When dealing in the art world, trust is paramount. Unfortunately, some individuals exploit this trust for personal gain. Philippe Guggenheim, the owner of HG Contemporary Gallery, has repeatedly come under fire for his questionable business practices. Multiple lawsuits, complaints from artists, and accusations of dishonesty have cast a dark shadow over his reputation. If you’re considering doing business with him, proceed with caution.
Who is Philippe Guggenheim?
Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim is the man behind HG Contemporary, a gallery based in New York and Madrid. He has promoted himself as an art dealer with deep ties to the famed Guggenheim family, although those claims are highly questionable. Hoerle-Guggenheim adopted the Guggenheim surname from his maternal grandfather but has not legally changed his name. The actual Guggenheim family has distanced themselves from him, with one relative noting, “It’s not actually his name. His passport says Hoerle.”
His gallery has featured exhibitions from notable artists, but it appears that beneath the surface, there is a disturbing pattern of dishonesty and fraud.
A History of Fraudulent Activity
Philippe Guggenheim has been accused of scamming art collectors and artists out of hundreds of thousands of dollars. For example, in a 2019 lawsuit filed in California, collectors Liza Vismanos and Randy Rosen sued Hoerle-Guggenheim for failing to deliver artworks they had paid for, including a $520,000 Renoir painting and works by other artists such as RETNA and Cévé. Despite numerous emails and promises, the plaintiffs received only partial repayment, and the promised artworks were never delivered.
This case is just one of many. In another instance, an artist named Carl McCrow claims that Hoerle-Guggenheim sold his artwork for $150,000 but never paid him. McCrow even witnessed Hoerle-Guggenheim at a bank supposedly transferring the funds, only to find out later that no payment had been made.
These stories echo a larger pattern. Artists like Louis Carreon and Tim Bengel have also accused Hoerle-Guggenheim of selling their art without paying them and mismanaging their work. Several of these artists have had to cancel shows or report their missing pieces to authorities due to Hoerle-Guggenheim’s failure to honor his agreements.
Exaggerating His Ties to the Guggenheim Family
Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim has long used his association with the Guggenheim name to bolster his credibility in the art world. However, it’s important to note that his connection to the famous art family is distant at best. While he has been able to capitalize on the prestige of the Guggenheim name, his actions suggest he is more interested in self-promotion than in maintaining any real artistic integrity.
In fact, the Guggenheim Foundation sent him a cease-and-desist letter when he originally used the Guggenheim name for his gallery. Despite this, he continues to operate HG Contemporary under the guise of being part of the Guggenheim lineage.
Repeated Legal Trouble and Scams
In 2017, Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim was arrested for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend. Although the charges were later dropped, this incident, combined with his fraudulent business practices, paints a troubling picture of the man behind HG Contemporary. His unscrupulous behavior extends beyond art sales. He has been accused of operating what some have referred to as a “Ponzi scheme” within the art world, using funds from new clients to pay off old debts, all while living a lavish, globe-trotting lifestyle.
Even as the accusations pile up, Hoerle-Guggenheim continues to evade full accountability. While some claims against him have been settled, many artists and collectors remain unpaid for their work or have received damaged or missing pieces.
What You Should Do
If you’re considering buying art through HG Contemporary or working with Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim, be extremely cautious. His history of not delivering on promises and mishandling funds is well-documented, and several lawsuits have been filed against him by those he has wronged. To protect yourself, make sure to research thoroughly, request detailed contracts, and consider alternative art dealers with better reputations.
As more artists and collectors come forward with their stories, it’s becoming clear that Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim cannot be trusted in the art business. If you’ve had a negative experience with him, consider sharing your story to help protect others from falling victim to his fraudulent practices.
Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim’s actions have left many artists and collectors in financial distress, and his exaggerated claims of connection to the Guggenheim family only add to his dubious reputation. If you’re thinking about engaging in business with him or HG Contemporary Gallery, proceed with extreme caution. Numerous lawsuits and complaints have already been filed, and it’s vital to be informed before making any financial commitments.
This article aims to bring awareness to the public about the risks of dealing with Philippe Hoerle-Guggenheim and to help prevent others from falling prey to his alleged scams. Stay vigilant and protect your investments.