Oh really?! Wow! Thanks Anna ☺️ I’ve been sitting/ tinkering with this theme since reading Dederer’s book back in January. Thanks for sending me that Marfa passage!
Such a timely piece, Sabrina and this issue is even thornier when you consider museum sponsorships by 'evil' corporations. At the most egregious extreme is the fact that despite ceasing to accept donations by the Sacklers (Oxcycontin manufacturer) a couple of years ago, the Sackler name still appears in more than one London museum. Even today, Oil companies are still major sponsors of the British Museum and National Portrait Galley.
Great examples! It gets even trickier when the monster is a museum sponsor! And it illustrated Matthes point that institutions are quick to push the artist under the bus without examining their own artistic morality. One of the most powerful things I’ve seen on this topic is the documentary “All the Beauty & the Bloodshed” by Nan Goldin. Have you seen it? In that case, Goldin uses art to fight museums accepting Sackler money. Her organization managed to get most museums to stop taking funds and remove their name! Still a few to go… I think in this case, she had more influence than a mere visitor as she’s a major artist whose work is shown in those same museums. But she really does demonstrate how a small group of determined people (especially backed by an influential artistic figure like herself) can have a true impact 💥
Another layer of this hugely important issue is the exhibiting of stolen art by museums and galleries. The Elgin marbles in the British Museum being the most high profile example.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the doc. FYI: it features Nan Goldin but it was actually directed by the incredible Laura Poitras. And oh yes: the stolen art is a whole other ethical issue! 😮
Love this SS. Fascinating! - and challenging. Not sure we humans are expected to be perfect on our turn turn thru life. That goes for self-described artists as well as civilians alike. The learning we do comes with all the wrestling. Insights come for me after working thru the mucky grey zones, not avoiding them.
This is one of my favorite 7 Senses installments ever!
Oh really?! Wow! Thanks Anna ☺️ I’ve been sitting/ tinkering with this theme since reading Dederer’s book back in January. Thanks for sending me that Marfa passage!
Same!
Such a timely piece, Sabrina and this issue is even thornier when you consider museum sponsorships by 'evil' corporations. At the most egregious extreme is the fact that despite ceasing to accept donations by the Sacklers (Oxcycontin manufacturer) a couple of years ago, the Sackler name still appears in more than one London museum. Even today, Oil companies are still major sponsors of the British Museum and National Portrait Galley.
Does that make visitors complicit?
Great examples! It gets even trickier when the monster is a museum sponsor! And it illustrated Matthes point that institutions are quick to push the artist under the bus without examining their own artistic morality. One of the most powerful things I’ve seen on this topic is the documentary “All the Beauty & the Bloodshed” by Nan Goldin. Have you seen it? In that case, Goldin uses art to fight museums accepting Sackler money. Her organization managed to get most museums to stop taking funds and remove their name! Still a few to go… I think in this case, she had more influence than a mere visitor as she’s a major artist whose work is shown in those same museums. But she really does demonstrate how a small group of determined people (especially backed by an influential artistic figure like herself) can have a true impact 💥
Will watch that for sure.
Another layer of this hugely important issue is the exhibiting of stolen art by museums and galleries. The Elgin marbles in the British Museum being the most high profile example.
Can’t wait to hear your thoughts on the doc. FYI: it features Nan Goldin but it was actually directed by the incredible Laura Poitras. And oh yes: the stolen art is a whole other ethical issue! 😮
Thank you for sharing this thoughtful piece. I am grateful.
Thanks for reading Matt! Glad you enjoyed it.
Fascinating and unexpected! This was a great issue!
Thanks so much Jillian! Curious how you feel about Beautiful Monsters (a few of them must have popped up on Noted?)…
This was a brilliant read. Thank you!
Thanks so much Elle! 💙
Love this SS. Fascinating! - and challenging. Not sure we humans are expected to be perfect on our turn turn thru life. That goes for self-described artists as well as civilians alike. The learning we do comes with all the wrestling. Insights come for me after working thru the mucky grey zones, not avoiding them.
“working thru the mucky grey zones, not avoiding them” seems to be the solution to all our individual & collective issues!