Kathleen Goncharov, Esteemed Curator, Passes Away at Age 73
Kathleen Goncharov, a highly respected curator known for her innovative approach to exhibitions and championing of artists, passed away at the age of 73 on New Year’s Eve. Her death was announced by friends and her partner, poet and artist Charles Doria. Goncharov’s career, spanning over four decades, left an indelible mark on the art world through her roles at prestigious institutions and her ability to nurture artistic talent.
Born in Monroe, Michigan, in 1952, Goncharov laid a strong educational foundation with a Bachelor’s degree in studio art from Central Michigan University and a Master’s degree in museum practice and art history from the University of Michigan. Her curatorial journey began at New York City’s Just Above Midtown, a gallery committed to spotlighting Black artists, in 1980. This role set the stage for her lifelong dedication to diverse and provocative curation.
Goncharov’s significant achievements include her 13-year tenure as curator of the New School Art Collection, where she commissioned influential works and navigated a landmark lawsuit against the National Endowment for the Arts, championing artistic freedom. Her keen eye for talent and art’s transformative potential was evident during her time as Public Art curator at MIT’s List Visual Arts Center and as an adjunct curator at Duke University’s Nasher Museum of Art.
In a historic appointment as the United States Commissioner for the 50th Venice Biennale in 2002, she selected Fred Wilson to represent the nation, an artist known for his provocative explorations of race and cultural narratives. Her curatorial excellence continued as she led the Brodsky Center for Innovative Editions at Rutgers University from 2007 to 2011, expanding the reach of artist books to prestigious collections like the Museum of Modern Art.
Before retiring in 2025, Goncharov served as senior curator at the Boca Raton Museum of Art, organizing over 30 exhibitions, including the ambitious “Glasstress Boca Raton 2025.” Her exhibitions were celebrated for challenging audiences and inspiring deep reflection, a testament to her insightful and intuitive curatorial approach.
Goncharov is survived by her partner Charles Doria, siblings Janet Sterling and Earl Shew, and their families. Her legacy lives on in the art world and in the hearts of those who experienced her warmth, humor, and unique sensibility as a dedicated curator and friend.