Ivan Karp as I saw him @ OK Harris in 1984
Ivan Karp was one of those people in the NYC, Art World that you can never forget. Fast talking and quick witted, Ivan Karp was the champion of the unknown artist. Always keeping an open door policy, he would look at any and all art which would came his way, right then and there on the spot. He believed in finding the next great talent and he knew to do that you had to be open and available, unlike his counterparts who made you wait endlessly and then jump through many hoops to get that opportunity.
Ivan Karp didn't mince words either, he would glibbly say things about your work that might make you wish you never come to see him, but if you listened carefully he always gave you enough information to keep on keeping on and strive for another day in which to return for a follow-up visit and perhaps be granted a show.
This was the case for me, back in the early eighties, where on my first attempt to show him my work called Street Mysteries, he said outright he could never sell these images, which I had so successfully exhibited in Montréal and gotten very positive reviews including in Popular Photography.
Yes, I was upset, but lucky for me down at the bottom of my portfolio I had a few images of my current work-in-progress called Graven Images and that is when we became life-long friends. We both had a love for sculpture and the cemetery and I went on to have my first One Man Show in NYC at the OK Harris Gallery called Graven Images in April 9-30,1988.
For me Ivan Karp was the Kwisatz Haderach of the Art-World. Not only did he know what was going on in its secret corners, but he also had the instinct and vocabulary to encourage or dismay all those who might come his way.
The three years I lived in NYC, back in the eighties were the most memorable because of my monthly visits to OK Harris. Which made me feel like Dorothy visiting the great OZ, which he surely was. My relationship to Ivan, my keen respect for him, the countless excellent shows I saw at OK, made me strive to create better art. These are influences that have lasted a lifetime and are ever stronger now that he has passed. It's without a doubt a case of knowing he's watching me from above, and I better not disappoint him.
Ivan Karp was the dealer of such luminaries as Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. He was one of the few art dealers who posted a sign in the Gallery "Smoking Permitted" and he had a good run with a logo called "Fine Arts Forever"! He was unofficially the Mayor of Soho and one of the founders of the entire Soho Art Scene. There, at his West Broadway location in the OK Harris Gallery, is where Ivan Karp kept house. And what a house it was.
I am really sorry to say I shall miss my contact with his greatness, personality and vision. I shall always cherish the few small handwritten notes I have gotten from him. 
RIP Ivan Karp, knowing that those whom you were enthusiastic with were then inspired for a lifetime. Always hoping to return the favor with a new body of work that captured your interest and critical eye!
Below is an image from "Holy Cow" another Portfolio of mine exhibited at OK Harris. Our sacred bull has left us but the nourishment of his thoughts and actions shall carry us through the rest of our lifetime knowing we met and dealt with such enthusiastic and knowledgeable artiness.
My final ode to Ivan must have been created a few weeks ago when I made this image for my Born in Stone series. It's doubtlessly young Ivan Karp organising things in Heaven, so the fine details of creation will also get their 15 minutes of fame as Andy Warhol said they would. Only, this is in Heaven, baby!
Ivan Karp died at the ripe age of 86 . His gallery OK Harris will always be a beacon of art-greatness at 383 West Broadway, Soho, NYC
Source: Uploaded by user via Algis on Pinterest
all photographs by Algis Kemezys © 2012
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Comments
HUGGGGGGG
My favorite image here is the first one, your photo of Mr. Karp: what an image to stare at for awhile! There is something about the way his feet are turned in just so, encased in shiny leather, line and shadow all around, a kind twist to his expression....
your art intrigues my memories
I love both sculpture and the cemetery, and you are the first to meet, with the cemetery view, as museums, some of the best statues are there. Your work, has gone through a lot of evolution, and to me reading you, is also an education, a learning. Only wish I could make such beautiful work as yours. I have the dream of my work being in a gallery, and I am trying, but it is, as you, better than me know, very difficult. Some times, I even feel embarrassed at my thinking and wish, that a gallery would have my work, cause my images are from a digital camera, but do not why, I try.. Your images, are of the most beautiful I have seen. Thank you Algis, both for the insight and for sharing your work. Ivan, was lucky to have you, and you him!!
I haven't stopped by OS for a while. First stop was here today. What a wistful, joyful, beautiful post.
zanelle, It doesn't get any better or worse than this. Thanks so much Z!
jmac1949 Yes, that is the word I was looking for. Thanks again Jmac!
Brazen Princess,Thanks BP! I do what I can while I still can....Sounds like the Can Can is for me....
designanator Apparently there will be a ceremony this fall in NYC. Yes Ivan was responsible for so much of our culture and what came out of his influence affecting so many things, like from Book covers to Fashion. Maybe he was even a bit of the God-Particle.
Mary Stanik, Thanks MS, Boy I fixed my post here because of what you said and because of the fact that I put it together in such a frustrated mood. I hope so much that you say and that the world evolves nicely instead of devolving horribly. Fine Arts Forever!
Just Thinking... Thats a good point. I think of those shoes often and the position of the feet. I recently decided the highlights were just too bright on those shoes and photoshoped them down. You think good, Happy 4th of July to you!
Chuck A. Stetson Happy 4th of July to you! great I am so pleased to hear that.
Erica K Ivan Karp was more than inspiration he was a catalyst for excellence. He was also the Kwisatz Haderach. Once you had his interest in your body of work, you could work on it ruthlessly.
Dicky Neely Emerson Lake and Palmer... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRFpXPu_7wE
Dicky Neely Happy 4th of July Dicky! Wish I was there! Or wish I could take you to my cool paradise.
Ben Sen Ben how so very true. I love you too for that. Happy 4th and more...
JULY 02, 2012 05:39 PM
Interesting about someone I never heard of! I'm sorry he didn't like your Street Mysteris because I like them. Of course your Graven Images are epic. As you regard him as the Kwisatch, I'm glad he never made you put your hand in that box!

ccdarling, LOL oh he had his way of making you put your hand in the box without knowing. He never did it to me but I have seen him do it to others and it was very sobering. Also, I think it was the Bene Geserate who did the box thing. Thanks again and Happy 4th....
l'Heure Bleue Losing ones Friend, Mentor and Art aler in NYC is something that is so irreplaceable. Esp when it is Ivan Karp. I had some friends who were artist really kind of snub me because I was friends with Ivan and they were not. Have a great 4th L’huere,...Hugs!
JULY 02, 2012 07:47 PM
Anne Cameron Cutri Thanks so much Anne. Have a great 4th of July!
Dianne Schuch - Lindsey Great Idea and thanks so much for helping me with that..Your the best/ Happy 4th of July...
JULY 02, 2012 09:42 PM
Vivian Henoch OMG Vivian that is such a wonderful thing to read. Thanks big time. You have a great 4th of July now!
cheshyre grin As rare as you my Cheshyre friend. I am still completely dumb founded but I beleave Ivan saw my new work “Born in Stone” when I sent it to the Gallery months ago via email and the response was that they Loved it and wanted to see the prints this fall. Have one heck of a great 4th of July too!