Obituary of Aaron De Groft
Aaron De Groft, the former CEO of the Orlando Museum of Art, died on January 18 at the age of 59 after a short illness, as noted in a recent obituary.
His journey in the art world began to attract attention in 2021 when he assumed leadership at the Orlando Museum, building on a robust career that included key positions at the Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida.
During his time at the Orlando Museum, De Groft was passionate about enhancing the local art landscape.
He worked tirelessly to increase the diversity of exhibitions, boost membership, and push for improved employment benefits—driven by his conviction that the arts could educate, connect, and uplift communities.
His fresh approach redefined the museum’s role, showcasing how art could strengthen community bonds.
Challenges and Controversies
However, De Groft’s leadership faced a dramatic turn in 2022 when an FBI investigation led to the seizure of a collection of paintings attributed to the iconic artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, which were part of the exhibition titled “Heroes & Monsters: Jean-Michel Basquiat.” This inquiry cast doubt on the authenticity of these works, even as De Groft had previously claimed they were genuine pieces created by Basquiat around 1982 in collaboration with art dealer Larry Gagosian in Los Angeles.
As the situation unfolded, revelations, including an admission from a Los Angeles auctioneer about the forgeries, altered the narrative.
In the wake of the legal fallout, De Groft was dismissed from his position.
Alongside him, Cynthia Brumback, the museum chairwoman at the time, also resigned amid growing scrutiny over the exhibition’s approval process.
In August 2023, the museum filed a lawsuit against De Groft, accusing him of fraud and breach of fiduciary duty.
He countered these allegations, arguing that he was being unfairly blamed for the exhibition’s consequences.
De Groft expressed his resolve to clear his name and restore his professional reputation.
Legacy and Future
De Groft passed away while actively pursuing claims related to wrongful termination and defamation, showing a determination to reclaim his professional integrity.
He sought to highlight the significance of personal credibility, embodying a spirit of resilience and the quest for redemption.
His obituary, while acknowledging the controversies, celebrated his vibrant contributions to the museum.
It emphasized his efforts in advocating for diverse artistic voices and fostering community engagement, presenting him as a dedicated leader whose passion for the arts shone brightly, even amid difficulties.
As his legacy unfolds, the Orlando Museum of Art remains focused on how to move forward regarding ongoing legal matters.
The museum reassured its commitment to a promising future, rooted in the guiding principles that De Groft championed.
ARTnews has reached out for comments from the museum regarding these recent developments.