The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Jersey has received a generous gift of over 70 modern and contemporary works from philanthropists and long-time museum patrons Anne and Arthur Goldstein. This donation marks a significant milestone in the museum's history, as the Goldsteins' relationship with the Zimmerli spans decades, beginning with Arthur's initial visit in the late 1990s.
In a recent interview, Arthur Goldstein expressed his and his wife's thoughtful approach to the future of their collection. They recognize the importance of ensuring these works have a lasting impact and are accessible to future generations. This decision to make their largest gift of art to the Zimmerli feels like a natural progression in their long-standing partnership with the museum.
The Goldsteins have been instrumental in shaping the Zimmerli's collection, contributing over 160 works by renowned artists such as Cindy Sherman, Hannah Wilke, Robert Rauschenberg, Annie Leibovitz, Nicole Eisenman, and Vito Acconci. Many of these artists were previously underrepresented in the museum's holdings, making this donation even more valuable.
One standout piece in the collection is Takeshi Kawashima's 'New York M-33' (1966), a monumental painting that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese iconography with American Pop and Minimalism. This painting holds a special place in Arthur Goldstein's heart due to the Zimmerli's existing Japanese art collection and its representation of Japanese American artists.
The gift also includes Mark Bradford's 'Miss China Silk' (2005), a captivating photographic series featuring Asian models with African-inspired hairstyles. Additionally, there's a double-sided trace monotype by Hedda Sterne, 'Untitled' (1949), with a unique addition of a pencil drawing, and works by Polly Apfelbaum, Katherine Bradford, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Tauba Auerbach, Juliana Huxtable, Troy Lamarr Chew II, Elizabeth Murray, and more.
The Goldsteins' background in real estate and their early 1990s entry into the art world have led to significant donations to various institutions, including MoMA, the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Their trust in the Zimmerli's ability to preserve and showcase these works is a testament to their exceptional partnership.
Maura Reilly, the museum's director, emphasizes the trust and confidence the Goldsteins have placed in the institution. Each gift has been a reflection of their belief in the Zimmerli's capacity to care for and share these artworks, inspiring teaching and scholarship.
The upcoming exhibition, 'Mashup: New Acquisitions from the Zimmerli,' set to open in February 2027, will showcase the donated works alongside those from the Alex Katz Foundation's 2024 gift. This exhibition promises to be a rich exploration of contemporary art, with works by Sally Gabori, Aaron Gilbert, Nicola Tyson, John Moore, and Jim Ebersole.
Jeremiah William McCarthy, the museum's chief curator, highlights the exciting possibilities this gift brings. It encourages the museum to question and explore new avenues, such as the role of Hedda Sterne in postwar abstraction and the impact of Troy Lamarr Chew II's work on Andy Warhol's legacy. The exhibition will also spark conversations between self-portraits by Juliana Huxtable and Cindy Sherman.
The combination of the Goldsteins' and Alex Katz Foundation's gifts offers a unique perspective on contemporary art, with the Goldsteins' diverse collection challenging established histories of American art. This generous donation will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Zimmerli's collection and its ability to inspire and educate future generations.
