“Jerry Gogosian” creator Hilde Lynn Helphenstein Found Dead in Brazil
By Theo Belci
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Art world figure Hilde Lynn Helphenstein, who gained notoriety with pithy, irreverent gossip and commentary delivered under the pseudonym Jerry Gogosian, was found deceased in a São Paulo hotel room on May 31. Brazilian television network Globo reports that her body was discovered in a room at the Rosewood São Paulo by her plastic surgeon, who went to check on her after being unable to reach her over the phone. According to the network, prescription pills, an empty vodka bottle, and broken glass were also found at the site. Local police are treating the death as suspicious, and an investigation has been opened.
“Rosewood São Paulo confirms that the guest Hilde Ann Lynn was found dead on the afternoon of Sunday, May 31,” the hotel said in a statement appearing in Globo. “Since the observation of what happened, the hotel has provided full collaboration with the competent authorities, promptly providing all the information requested to assist in the investigation of the facts. In respect of the privacy of the guest, their family members and the work of the responsible authorities, the hotel will not comment on additional details at this time.”
Helphenstein, the owner of a Los Angeles gallery, launched the Instagram account Jerry Gogosian in 2018, fusing the names of renowned art critic Jerry Saltz and mega-gallerist Larry Gagosian. The page anonymously issued opinions and news tidbits, and notably called out Gagosian director Sam Orlofsky for inappropriate workplace behavior; Orlofsky was dismissed shortly thereafter.
Helphenstein’s true identity remained unknown until 2020, when she revealed herself to be the force behind the account. She parlayed her talent for having a finger on the pulse of the art world into other endeavors, hosting a podcast called Art Smack, publishing the newsletter the Jerry Report, and collaborating with such blue-chip brands as Sotheby’s and the Standard Hotel. She announced last summer that she was stepping away from the Jerry Gogosian persona in favor of other pursuits.
This article was originally published by Artforum.