▲ The portrait of Barbara Gladstone ⓒ Andrea Spotorno, Gladstone Gallery

Barbara Gladstone, a highly influential figure in the New York art scene, died on Sunday in Paris after a brief illness. She was 89 years old. The gallery confirmed her death in a statement released to the press on Monday.

Gladstone Gallery, which Barbara Gladstone established, currently operates in New York, Brussels, Seoul, and Rome. The gallery boasts a prestigious roster of artists, including Matthew Barney, Alex Katz, Joan Jonas, Wangechi Mutu, Keith Haring, Robert Rauschenberg, Carrie Mae Weems, and Arthur Jafa. 

▲ Gladstone Gallery Seoul ⓒ Gladstone Gallery

Barbara Gladstone opened her first gallery in New York in 1980, quickly becoming one of the city's most respected art dealers. Despite the trend towards larger operations in the art market, she maintained a modest business approach.

In 2020, Gavin Brown merged his gallery with Gladstone’s, a significant move seen as a major advancement for both gallerists. However, Gladstone remained humble about the merger, emphasizing the gallery's commitment to serving artists' needs over expanding its global footprint.

▲ The portrait of Barbara Gladstone ⓒ World Finance 100

Barbara Gladstone was twice divorced and a mother of three sons when she launched her gallery. She was an art history professor at Hofstra University and began her foray into the art market by selling prints.

She sought out artists without commercial representation and sold their works on paper, fostering strong relationships with these emerging talents. Initially, she paid $700 for a small space on 57th Street but soon moved to a larger venue in SoHo to accommodate more ambitious projects. 

▲ The portrait of Barbara Gladstone ⓒ Sharon Lockhart, Gladstone Gallery

One notable early exhibition was by Matthew Barney in 1991, featuring provocative performances and sculptures. This show helped establish her gallery's reputation for cutting-edge art.

In 1996, Gladstone expanded into Chelsea, purchasing a large space with other galleries. This move anticipated the area's development into a major art district. By 2002, she had consolidated her operations in Chelsea, bringing on Curt Marcus to assist.

▲ The portrait of Barbara Gladstone ⓒ Gladstone GalleryGladstone’s gallery has nurtured many artists who have achieved significant acclaim, including Jenny Holzer and Richard Prince. However, the gallery has faced challenges, including a 2022 lawsuit alleging workplace issues, which the gallery has denied.

In recent years, Barbara Gladstone stepped back from some gallery operations, entrusting leadership to senior partners Max Falkenstein, Gavin Brown, Caroline Luce, and Paula Tsai. They emphasized her enduring commitment to supporting artists and their creative development.

Barbara Gladstone is survived by her two sons, David and Richard Regen. Her third son, Stuart Regen, co-founder of Regen Projects in Los Angeles, passed away in 1998. Reflecting on the gallery’s future, she expressed confidence in the team's ability to continue its success.

Sayart / Nao Yim, yimnao@naver.com