Community of New York, Issue 7

Philipp Kaiser

Defining the next era of Marian Goodman Gallery

Words JAE KIM

Photography PAT MARTIN

Marian Goodman Gallery stands as a beacon of artistic excellence, tracing its roots back to its foundation in New York. At the helm of this renowned gallery is Philipp Kaiser, president of the Marian Goodman Gallery, steering the gallery towards new horizons. With a dynamic approach to succession, the collaboration of five partners underscores a collective dedication to the gallery’s legacy. As the gallery emerges as a center for artistic collaboration, the essence of New York’s cultural diversity is deeply embedded within its core. This narrative of unity and continuity is further exemplified by the anticipation surrounding the soon-to-be-opened gallery space in Tribeca, promising not only a physical expansion but a deeper connection to the artistic heartbeat of the city.

JAE KIM: How do you balance the global presence of the gallery with its local roots in New York, and how does the gallery navigate its commitment to both the international art scene and the unique artistic identity of the city?

PHILIPP KAISER: Our scope has always been transatlantic—we’ve had a gallery in Paris since the mid-’90s. The Paris outpost is crucial to our core identity, reflecting Marian’s early engagement with European art. As for New York, Marian is a true New Yorker. She established the gallery in 1977 on historic 57th Street and, before then, co-founded the art publishing company, Multiples, Inc., on Madison Avenue. Ever since, the gallery has used its base as a platform for an international roster of artists to foster dialogues from New York on a global scale.

JK: Let’s talk about the team, especially the five partners.

PK: Marian set up a succession plan a few years ago to ensure continuity. We have five partners—Rose Lord and Emily-Jane Kirwan, managing partners; Leslie Nolen and Junette Teng, partners; and myself, president and partner—with diverse backgrounds, bringing different strengths to the table. This structure, similar to other galleries like Paula Cooper, reflects a paradigm shift in the art world to a broader gallery brand. It is crucial for the gallery’s future to emphasize collaboration and shared responsibility.

JK: Marian Goodman Gallery has a history of presenting thought-provoking exhibitions. How do you measure the success of an exhibition beyond traditional metrics?

PK: Success involves both commercial and artistic aspects. While commercial success is important, the gallery focuses on being a program gallery with strong ideas and values. Our artists often have broader agendas, thinking about social, political, and poetic aspects beyond formalized agendas. We believe in selling ideas, not just artworks, and in supporting and fostering careers. We complement institutional missions, aiming to help rather than compete. The lasting impact on artists and institutions in history is what we qualify as a measure of success.

JK: The gallery has been known for its commitment to supporting groundbreaking contemporary artists. Can you provide insights into how the gallery discovers new talents, aligning with its vision for the future?

PK: We focus on artists with visionary practices and agendas. Discovering talent involves being open-minded, considering suggestions, and taking the time to make thoughtful decisions. We value quality over quantity, emphasizing both emerging and established artists. We believe in long-term growth while maintaining a mindful approach to talent discovery.

JK: And by doing so, I believe it creates intimate bonds with the artists as well.

PK: The artists here feel a sense of belonging. The gallery supports artists and institutions, actively engaging with initiatives that benefit the artistic community. Our commitment is long-term. The art world is a big family, and we identify ourselves as part of that larger community.