Marian Goodman, a groundbreaking figure in the art world who introduced many European avant-garde artists to American audiences, passed away on Thursday, January 22. She was 97 years old. Goodman's family and partners at Marian Goodman Gallery confirmed her death, stating she died from natural causes at a Los Angeles hospital.
Her career spanned six decades, marked by a unique ability to identify and champion artists whose work resonated with a deep humanistic concern. Goodman's influence extended globally, establishing galleries in major art capitals and fostering long-lasting relationships with her artists.
Key Takeaways
- Marian Goodman, a pioneer in the art world, died at 97.
- She was instrumental in introducing European avant-garde artists to American audiences.
- Goodman opened galleries in New York, Paris, London, and Los Angeles.
- Her approach focused on art with a "humanistic concern" over market trends.
- She represented acclaimed artists like Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, and Julie Mehretu.
A Visionary Approach to Art Curation
Marian Goodman was renowned for her discerning eye and a curatorial philosophy that prioritized artistic vision over commercial trends. Her partners, Rose Lord, Junette Teng, Emily-Jane Kirwan, and Leslie Nolen, highlighted her commitment to cultivating talent and her profound understanding of a gallerist's responsibilities.
They noted her "curiosity and a pluralistic view of art," which allowed her to forge strong connections with artists. These relationships often extended beyond gallery walls, supporting artists within both nonprofit and institutional settings.
Goodman's Global Reach
- New York: Flagship gallery, moved to Tribeca in 2024.
- Paris: Opened in 1995.
- London: Opened in 2014.
- Los Angeles: Opened in 2023.
Goodman's strategy was to find artists whose work shared a common worldview. She sought out threads connecting various mediums and techniques, often focusing on post-war contemporary artists from Europe who had not yet exhibited in the United States.
"It is among the artists whose work I like that I have found the qualities I value from my own experience: a humanistic concern, a culture-critical sense of our way of life, a dialectical approach to reality, and an artistic vision about civic life," Goodman once stated, describing her criteria for selecting artists.
Championing European Avant-Garde
Goodman's roster of artists reads like a who's who of contemporary art. She represented prominent figures such as Gerhard Richter, Anselm Kiefer, Maurizio Cattelan, Nan Goldin, William Kentridge, Julie Mehretu, John Baldessari, Lawrence Weiner, Tino Sehgal, and Andrea Fraser.
Her efforts were crucial in introducing many of these European artists to American collectors and institutions. This dedication helped shape the landscape of contemporary art in the U.S., broadening perspectives and fostering new appreciation.
Early Beginnings and Multiples, Inc.
Born in 1928, Marian Goodman grew up on the Upper West Side of New York City. After attending Emerson College and initially aspiring to work for the United Nations, she pursued art history at Columbia University. In 1962, she began compiling portfolios of artist prints to sell for her children's school.
Three years later, in 1965, Goodman co-founded Multiples, Inc. This art publishing company specialized in selling prints and books by leading artists of the era, including Sol LeWitt, Roy Lichtenstein, Robert Smithson, Claes Oldenberg, and Andy Warhol. Her experience with Multiples, Inc. laid the groundwork for her eventual gallery endeavors.
Opening Her Own Gallery
Frustrated by the limited exhibition opportunities for the European artists she admired, Goodman took a significant step in 1977. She opened her own gallery on East 57th Street in Midtown Manhattan. This move solidified her commitment to bringing international art to a wider audience.
In 1984, the gallery relocated to 24 West 57th Street, where it remained for nearly half a century. During this time, Goodman established herself as a formidable presence in the art world, distinguishing herself in a field largely dominated by men.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Art
In the 1970s and 80s, Goodman was one of only a handful of women operating their own major art galleries. She developed a reputation for being unflappable and fiercely committed to her artists. Artist Lawrence Weiner once described her approach: "There was a joke that we used to make about Marian: 'Carry a soft stick and lay it down hard.' She could handle anything. And there’s a kind of grandeur about her generosity."
Goodman acknowledged the challenges women faced in the industry. She believed she had to work harder than many of her male counterparts to promote her artists and secure sales. When asked about changes over the years, she once remarked, "Men are more impressed by men than by women, when it comes right down to it."
Key Artists Represented by Goodman
- Gerhard Richter
- Anselm Kiefer
- Julie Mehretu
- Nan Goldin
- William Kentridge
- Lawrence Weiner
A Lasting Legacy
Marian Goodman retired in 2021, after celebrating her 90th birthday at Versailles three years prior. She appointed Rose Lord, Junette Teng, Emily-Jane Kirwan, Leslie Nolen, and Philipp Kaiser as partners to continue her gallery's mission. The gallery's current partners are committed to upholding the values Goodman established.
Rose Lord confirmed that Goodman left an "indelible legacy." Lord also noted that Goodman's humanity and humor touched many individuals within the art community. The gallery remains dedicated to carrying forward her vision, with artists at the core of its operations.
Tributes poured in from artists and colleagues. Julie Mehretu, one of the artists Goodman represented, shared a heartfelt message on Instagram, calling the art dealer a "lioness." Mehretu expressed her honor and privilege in sharing a significant part of her life with Goodman, praising her strength, courage, power, and love. Goodman's passing marks the end of an era, but her profound impact on the art world will continue to be felt for generations.