The Zimmerli Art Museum at Rutgers University in New Jersey has received a generous gift of over 70 modern and contemporary artworks from the collection of philanthropists Anne and Arthur Goldstein. This donation marks a significant milestone in the museum's history, as the Goldsteins have been long-time supporters and patrons. The couple's relationship with the Zimmerli began in the late 1990s, and their contributions have been instrumental in shaping the museum's collection.
In an interview, Arthur Goldstein expressed their decision to donate the collection, stating, 'We've reached a point where we're considering the future of our collection and its impact. We believe our works will enrich the museum's offerings and be appreciated by future generations. After years of dedicated support, this gift feels like a natural progression in our relationship with the Zimmerli.'
The donation includes a diverse range of artworks by renowned artists, many of whom were previously underrepresented in the museum's collection. One notable piece is Takeshi Kawashima's 'New York M-33' (1966), a monumental painting that blends Japanese iconography with American Pop and Minimalism. This painting holds a special place in Arthur's heart, as it complements the Zimmerli's existing collection of Japanese art and Japanese American artists.
Other highlights of the gift include Mark Bradford's 'Miss China Silk' (2005), a series of photographs featuring Asian models with African-inspired hairstyles, and a double-sided trace monotype by Hedda Sterne, 'Untitled' (1949), which includes a pencil drawing. The collection also features works by Polly Apfelbaum, Katherine Bradford, Trenton Doyle Hancock, Tauba Auerbach, Juliana Huxtable, Troy Lamarr Chew II, Elizabeth Murray, and many more.
The Goldsteins, with their background in real estate, started collecting in the early 1990s and have since donated works to prestigious institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Whitney Museum of American Art, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Their trust in the museum's ability to preserve and showcase these artworks is a testament to their extraordinary partnership.
Maura Reilly, the museum's director, praised the Goldsteins' confidence in the institution, saying, 'Their gifts have always been a reflection of their trust in our ability to care for these works, share them with the public, and inspire teaching and scholarship.'
The donation will be showcased in the upcoming exhibition 'Mashup: New Acquisitions from the Zimmerli,' which opens in February 2027. This exhibition will pair the Goldstein collection with works donated by the Alex Katz Foundation in 2024, featuring artists like Sally Gabori, Aaron Gilbert, Nicola Tyson, John Moore, and Jim Ebersole.
Jeremiah William McCarthy, the museum's chief curator, highlighted the exciting possibilities this gift brings, stating, 'It allows us to explore new questions. For instance, how does postwar abstraction look when Hedda Sterne takes center stage? Or how does Andy Warhol's legacy transform when viewed through the lens of Troy Lamarr Chew II's soup cans? The exhibition will spark intriguing conversations between artists like Juliana Huxtable and Cindy Sherman.'
The exhibition promises to be a captivating exploration of contemporary art, showcasing the diverse and complementary nature of the two collections. McCarthy added, 'The Goldsteins' collection, with its focus on various media, brings together artists who challenge established histories of American art, making it a truly remarkable addition to our museum.'
