Parrish Art Museum Announces Klaus Ottomann as Robert Lehman Curator
The Parrish Art Museum in Water Mill, NY, has welcomed back a familiar face. Klaus Ottomann, a distinguished figure in the art world, has been appointed as the Robert Lehman Curator. The announcement, made by Mónica Ramírez-Montagut, the Museum’s Executive Director, marks Ottomann’s return to a role he previously held from 2008 to 2010.
A Legacy of Excellence
Ottomann’s association with the Parrish Art Museum has been long-standing. After serving as the Robert Lehman Curator in the late 2000s, he rejoined the museum in 2023 as an Adjunct Curator of the Collection. His deep understanding of the museum’s mission and collections has been evident in his work over the years. Notably, his curatorial expertise has shaped exhibitions such as Jennifer Bartlett: History of the Universe—Works 1970–2011 and Savages: Pollock, Ossorio, Dubuffet. More recently, he curated the 2023 exhibition, James Brooks: A Painting Is a Real Thing.
The Role of the Robert Lehman Curator
The Robert Lehman Curator plays a pivotal role at the Parrish Art Museum. This position involves guiding the museum’s acquisitions, exhibitions, and publications. As Mónica Ramírez-Montagut remarked, “Klaus’s extensive experience and profound knowledge of our collections have been invaluable. We are thrilled to have him back in a full-time curator position, and we eagerly anticipate his contributions in the coming years.”
Ottomann’s return is timely, as the museum prepares for significant upcoming exhibitions, including those planned for the U.S. Semiquincentennial in 2026. This year, Ottomann will also oversee exhibitions like A New Subjectivity 1979/2024 and Charlotte Park: The Life of Forms in Color.
A Warm Welcome from the Art Community
The news of Ottomann’s appointment has been met with enthusiasm from various stakeholders. Philip Isles, President of the Robert Lehman Foundation, expressed his delight, stating, “We could not be more pleased at the return of Klaus Ottomann as Robert Lehman Curator at the Parrish. His distinguished career as a curator and scholar, coupled with his deep knowledge of the Parrish Collection, will be an invaluable asset to the curatorial team.”
Corinne Erni, the Chief Curator of Art and Education at the museum, also shared her excitement. “We are thrilled that the Robert Lehman Foundation will enable our longstanding relationship with Klaus Ottomann to continue. I look forward to working with Klaus in his new role on the upcoming exhibitions and future projects.”
Ottomann’s Remarkable Career
Klaus Ottomann is not only a curator but also an accomplished writer and translator. Based in New York City, he serves as the Robert Lehman Curator at the Parrish Art Museum and is the Chief Curator Emeritus of The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C. He also oversees Spring Publications, a small press specializing in works on psychology, philosophy, and the history of ideas.
Throughout his career, Ottomann has garnered numerous accolades, including the insignia of Chevalier of France’s Order of Arts and Letters in 2016. His scholarly work is well-regarded, with publications such as George Condo: The Way I Think and Jennifer Bartlett & Pierre Bonnard: In and Out of the Garden among his many contributions.
The Robert Lehman Foundation
The Robert Lehman Foundation has played a crucial role in supporting the visual arts, including major contributions to the Parrish Art Museum. The Foundation’s mission is to enhance the appreciation and knowledge of the visual arts through museum exhibitions, art education programs, and scholarly publications. The Foundation’s support has been instrumental in the museum’s growth and success.
About the Parrish Art Museum
The Parrish Art Museum is a vibrant cultural hub, celebrating the creative legacy of Long Island’s East End. With a focus on the region’s rich artistic heritage, the museum offers a unique blend of contemporary art, architecture, and design. The Parrish Art Museum is a destination that connects visitors with artists and art, while fostering a deeper understanding of how art transforms both individual experiences and communities.
The return of Klaus Ottomann as Robert Lehman Curator promises to further enrich the museum’s offerings, as he brings his expertise and vision to upcoming exhibitions and projects. The Parrish Art Museum, with Ottomann at the helm of its curatorial efforts, continues to be a beacon of artistic inspiration and cultural engagement.
