Marian Goodman, Visionary Dealer and “Quiet Matriarch” Who Shaped Contemporary Art, Dies at 97

Marian Goodman, a trailblazing art dealer and the embodiment of "art's quiet matriarch," has passed away at the age of 97, leaving behind an indelible mark on the contemporary art world. Her tireless dedication to championing innovative and often unconventional artists has not only transformed the art market but also shaped the cultural discourse surrounding modern and postmodern art.

Goodman's journey began in the 1960s, when she transitioned from her role as a mother to that of an art dealer. She founded Multiple s Inc., a cooperative of print dealers that offered artworks by prominent artists, including Leo Castelli. This early venture marked the beginning of Goodman's long-standing relationships with artists and her commitment to nurturing their careers.

Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, Goodman established herself as a pioneering figure in the art world. Her eponymous gallery in Midtown Manhattan became a hub for showcasing avant-garde artists such as Marcel Broodthaers and Gerhard Richter. Goodman's ability to recognize talent and provide her artists with a platform has enabled them to gain international recognition.

Goodman's philosophy of prioritizing artistic vision over commercial appeal has been instrumental in shaping the art market. She has consistently supported artists who challenge conventional norms, often taking on solo exhibitions that are more akin to museum-level presentations. This approach has earned Goodman numerous accolades, with collectors and institutions alike praising her ability to provide a platform for emerging and established artists.

The legacy of Marian Goodman is multifaceted and far-reaching. Her commitment to promoting socially engaged art and fostering long-term relationships between galleries and artists has left an enduring impact on the contemporary art world. The recent exhibition at her gallery, showcasing installations, photography, and sculpture by prominent figures such as Gabriel Orozco, Giuseppe Penone, and Tavares Strachan, serves as a testament to Goodman's continued influence.

As one art critic noted, Goodman has been "a humanistic advocate for artists," recognizing the value of their experiences and perspectives. Her dedication to providing a platform for artists who challenge societal norms has resulted in some of the most groundbreaking exhibitions of our time.

Goodman's passing marks the end of an era, but her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of art dealers, collectors, and artists. As she once observed, "It is among the artists whose work I like that I have found the qualities I value from my own experience." These words serve as a poignant reminder of Goodman's unwavering commitment to promoting artistic vision and fostering meaningful connections between galleries, artists, and audiences.
 
just read about marian goodman and she sounds like an incredible person - all about supporting new & different artists, never about making bank 🤑💸. love how she believed in the art itself, not just what people would think is cool. her legacy will be missed but also super inspiring for anyone who wants to make a difference in the art world 💕
 
🎨 Marian Goodman was more than just an art dealer she was a game changer for women in the industry 🚀💪 her trailblazing career paved the way for future generations of female art professionals 💕 #WomenInArt #ArtDealerLegend

I'm so grateful that she left behind a legacy that continues to inspire us today 🙏 her commitment to promoting socially engaged art and fostering long-term relationships between galleries and artists is truly admirable ❤️ #SociallyEngagedArt #ArtistPlatform

As an artist myself, I can only imagine the struggles Goodman faced in breaking into a male-dominated industry 💪🌟 but she never let that hold her back 💁‍♀️ #WomenInArts #OvercomingObstacles

The recent exhibition at her gallery was a testament to her continued influence 🎉 and it's clear that her legacy will live on for years to come 🔥 #ArtLegacy #MarianGoodman
 
🌟 Marian Goodman was literally the OG art dealer 🤣 she single-handedly created this whole new world of "artistic" coolness in the 60s and 70s. I mean, can you even imagine the art scene without her? Her gallery was like a magnet for all these crazy talented artists who were pushing boundaries and making waves. And let's be real, her approach to art is all about being true to yourself and not just doing it for the money. She was (and still is) an inspiration to so many people in this industry! 💁‍♀️🎨
 
😔 Marian Goodman was more than just an art dealer, she was a true champion for creatives. I mean, 97 is crazy, that's like, almost old enough to be your mom 🤣 But seriously, her impact on the art world can't be overstated. She had this incredible ability to spot talent and give artists a platform to shine. It's no wonder she was able to bring together some of the most innovative artists of our time.

