Modernism

One of the last truly high art galleries left in the Union Square area with an amazing stable of artists. Martin Muller has and continues to be a major force in the San Francisco art world. Definitely a gallery not to miss.

Great space. Great art. Awesome gallery overall… and is definitely a must see. I was blown away by one of Mark Stock’s photo-​realism pieces… I need to put my shoe habit on hold now.

Modernism Gallery is different from other galleries you see around Union Square and the financial district. The few times I’ve visited, I stayed much longer than I had planned to. Lots of great art to look at and all my questions were answered In a very professional way and though I didn’t give the impression of a buyer, I felt that I was treated as one in a very pleasant way.

Hands down this is the finest gallery San Francisco has to offer. The collections here are consistently psychologically intriguing and beautifully executed. Well worth a visit.

Really confused on my end. I called to ask about 3 drawings and a lithograph. They told me that the gallery director was in Europe on business and that I should email my price request. I had found the pieces on their website. After a few weeks they finally emailed me the lithograph price but no prices on the drawings. They’ve got a GREAT collection but I should not have to wait and beg and grovel to get prices on a few pieces.

This is Martin Mueller’s gallery of incredible, high-​quality contemporary art. It’s on the 2^nd floor of an office building, right by the New Montgomery BART.
Much of Mueller’s collection is challenging, humorous, and/​or dark. So, a visitor should be broadminded, and prepared to see anything from portrait photography to larger than life photorealism of dead/​dying children.
I think the First Thursday art events tend to concentrate people around the 49 and 77 Geary Galleries. But it’s well worth a trip around the corner to Modernism. Their opening night parties are often very fun and bizarre (I met Marilyn Manson there one night). In particular, when popular San Francisco artists like Max Stock or Valentin Popov have an opening, it can be quite interesting. Sign up for their email list.

I had the good fortune of taking a class entitled «How the Art World Works», which gave students an insight into the gallery world, curatorial practice, collectors and, well, their collections. During our first class, our teacher arranged a visit to Modernism, which is was established and, currently, owned by Martin Muller.
As he stepped into the main gallery to meet the class, I couldn’t help but notice his round glasses, bow tie, pristine pressed suit and über intelligence regarding art history. In a nutshell, you will find something that suits you at Modernism. From representational (photo realistic paintings) to abstract formalism (i.e., a canvas painted over and over again in the same color), you will find your visit enjoyable, intellectually stimulating and worth your time. It’s strategically placed near the SF MOMA, it’s one of the main galleries in the city, sits on the cusp of the Financial district and precedes the other high end galleries within Downtown SF. Great foresight on Mr. Muller’s part! Last but not least, the staff is very nice (Surprised? So was I!).
FYI: Foreign Cinema has a partnership with Modernism! Thought you might find that bit of information interesting.