The art world mourns the loss of Dani Levinas, a distinguished art collector known for his passion for contemporary art and his unique approach to documenting the stories of fellow collectors. Levinas, who passed away at the age of 75, leaves behind a legacy marked by his contributions to the arts community and his enduring impact on institutions such as the Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.
Announcing his passing on Wednesday, the Phillips Collection, where Dani Levinas once served as board chair, expressed gratitude for his profound influence on the institution. John Despres, the current board chair, praised Levinas’s unwavering dedication to promoting art by living artists, acknowledging his irreplaceable role in shaping the museum’s vision.
Together with his wife Mirella, Levinas amassed a notable collection of works by Latin American artists, including pieces by renowned figures such as Jose Dávila, Cildo Meireles, and Gabriel de la Mora. However, their collection also encompassed works by artists from beyond the region, showcasing a diverse range of artistic voices. In a 2020 interview with the New York Times, Levinas expressed his dual passion for supporting artists and enjoying the experience of living with their creations.
Beyond his role as a collector, Levinas’s most enduring legacy lies in his conversations with fellow collectors, immortalized in his 2023 book “The Guardians of Art: Conversations with Major Collectors.” Through his interviews and articles for El País, where he served as a columnist, Levinas provided insight into the motivations and perspectives of art collectors, earning acclaim for his ability to capture their stories and share them with the world. Reflecting on his approach, Levinas once remarked, “I don’t just collect art, I collect collectors.”
Born in 1948 to Jewish migrants in Argentina, Levinas later moved to the United States in 1981 amid political upheaval in his homeland. Establishing his own company, he ventured into the business of prepaid debit cards while maintaining his deep involvement in the art world.
During his tenure as board chair at the Phillips Collection from 2016 to 2022, Levinas made significant contributions to the museum’s growth and development. He also served on the board of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, further demonstrating his commitment to fostering artistic excellence and cultural exchange.
Levinas viewed his collection as a dynamic entity, evolving alongside his own personal journey. As he once remarked, “After 50 years of collecting, you change; the artwork changes and you change, too.” His profound impact on the art world and his dedication to celebrating the stories of collectors will continue to resonate within the cultural landscape for years to come.