I'm also loving that she prioritized artistic vision over commercial appeal. That takes guts, you know? Not every gallery would dare to take on something as risky as showcasing avant-garde art. And yet, it's exactly that kind of thinking that has led to some of the most groundbreaking exhibitions in history.

It's a shame she's no longer with us, but I'm heartened to see her legacy living on through her gallery and the artists she helped put on the map. She was definitely a true original, and we'll all be better for having known her 🤗
 
😢 Marian Goodman was more than just an art dealer, she was a guardian angel for all those underrated artists out there... I mean what happened to the art world when people like her retire? All these young bloods coming in thinking they can replicate her magic but we all know it's not the same 😔. I remember going to her gallery back in the day and being blown away by the likes of Broodthaers and Richter... those were art moments 🎨. The fact that she took on solo exhibitions like a museum-level presentation is something I can only dream of... her legacy will be missed but her impact will live on 💖
 
can you believe it? marian goodman was literally the OG art dealer 🙌 97 years young and still running her gallery like a boss! i mean, who else can say they've been championing avant-garde artists since the 60s? she's the real deal, no doubt about it 👍

and what's crazy is that her legacy is still very much alive, especially with all the accolades she received for showcasing those super cutting-edge exhibitions 🎨🔥 from gabriel orozco to tavares strachan... the list goes on and on!

she was more than just an art dealer, though - she was a humanistic advocate for artists 💕. recognizing their experiences and perspectives was literally her jam. it's no wonder her gallery is still one of the most respected in the industry 💯

anyway, we'll miss marian goodman dearly 🙏 but her impact will definitely continue to inspire future generations of art enthusiasts 👍
 
I'm so done with all the fuss over Marian Goodman 🙄. Everyone's making her out like some kinda saint, but honestly, she was just a rich lady who liked fancy art 😒. I mean, yeah, sure, she supported some cool artists back in the day, but let's not forget that she also made a killing off of the art market 💸. Her whole "prioritizing artistic vision over commercial appeal" thing is just code for "I'm gonna make bank while I'm at it" 🤑. And don't even get me started on how she just kinda... took up space in the art world, like she was some kinda patron saint or something 👑. Give her a break, folks, she's not as awesome as everyone's making her out to be 😐.
 
I don’t usually comment but Marian Goodman was literally a game changer for art dealers, she totally revolutionized the way galleries work with artists 🤯. I mean, who else gets to say they showed Marcel Broodthaers and Gerhard Richter alongside other big names? Her gallery in Midtown Manhattan was like the hub of modern art in NYC back in the day 💼. She always put artistic vision over commercial appeal which is so refreshing in an industry that's often all about making money 🤑. And let’s not forget her focus on socially engaged art – she really did help shape the contemporary art world into what it is today 👏. I don’t know what the future of art dealing will look like but one thing for sure is Marian Goodman left a mark 💔
 
I don’t usually comment but Marian Goodman was literally the OG art dealer 🤯. She’s been around for ages, like 97 years old is ancient in internet terms lol 😂. But seriously, she left a huge mark on the art world and I think it’s crazy how she was able to make a career out of what most people would consider super niche. I mean, advocating for artists who aren’t exactly mainstream and pushing their work into the spotlight is no easy feat. It’s clear that Goodman had an eye for talent and an unwavering commitment to her craft. And I love that she prioritized artistic vision over commercial appeal – that takes a lot of guts. She was basically the humanistic advocate for artists that art critic said, and it’s so sad that we won’t see another person like her in our lifetime 🌟
 
🌹 Marian Goodman was a total legend in the art world! She had this amazing ability to spot super talented artists and give them a platform 🤝 I mean, she's been supporting artists for decades and it's crazy to think about all the innovative stuff she's helped shape 💥 Her gallery is still going strong and it's proof that her legacy will live on forever ❤️
 
