about photography but also about business, they figured I would be a good fit. I got my start there and eventually set up my own shop, first on Newbury Street, then on South Street, then back on Newbury Street. I’ve been at 38 Newbury Street for over twenty years now.
“Miss Appleton’s Shoes 2, 1976” by Olivia Parker (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
To succeed, every institution must occupy a unique niche within its local culture. What do you see as your special role in the Boston photographic community?
Exhibiting contemporary artists in our two Boston showrooms is very important to me, but a lot of our business is done at international art fairs. Boston’s photographic community is enriched by its schools, its artist base, and its galleries. I do my part to make sure what we’re doing locally is recognized around the world.
“Again, I Stayed Behind, In the Empty Cold (for Sayeh Sodaifi, from the series Listen), 2010” by Newsha Tavakolian (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
How do you think the proliferation of electronic devices like the iPhone and the accompanying cultural inundation with snapshots like “selfies” is affecting fine art photography? Has it influenced the way you curate?
We’ve all heard – or said – “Oh, I could do that” at a museum or a gallery exhibition. But for as long as there’s been paint, paper, and clay, artists and laymen have had access to the same materials. Is it the proliferation of cameras and smartphones or the proliferation of the Internet that has had such an impact on photography? We can all share what we’re doing within seconds of doing it. I think our collective visual vocabulary has rapidly grown as a result, and that is significant in and of itself. But if you’re looking for what will have enduring value, visit museums and well-established galleries.
“Gouyava, Grenada, 1979” by Alex Webb, featured in the current exhibit Slant Rhymes, with Rebecca Norris Webb at Ars Libri through October 31, 2014. (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
What advice about representation in your gallery would you give to an emerging photographer today?
For emerging photographers, my advice is to learn about the fine art photography market. It’s encouraging when artists understand the business and approach representation like a partnership.
“The Pomegranate Seeds, Scout, Rockport, Maine, 2012” by Cig Harvey (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
What current trends in photography do you find most inspiring? To what do you attribute the resurgence of interest in photography books?
Photography books are exceptional vehicles for photography series, and I think many photographers today work on stories and projects. Books provide a way of organizing your thoughts about a subject, and offer a way to present those thoughts exactly as you wish. Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb, a husband and wife whose photographs we’re currently exhibiting, have jointly produced two photography books, Violet Isle and Memory City. These books act as a portable exhibition, a way of experiencing the work as the artist intended. Cig Harvey, whose 2012 monograph, You Look At Me Like An Emergency, sold out its first edition, combines words and images for an effect that is absolutely greater than the sum of its parts. And for collectors and enthusiasts with limited budgets, photography books are an excellent way to own artwork and support artists.
“Storm Light (from the series My Dakota), 2012” by Rebecca Norris Webb, featured in the current exhibit Slant Rhymes, with Alex Webb at Ars Libri through October 31, 2014. (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
For more information about Robert Klein Gallery, go to: http://www.robertkleingallery.com/index.php
To read my review of the current exhibits featuring Alex Webb and Rebecca Norris Webb at Robert Klein Gallery on Newbury Street and at Ars Libri, its South End satellite gallery, go to:
Feature image: ”South Wedge (Marianne’s Dressing Room), Rochester, NY, 2012” by Rebecca Norris Webb, featured in the current exhibit Memory City, with Alex Webb at RKG on Newbury Street through October 31, 2014 (courtesy of the artist and Robert Klein Gallery, Boston)
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