Melissa Donovan
Aaron De Groft, the former director of the Orlando Museum of Art (OMA), passed away on January 18, 2025, at the age of 59 after a brief illness, according to his obituary published in the Sarasota Herald Tribune.
De Groft’s career in the art world spanned several decades, with leadership roles at prominent institutions like the Muscarelle Museum of Art in Williamsburg, Virginia, and the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. However, his tenure at the Orlando Museum of Art, which began in 2021, ultimately became the defining—and most controversial—chapter of his career.
The Basquiat Forgery Scandal
In 2022, De Groft faced intense scrutiny when the FBI seized 25 artworks attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat that were displayed in OMA’s high-profile exhibition, Heroes & Monsters: Jean-Michel Basquiat. The works were alleged to have been created by Basquiat in 1982 while living in Los Angeles. De Groft publicly defended their authenticity, claiming they came from a reputable source. However, an FBI affidavit presented evidence suggesting the works were forgeries. In 2023, Los Angeles auctioneer Michael Barzman admitted to creating the fake Basquiat pieces, further discrediting the exhibition.
Fallout and Legal Battles
The scandal led to De Groft’s dismissal as director of OMA, alongside the resignation of board chair Cynthia Brumback. The museum later filed a lawsuit against De Groft, alleging that De Groft had intended to profit from the fake artworks, with claims that the owners of the paintings had promised him a share of the proceeds from a multimillion-dollar sale.
In response, De Groft countersued, asserting wrongful termination, defamation, and breach of contract. He claimed the museum’s leadership had approved the exhibition despite being aware of potential authenticity issues, even after the FBI issued subpoenas in 2021.
At the time of his death, the lawsuits involving De Groft and the Orlando Museum of Art were still unresolved. Under Florida’s “survival statute,” his family may choose to continue pursuing the legal claims on his behalf.
Legacy and Obituary
His obituary does not make mention of the lawsuits or scandal, instead, it mentions all he devoted the the Orlando community through the arts.
“As the head of the Orlando Museum of Art, De Groft worked tirelessly to expand the museum’s reach and inclusivity. He championed diverse exhibitions, broadened membership, and advocated for improved employee benefits and wages, all while maintaining his focus on the arts as a force for education and community connection,” it read.
He is survived by his wife, Lee and children, Graham and Ellie De Groft; parents Mary Ellen and Herb De Groft, and his brother Jason De Groft.
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