The Robert Therrien estate has left Gagosian after nearly three decades and joined David Zwirner, a rival mega-gallery. The move follows a major survey of the late sculptor's work at the Broad museum in Los Angeles, which featured 120 works and was the largest exhibition of his career. Therrien, who died in 2019, is best known for monumental sculptures of domestic objects, such as Under the Table (1994), and his towering plate columns held by institutions including the Tate and Glenstone.
This gallery switch is significant because it highlights the competitive dynamics among top-tier galleries for artist estates, especially those with strong institutional and market presence. Therrien's estate joins Zwirner's roster at a time when such moves are rare but not unprecedented—artist Carol Bove left Zwirner for Gagosian in 2023, and Jeff Koons has shifted between both galleries and Pace. The decision underscores the enduring value of Therrien's legacy and the strategic importance of gallery representation for posthumous careers.