On Thu, 3 Aug 2000 11:17:29 -0500, Julia wrote:

>Not to re-open old wounds, but it was my impression that Giuliani initially
>objected to some of the imagery in the show rather than the show's ethical
>implications.  The ethics of the process only came in as an issue after art
>professionals "explained" the objectionable image, 

        I would use the word "rationalized" in place of explained.

>and after concerns about
>Giuliani's wishing to use the show as a plank in his campaign platform came
>to the fore.  
        Maybe, but if the Brooklyn Museum had followed the new
guidelines, there is a good chance the objectionable art would never
have been displayed.
>
>I do agree that the AAM's position on the ethics of the show is correct in
>theory; however, since any artwork in a private collection may eventually
>enter the market, we should take care in practice that, in the name of
>ethics, we do not totally disregard fine private or corporate collections
>when looking for exhibition opportunities. 

I suggest you read the guidelines.  They do not stop showing private
art but they stress several conditions.  The two most important:
        1.  That the source of ALL funding for the exhibit be made
public. and
        2. That the museum and not the contributor will decide  what
art will be used and how displayed.
        Both of these were violated at Brooklyn, and have opened it to
being given the reputation of prostituting itself.

John Bing
Laguna Art Museum

> Many of us do not have the clout
>to borrow works from well-known museums, and private collections are a good
>resource for us in our educational efforts.  Where should the line be drawn:
>dollar amounts?  Value of artwork? Size of museum?
>
>Julia Moore
>Director of Exhibitions and Artist Services
>Indianapolis Art Center

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