🤔 Marian Goodman was literally the real deal, no cap. Her dedication to those avant-garde artists back in the 60s-80s was pioneering, she paved the way for all the art dealers out there who are still trying to live up to her standards. I mean, have you seen the exhibitions at her gallery lately? The level of talent is insane! 💥 It's crazy how she managed to create this platform for artists that were ahead of their time. Her commitment to artistic vision over commercial appeal was (and still is) a breath of fresh air in the art world. I feel like we're gonna miss her presence, but at the same time, I know her legacy will continue to inspire and push boundaries. 👏
 
😔 Marian Goodman's passing at 97 is a sad loss for the art world 🌎 She was truly a trailblazer & a matriarch in every sense of the word 👵🎨 Her dedication to promoting innovative artists has left an indelible mark on modern art. I'm so grateful for her tireless efforts to provide a platform for artists who challenge societal norms & push boundaries 🌈 It's heartbreaking to think that we won't be seeing her face at galleries and exhibitions anymore, but her legacy will live on through the countless artists she's supported over the years 💕
 
just heard about marian goodman passing away at 97 its sad news 😔 but shes legacy will live on for sure. she was like the ultimate art mom 👵🎨 always looking out for innovative artists & giving them a platform to shine. her gallery in midtown manhattan was like a hub for avant garde vibes 💥 and shes commitment to artistic vision over commercial appeal is still inspiring people today 🙌 i mean who else was brave enough to show solo exhibitions by artists who challenge societal norms? 🤔 its not just about selling art, its about giving a voice to the voices that need it most 👂
 
man she was defo the queen of art world 🙌 Marian Goodman may be gone but her impact on art market will still be felt for ages her approach to supporting emerging artists was so ahead of its time i mean she didn't just focus on making bank off their work but actually believed in their vision and that's what made her gallery a hub for avant-garde artists 🎨

i love how she said "it is among the artists whose work I like that I have found the qualities I value from my own experience" it's so true art should be about more than just making money, it's about creating something that resonates with people on a deeper level 💭 and i think that's why her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of art enthusiasts and professionals alike 👏
 
man she was defo one of the most influential ppl in the art world can't believe shes gone at 97 🤯 what i loved about her was how she always put the artist first, didn't care about makin a quick buck like all the other galleries out there. and yeah she had an eye for talent from the start, gave those artists a platform and they went on to do amazing things. her legacy will def live on tho, can already imagine whats gonna happen when they have a memorial or somethin 🎨💀
 
I'm not sure if Marian Goodman was really the art world's "quiet matriarch" 🤔... I mean, she was definitely influential, but some people might say she was more like a rebel who challenged the status quo - her focus on artistic vision over commercial appeal was kinda radical for its time 💸. But at the same time, you could argue that her approach was actually pretty groundbreaking and ahead of its time 🕰️... I mean, think about it, in an industry where commercial success is often king, she stuck to her guns and prioritized artistic merit - talk about a bold move 💪. And yet, maybe that's just it - her commitment to artistic vision wasn't always universally appreciated 😐... some people might say she was too selective or elitist with the artists she chose to showcase 🎨. But honestly, I think it's all a bit of a mixed bag - Marian Goodman's legacy is complex and multifaceted, and that's part of what makes her so fascinating 🤯.
 
I'm still in shock about Marian Goodman passing away at 97 🙏💔. She was literally the epitome of what an art dealer should be - not just a businessperson, but a true advocate for the arts. I love how she championed those unconventional artists back in the day, giving them a platform to shine and change the game 💥.

I've always admired her approach to balancing artistic vision with commercial appeal 🤔. It's not easy to walk that tightrope, but she made it look effortless. And can we talk about how she curated some of the most iconic exhibitions? The recent show at her gallery was a masterclass in curation 🎨.

What I love most about Goodman's legacy is that she truly believed in the power of art to challenge societal norms and promote social change 💖. She saw the value in artists' experiences and perspectives, and gave them a voice on a massive stage. We need more people like her in our lives, and her passing will definitely be felt in the art world 🌎.
 
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