Documentary on Larry Gagosian Set to Begin Filming in 2027
Director Barry Avrich aims for a balanced portrait of the art dealer, rejecting claims the project is a cancellation piece.
By Ethan Cooper ·
An unauthorized documentary focusing on art dealer Larry Gagosian will begin filming at the start of 2027. The project, titled Shadow Man: Inside the Secret World of Larry Gagosian, is directed by Barry Avrich. Avrich stated the film aims to present a balanced biography rather than a critical exposé.
Gagosian is 81 years old and owns galleries in New York City, Beverly Hills, London, and Paris. He represents hundreds of artists and serves as a primary dealer for celebrities and Hollywood executives. Avrich described Gagosian as arguably the most important art dealer of the past several decades.
Avrich addressed early headlines that framed the project as a cancellation of the dealer. He told The Hollywood Reporter that while the film is an exposé containing opinions Gagosian may dislike, it will remain a balanced biography. The director noted that the film will include material Gagosian likes and material he detests, comparing the approach to a standard documentary rather than a Michael Moore production.
This is Avrich’s third film about the art world. Previous projects include Made You Look, which focused on an art forgery case, and Blurred Lines, a Netflix film examining commercial forces in the industry. Avrich also directed documentaries about producer Lew Wasserman and Vanity Fair columnist Dominick Dunne. He said Gagosian’s name kept arising during the production of his art films, making the dealer’s influence impossible to ignore.
Avrich compared Gagosian’s market position to owning a car dealership that holds all the greatest brands under one roof while preventing those brands from being available to competitors. The director said he is fascinated by Gagosian’s ability to maintain control of the industry despite constant changes in the world. He described Gagosian as somewhat Teflon in his grip on the sector.
The documentary will feature interviews with collectors, artists, and former staff who have worked with Gagosian. Avrich said he has received many requests from people wishing to participate. He has not yet spoken with Gagosian but would welcome his participation. Gagosian’s press representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Avrich’s team has completed research and is moving from pre-production to production. The director is in conversations with two distributors. Plans call for a release in late 2027 or spring 2028. Avrich said he intends to time the release to a period when the art world is watching.
