Luhring Augustine Co-Founder Roland Augustine Transitions to Philanthropy

Roland Augustine, co-founder of the influential Luhring Augustine Gallery, is stepping away from the business after forty-one years. Augustine’s exit allows him to pursue philanthropic interests and work as an independent adviser. His partner, Lawrence Luhring, will continue to lead the gallery, supported by veteran directors Lauren Wittels and Donald Johnson Montenegro, who are being elevated to gallery principals.

Augustine expressed his gratitude for his time at the gallery, stating, “Working with artists at Luhring Augustine, and alongside Lawrence, Donald, and Lauren, has been one of the great pleasures of my life.” He added that he is optimistic about the gallery’s future, acknowledging its rich legacy while supporting its direction moving forward.

Gallery’s Evolution and Future Plans

Luhring Augustine, established in 1985 on New York’s Upper East Side, moved to Chelsea in 1998 and later expanded to include a location in Bushwick in 2012 and a TriBeCa branch in 2020. The Bushwick location closed in 2023. Augustine confirmed that he has been bought out by Luhring, under an agreement that allows the gallery to retain its name for three years, after which a name change is expected.

Luhring described Augustine’s departure as “bittersweet,” emphasizing their deep-rooted relationship. “When we opened in April of 1985, I was twenty-nine and Roland was thirty-four. He was like an older brother,” Luhring reflected. “Pipilotti Rist once said that I was the Nordic cool to Roland’s Mediterranean heat. I think it made for great synergy over the years.”

Throughout its history, Luhring Augustine has represented a roster of prominent artists, including Salman Toor, Rachel Whiteread, and Christopher Wool. Upcoming exhibitions will feature works by Yasumasa Morimura, Charles Atlas, Leon Kossoff, and Emily Kraus.

Philanthropic Focus and Institutional Involvement

In addition to his new role as an adviser, Augustine is a trustee at Bard College in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York. He has played an active role in initiatives such as the Bard Prison Initiative, the Program for International Education and Social Change at Bard Berlin, and the Center for Curatorial Studies. Augustine emphasized, “I’m retiring from the gallery, but I’m not retiring.” His commitment to social change and education will remain a significant focus.

As Augustine transitions to this new chapter, he leaves with a sense of fulfillment and appreciation for his time at Luhring Augustine. His contributions to the gallery and the art community will undoubtedly resonate as the institution continues to evolve under the leadership of Luhring, Wittels, and Johnson Montenegro.