RYAN LEE

Founded in 2013 by Mary Ryan and Jeffrey Lee, RYAN LEE Gallery has emerged as a vital and inclusive force within the New York art world. The gallery is known for its thoughtful, multigenerational programming that bridges post-war and contemporary practices. From its inception, RYAN LEE has maintained a spirit of openness and intellectual curiosity, inviting discovery and dialogue across disciplines and communities.

The gallery’s exhibitions span a wide range of media, including painting, photography, sculpture, video, and performance. It is particularly noted for championing artists whose work challenges conventional boundaries—whether political, material, or conceptual. The program balances the representation of emerging talents with celebrated figures and important estates, ensuring a dynamic cross-section of voices.

Throughout its history, RYAN LEE has shown a sustained commitment to narratives often marginalized in mainstream art discourse. Feminist, queer, Black, and Asian American perspectives are central to the gallery’s vision, shaping both its curatorial choices and broader mission. This dedication reflects the gallery’s belief that art can serve as a vehicle for cultural memory and social transformation.

With over sixty years of combined experience, the founders have cultivated strong relationships with leading institutions worldwide. The gallery regularly collaborates with museums to secure exhibitions and acquisitions for its artists, building long-term legacies and extending the impact of their work. It also supports scholarly research and produces academic catalogues to deepen engagement with each artist’s practice.

RYAN LEE’s influence reaches far beyond the walls of its Chelsea space. Its artists have been included in major international biennials and featured in prominent museum collections from MoMA and the Guggenheim to the Tate and Crystal Bridges. With an unwavering commitment to creative excellence and historical relevance, the gallery continues to shape contemporary art’s evolving landscape.