Hilde Lynn Helphenstein

Hilde Lynn Helphenstein is an American artist, curator, digital storyteller, and influential figure in the contemporary art world. She's best known for creating the Instagram account @jerrygogosian, which has become a powerful force in the art industry. Through this account, Helphenstein uses humor and sharp insights to reveal the inner workings of the exclusive art world. Her satirical commentary has effectively demystified many aspects of the art scene, making it more accessible to a wider audience and prompting important conversations within the industry.About Jerry. Gogosian. (n.d.). https://gogosian.com/about-jerry
==Early Life==
Hilde Lynn Helphenstein was born in Oakland, CA but moved extensively during her childhood due to her parent’s jobs enabling her to live throughout the United States as well as in Yekaterinburg, Russia during the 1990’s. After her parent’s divorce, Helphenstein was sent to Mountain Park Baptist Boarding Academy, a fundamentalist Baptist cult in Patterson, MO and spent the remainder of her teenage years locked away. She attributes both parts of her childhood to her ability to be empathic, introspective, and deeply creative. 
==Education==
Hilde Lynn Helphenstein's educational journey is diverse. She began her artistic studies at Strykejernet Kunstskole, followed by earning a BFA from the San Francisco Art Institute. Her international experience includes studying abroad at Valand Kunstskole in Gothenburg, Sweden. Currently, Hilde is broadening her education by pursuing an Executive MBA at NYU Stern.Vlessing, 2024. Hilde Lynn Helphenstein signs with UTA (exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hilde-lynn-helphenstein-uta-1235837336/ 
==Career==
Hilde Lynn Helphenstein's career in the art world began conventionally, with internships and positions at various galleries. This experience culminated in the establishment of HILDE, an art gallery in West Adams, Los Angeles, which she co-founded with Derek Simons.Artnet Galleries Team. (2017, October 25). Artnet asks: Hilde Gallery owner Hilde Lynn Helphenstein on the women-run West Coast Art scene. Artnet News. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/hilde-helphenstein-interview-1127306 At HILDE, Helphenstein distinguished herself through her keen curatorial skills, exhibiting a mix of international and American East Coast artists. However, HILDE LA's promising trajectory was unexpectedly interrupted in 2018 when Helphenstein contracted Typhus Rickettsia from a tick bite. The severity of her condition necessitated a 16-day stay in the ICU, forcing her to close the gallery and return home to recover. This abrupt change left Helphenstein's career in a state of uncertainty.
During her recovery, Helphenstein found an unexpected creative outlet. In 2018, memes were still a relatively novel form of content on Instagram. Helphenstein started an instagram account @jerrygogosian and began creating memes that humorously commented on the art world she thought she had left behind. What started as a coping mechanism evolved into a new artistic direction. Through her satirical take on the art industry, Helphenstein inadvertently revitalized her career, transforming herself from a gallery owner into an artist.Odufu, E. (2022a, September 30). The algorithm and Jerry Gogosian. Office Magazine. https://officemagazine.net/algorithm-and-jerry-gogosian 
==Jerry Gogosian==
The name comes from the world’s most recognizable art dealer Larry Gagosian and Pulitzer Prize winner Jerry Saltz.O’Dwyer, J., Boucher, B., & Martin-Gachot, E. (2019). Art World Instagram satirist Jerry Gogosian curates a show with Sotheby’s. Cutlured Mag. https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2022/09/23/jerry-gogosian-sothebys-collaboration The account has become a cultural phenomenon, profoundly influencing discourse about the art market and mannerisms of the art world. Her reach has now extended out of the traditional art world with heavy hitters from other sectors including the financial, entertainment, and luxury industries.
==Artwork==
In 2022, Hilde Lynn Helphenstein expanded her artistic repertoire by venturing into sculpture, with her inaugural series titled "The Rabbits."Jerry Gogosian, “Silver Rabbit no. 01” *Fairchain. SPRING/BREAK Art Show. (2022). https://springbreakartfair.com/products/jerry-gogosian-silver-rabbit-no-01?variant=39877903548470 This collection was a witty commentary on Jeff Koons' iconic silver bunny sculpture, which had famously sold for a record-breaking $91.1 million in May 2019, becoming the most expensive work by a living artist ever sold at auction at that time. Helphenstein's sculptures quickly gained recognition, with pieces being acquired by notable collections, underscoring her successful transition from online artist to IRL artist. In 2023, Helphenstein's artistic journey reached new heights with her exhibition "Briefly Gorgeous" in Seoul, Korea, in collaboration with Phillips auction house.Hilde Lynn Helphenstein - briefly gorgeous - Seoul Hong Kong Thursday, August 31, 2023. Phillips. (2023). https://www.phillips.com/detail/hilde-lynn- helphenstein/EX011623/39 The exhibition featured her 
sculpture "Neo-Narcissus," which has since found a 
prestigious home in an Italian castle, further cementing Helphenstein's growing reputation in the international art scene. This trajectory from satirical meme creator to critically acclaimed sculptor demonstrates Helphenstein's versatility and her ability to navigate and influence the art world through various mediums. 
