"But if some of these pieces are meant as
screeds to unite the brotherhood of art handlers, then the real manifesto sits
in the corner of Art Work, with no attribution. In sotto voce, Frank
indicates that some handlers contributed to the show on the condition that she
never reveal their identities, and rightfully so. What they offered was seven
snapshots documenting what they did with priceless works of art that had been
left in their charge. Most of the pieces, Frank explains, had been entrusted to
the handlers for transport from one museum to another, or from dealer to buyer.
Suffice it to say, the roadies' treatment of the work was not always reverent.
One photo depicts a Roy Lichtenstein sculpture teetering on a toilet. Another
shows a Merce Cunningham standing on wet asphalt, leaning against a truck-stop
gas pump. There's Chuck Close's giant portrait "Emily" perched alongside a
highway, next to a dead deer. And Claes Oldenburg's small, plush "Soft Drum"
sits atop a diner table, between a platter of chicken-fried steak and a grilled
cheese sandwich with fries."
There is a
disturbing photo of the Chuck Close piece posted with the
article.
If you recognize
these pieces as yours you might want to change shippers.
B.
Lee