Gagosian Director Suspended After Allegations of Serious Misconduct
A high-ranking director at the word-renowned Gagosian art gallery has been suspended after allegations of serious misconduct. A source close
Ivy Griffith
A high-ranking director at the word-renowned Gagosian art gallery has been suspended after allegations of serious misconduct. A source close to the situation spoke to Bloomberg on the condition of anonymity, and the information they shared is concerning.
A Letter Explains Details to Employees
According to Bloomberg, a letter was sent to the Gagosian staff that read, “Recently two social media accounts have alleged that a Gallery employee has engaged in serious misconduct, and, following these posts, we have received complaints about this person from current and former employees.”
Bloomberg reports, “The letter didn’t specify whether former and current employees experienced the alleged behavior firsthand or observed it. The gallery has initiated an investigation with outside counsel and said it would protect the confidentiality of those who come forward if requested, the letter said.
‘Gagosian is committed to fostering a workplace where employees can express concerns freely, and are empowered to do their best work,’ said the letter.”
A source close to the situation confirmed to Bloomberg that it was Sam Orlofsky who was fired.
Who is Sam Orlofsky?
According to the Gagosian website, “Sam Orlofsky is a director at Gagosian, where he works closely with artists including Dan Colen, Roe Ethridge, Mark Grotjahn, Jennifer Guidi, Alex Israel, Titus Kaphar, Shio Kusaka, Mary Weatherford, and Jonas Wood, and curates exhibitions, such as For What You Are About to Receive (2008), Ancestral Figure (2012), and Laws of Motion (2018–19). He joined Gagosian in 2001.”
Orlofsky’s Lawyer Responds
Bloomberg reached out to a lawyer representing Orlofsky, and shares, “‘Mr. Orlofsky intends to fully cooperate in the company’s inquiry into these matters, and, to permit that process to appropriately proceed,’ John J. Rosenberg, a lawyer representing Orlofsky, told Bloomberg. A Gagosian spokesperson declined further comment.”
Although the details of the allegations haven’t been released yet, the remarkable step of suspending someone so high up in the gallery suggests that they are very serious. We will follow this story and share any new information as it becomes available.