From SoHo Roots to Chelsea Heights, Brent Sikkema’s Gallery Changed New York’s Canvas

A quiet revolution in New York’s art world began in a modest SoHo space called Wooster Gardens, where Brent Sikkema first opened his doors in the early 1990s. Sikkema’s vision quickly outgrew its original walls, moving to Chelsea in 1999 and evolving into Sikkema Jenkins & Co.—a gallery that would help shape the city’s contemporary art landscape. Under Sikkema’s guidance, the gallery became a launchpad for artists like Deana Lawson and Mark Bradford, offering them early exposure before they became household names. The roster also includes bold voices such as Louis Fratino and Jeffrey Gibson, reflecting Sikkema’s knack for spotting talent ahead of the curve. His passing marks the end of an era, but the gallery’s legacy—rooted in risk-taking and deep artist relationships—remains a vibrant thread in New York’s creative tapestry. Even as the city’s art scene shifts, Sikkema’s influence lingers, quietly guiding the next wave. #NYCArtScene #ContemporaryArt #ArtLegacy #Culture