I just watched (around 3 times) the trailer for the new documentary about the move of the Barnes Collection, The Art of the Steal. It is a beautiful trailer, and it appears to be a very well-done movie about the art and the politics involved in the moving of the collection from Merion, PA to downtown Philadelphia.
I have been following the controversy of the move for a while, beginning with the architectural issues involved in moving the collection into a new building. The architect Robert Venturi spoke out against the seperation of the the art from the buidling that was purpose-built to hold it. He also points out that when the art is moved to Philadelphia the ticket sales will be taxed with the Philadelphia “culture tax“. It is clear there are many forces at work in the moving of this collection, worth $25 billion, and it is an interesting look at the commodification of culture.
Ben | 07-Mar-10 at 7:31 am | Permalink
Usually the Art breaks when you move it not before…..
Rose | 07-Mar-10 at 8:16 pm | Permalink
Hi Ben,
Thanks for reading the article and commenting. I had a look over your blog, http://artandarthandling.blogspot.com/
I like your use of photos and text, it looks like you are working on a lot of complex moving problems.
I certainly hope the Barnes collection is not damaged by the move, I heard a fabulous lecture a few days ago from one of the conservators at the Barnes about how conservation has been involved in the moving of the collection. It has been quite a process, especially with the Matisse paintings that were installed in arches of the building.
I guess we will see how the collection will appear in the new building.
Maggie | 28-Apr-10 at 9:43 pm | Permalink
I hadn’t heard about that movie yet but now I absolutely must find it. On a side note, I doubt it’s a coincidence that only 4 years ago a movie by the same name- The Art of the Steal- was created based on Christopher Mason’s book about Sotheby’s and Christie’s.
Rose | 07-May-10 at 9:02 pm | Permalink
Hi Maggie:
I heard the Barnes movie was interesting, but maybe not entirely factual. Is the other ‘Art of the Steal’ movie good? Have you seen it?
Thanks for reading,
Rose