Dealer Mary Sabbatino on Championing Ana Mendieta and Mentoring 'Art Daughters'

In a recent Shoptalk interview with Artnet News, veteran art dealer Mary Sabbatino, who has represented the estate of Ana Mendieta for decades, discussed her dual role as a champion of the late Cuban-American artist and a mentor to a new generation of women in the art world. Sabbatino, who is a partner at Galerie Lelong in New York, emphasized her mission to 'open history and open doors' for artists, particularly those who have been historically marginalized. She spoke about her long-standing advocacy for Mendieta, whose work has gained significant recognition posthumously, and her efforts to ensure the artist's legacy is properly preserved and presented. Sabbatino also reflected on her mentorship of what she calls her 'art daughters'—younger women in the art industry whom she guides and supports in their careers. The interview, part of Artnet News's ongoing Shoptalk series, offers insight into Sabbatino's career, her approach to representing estates, and her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion in the art world. The piece highlights how Sabbatino's work extends beyond commercial dealing to include historical and educational initiatives, positioning her as a key figure in the ongoing reassessment of women artists in art history.