Sunday, July 11, 2004
Commentary Attacks New York City Art Museums
Michael Kimmelman of the New York Times writes a blazing attack today on the MET, the Guggenheim, the Whitney, the Brooklyn Museum of Art, and the Museum of Modern Art. He makes some good points:
>> The Metropolitan is trying to focus new energey on contemporary art with someone assigned to the project who has expressed little interest in its success.
>> The Guggenheim went on a wild expansion spree when it should have focused on its signature facility.
>> The Whitney's Director was fired by members of the board of directors who have their own ethical issues.
>> The Brooklyn Museum built a new facade (which I heard does not fit well with the rest of the building), is selling off important pieces of art at below market prices, and is trying to change from having a national focus into a destination for the neighborhood.
>> The Museum of Modern Art is going to charge $20.00 a person when it re-opens in Manhattan in November.
I think he is being much too tough. As I have mentioned before, I love the Whitney (and just became a member) and it is difficult to accept the reporters's criticism after it staged a biennial that the art world universally applauded. In addition, I did read that the previous Director had difficulties getting along with people. The Metropolitan frankly does need to find a way to better showcase it holdings in modern and contemporary art, but is no doubt the finest art museum in the world. And I am so excited about the MOMA's new building that I want to plan a trip to visit on the first day I can get in.
PermaLink | 10:53 AM |
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>> The Metropolitan is trying to focus new energey on contemporary art with someone assigned to the project who has expressed little interest in its success.
>> The Guggenheim went on a wild expansion spree when it should have focused on its signature facility.
>> The Whitney's Director was fired by members of the board of directors who have their own ethical issues.
>> The Brooklyn Museum built a new facade (which I heard does not fit well with the rest of the building), is selling off important pieces of art at below market prices, and is trying to change from having a national focus into a destination for the neighborhood.
>> The Museum of Modern Art is going to charge $20.00 a person when it re-opens in Manhattan in November.
I think he is being much too tough. As I have mentioned before, I love the Whitney (and just became a member) and it is difficult to accept the reporters's criticism after it staged a biennial that the art world universally applauded. In addition, I did read that the previous Director had difficulties getting along with people. The Metropolitan frankly does need to find a way to better showcase it holdings in modern and contemporary art, but is no doubt the finest art museum in the world. And I am so excited about the MOMA's new building that I want to plan a trip to visit on the first day I can get in.
PermaLink | 10:53 AM |
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