Mary Boone

Intro 2

Since this project is potentially reaching a worldwide audience, I realize that some of you may not know who Mary Boone is.

Honestly speaking, neither do I. That is yet another facet to my project. I'd like to find out.

Since this is my project and it is addressed to her, I'll tell you my impression of who she is. I thought that ought to be as relevant information to the reader as the truth (whatever that may be).

When the art market started to take off in 80's, Mary Boone was there. She seemed to symbolize that time.

Her gallery on West Broadway was something of a temple. I liked the floor. It also had this smell about it. It was real noticeable. The Mary Boone smell.

I think her first big artist was Julian Schnabel. I read that she was scared before opening his show. I hope that's true. I'd like to think of her of her as being scared, but doing it anyway. That's me.

She also represented David Salle and still does Eric Fischel. She showed other big name artists on West Broadway, but I'm lousy with names, and it is these three who played the largest role in forming my impression of that time.

Once she moved uptown, the gallery took on a more corporate feel. Maybe that's a sign of maturity. I don't know.

Recently she opened a second gallery in Chelsea. Seems to be rolling right along.

I use to go to lots of galleries. Then I whittled it down to only those that consistently interested me; and finally, I don't go at all unless I'm in the neighborhood. As an artist, I find it hard to keep bouncing my ego off all that information. To really get anywhere, there comes a time when all you really want to think about is your own work.

But I stop by her galleries every once in awhile. She seems to be becoming more interested in paint and painting these days. That doesn't make me disinterested in her.

Still, the Mary I'm most in love with is the earlier impression. I have to think that those were exciting days for her. It must have been fun to step outside the box and create where there was nothing.

Tim Folzenlogen

June 25, 2001