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The Best Art Hangers in New York

This article, part of New York Magazine’s 'Best of New York' series, identifies and details the top art hanging services available in New York City. The recommendations are based on insights from over 50 art world professionals, including artists, art advisers, interior designers, and gallerists, who shared their experiences with local businesses known for their creativity, vigilance, precision, and fair pricing. The goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to installers who excel in diverse art installation scenarios, catering to both major galleries and private collectors, and who can handle challenging conditions such as extremely high ceilings or narrow doorways. Six distinct art hanging services are highlighted for their specialized expertise. ILevel, founded by David Kassel, is recognized for immaculate gallery walls. With over 30 years of experience, Kassel, an art school graduate and former Guggenheim installer, now leads a team that focuses exclusively on art arrangement and installation, handling approximately 56,000 items annually. High-end interior designers like Alexandra Pappas and Alan Tanksley praise ILevel for their precise work and ability to create balanced layouts for diverse collections, emphasizing their efficiency and personable approach. They are noted for their ability to execute complex salon-style hangs quickly, even under tight deadlines. For smaller projects and those on a budget, Handy Andy, run by Andrew Bias-Drakeford, comes highly recommended. Bias-Drakeford, a self-taught handyman, has gained a following on Instagram for his time-lapse Reels showcasing his methodical installation skills. Interior designer Tobi Wright and photographer Katherine Slingluff commend his patience, efficiency, and ability to navigate challenging installations, such as hanging unevenly sized prints alongside a steep stairwell. His mindful approach to the client's space is also a key differentiator. Fisk Fine Art Services, led by a husband-and-wife team, specializes in transporting, shipping, and installing art, particularly for oversize wall hangings. Serving prominent galleries like Pace and Matthew Marks, as well as private collectors, the company is known for handling logistical challenges. Curator and art adviser Lolita Cros recounts their impressive handling of a large Alex Prager photograph that required navigating five flights of stairs, while Nina Blumberg of Artstagram praises their professional and enjoyable management of an artwork installed via crane through a high-rise window. SAT: Safe Art Storage and Transport, established in 1993 by Werner Lederer, is presented as a full-service art installation company adept at complicated and tedious tasks. Offering shipping, crating, and storage, SAT has worked with renowned artists like Roy Lichtenstein and Julian Schnabel. Art adviser Yvonne Force Villareal highlights Lederer’s meticulous approach to challenging domestic installations, such as precisely hanging a Matisse Jazz cutout series with mismatched wire lengths and expertly arranging a 20-piece Samson Kambalu flag series in a grid on a very tall wall. The longevity of their employees fosters strong client relationships. David Kennedy Cutler, whose team comprises exhibiting artists, is celebrated for handling tight spaces and highly complex installations with a relaxed demeanor. Art adviser Ivy Shapiro recalls an instance where Kennedy Cutler’s team partially removed a large painting from its stretcher to navigate narrow corridors in a prewar home, even with undried oil paint, then skillfully reassembled it. Their practice of pre-measuring and creating mock-ups for large projects minimizes errors. Finally, Dietl International is recommended for long-distance installations, offering comprehensive fine-art import, export, handling, and installation services with offices in multiple cities. Founded by Fritz Dietl, the company is praised by art adviser Emily McElwreath for its commitment to sustainable practices and the talent of its employees, specifically mentioning freelancer Kevin Kennedy for his conservation work and artistic eye. McElwreath highlights their expertise in installing massive artworks under high-pressure circumstances, such as during Art Basel in Miami.

19 months ago

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