Reena Spaulings

The entity known as Reena Spaulings emerged in 2004 from the ongoing activities of Reena Spaulings Fine Art in New York. This gallery was established by John Kelsey and Emily Sundblad and took its name from the novel "Reena Spaulings" by Bernadette Corporation.

Frequently navigating the dual roles of art dealer and artist, Spaulings' work subverts traditional divisions of labor within the art world and challenges established hierarchies across disciplines. Through this, Reena Spaulings interrogates conventional ideas of individual authorship and agency.

Exhibitions of Reena Spaulings' Works

Spaulings' first solo exhibition, "The One & Only," was held in 2005 at Haswellediger & Co. Gallery in New York. Reena Spaulings unveiled a collection of hybrid paintings/sculptures resembling wall-mounted flags. Employing ready-made flagpoles reminiscent of those found on suburban American homes and small New York business fronts, this gesture could be interpreted as an act of occupation rather than a mere installation. It sought to challenge the norms governing the representation of artists and their work by appropriating space within another dealer's Chelsea gallery.

Other solo exhibitions include "Life at Sea" at Galerie Neu in Berlin (2020), "Lion Hunt" at Campoli Presti in London (2019), "The Male Gates" at Matthew Marks Gallery in Los Angeles (2018), "HER AND NO" at Museum Ludwig in Cologne (2017), and many more. 

Reena Spaulings' works have been featured in group shows, including "Tous les jours" at Galerie Chantal Crousel in Paris (2023), "GIFT SHOP" at Galerie Chantal Crousel in Paris (2020), "THE ARTIST IS PRESENT" at Yuz Museum in Shanghai (2018), "Optik Schröder II" at Mumok in Vienna (2018), among others.