==Curatorial Work==
As a curator, Helphenstein has worked on numerous projects that have showcased her keen eye for emerging talent and her ability to create compelling narratives through art. Notable curatorial projects include curating her own gallery for 2 years and a collaboration with Sotheby's.
 
Acting in the alter ego of Jerry Gogosian, Helphenstein curated an exhibition for Sotheby's titled "Suggested Followers: How the Algorithm is Always Right," which ran until October 2022.Jerry Gogosian’s suggested followers: How the algorithm is always right. Sothebys.com. (2022). https://www.sothebys.com/en/digital-catalogues/suggested-followers-by-jerry-gogosian-1#:~:text=Jerry’s%20following%20of%20artists%20and,prominence%20in%20the%20near%20future. This innovative "Buy Now" channel sale showcased a carefully curated selection of artworks by both established and emerging artists, playfully commenting on the influence of social media algorithms in shaping art world trends and connections.Sotheby’s. (2023). Jerry Gogosian’s Suggested Followers. Youtube. Retrieved 2024, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DfowFqxrLUs. The exhibition marked a significant milestone for Jerry Gogosian, transitioning from a popular meme account to a curator for one of the world's most prestigious auction houses. It demonstrated the growing impact of digital art commentators and their ability to bridge the gap between online art discourse and traditional art market institutions. By embracing Gogosian's unique perspective, Sotheby's showcased its willingness to engage with new voices in the art world, particularly those with strong digital followings, while also highlighting Gogosian's ability to blend her satirical online persona with serious art market engagement.Batycka, D. (2022, September 22). Social-Media Star “Jerry Gogosian” curated a Sotheby’s sale based entirely on Instagram’s algorithmic suggestions. Artnet News. https://news.artnet.com/market/jerry-gogosian-sothebys-sale-instagram-2179326 Gaskin, S. (2022, October 10). Jerry Gogosian partners with Sotheby’s and art world satire dies forever. Ocula the best in contemporary art icon. https://ocula.com/magazine/art-news/jerry-gogosian-partners-with-sothebys/ O’Dwyer, J., Boucher, B., & Martin-Gachot, E. (2022, September 23). Art World Instagram satirist Jerry Gogosian curates a show with Sotheby’s. Cutlured Mag. https://www.culturedmag.com/article/2022/09/23/jerry-gogosian-sothebys-collaboration 
Beyond this, she has hosted events and curated parties for prestigious venues such as The Edition Hotel and The Standard Hotel, further cementing her reputation as a tastemaker. Helphenstein's influence extends into collaborations with luxury and lifestyle brands, including Ruinart, On Running, and MATCHESFASHION, among others.PALACIO, M. (2023, May 22). The Ethereal Femmes Ball Kick Off Frieze Art Week @ The Standard Hotel. LADYGUNN. https://www.ladygunn.com/art-3/the-ethereal-femmes-ball-kick-off-frieze-art-week-the-standard/
==Representation==
In February 2024, Helphenstein signed with United Talent Agency (UTA), a major milestone in her career. This representation is expected to expand her reach and influence across various media platforms.Vlessing, E. (2024, February 27). Hilde Lynn Helphenstein signs with UTA (exclusive). The Hollywood Reporter. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/hilde-lynn-helphenstein-uta-1235837336/
==Impact on the Art World==
Through her multifaceted career, Helphenstein has established herself as a significant voice in the contemporary art scene. Her work, particularly through the @jerrygogosian account, has been credited with democratizing art world discourse and providing insightful, often humorous commentary on the industry's trends and practices.
Helphenstein's unique blend of artistic practice, curatorial expertise, and market research has positioned her as a bridge between traditional art world institutions on media platforms, influencing how art is discussed, marketed, and consumed in the 21st century.
Category:American artists
Category:Curators
Category:Storytelling
Category:People from Oakland, California
Category:1985 births