
Gerhard Richter: “A public art collection is not a financial investment that can be plundered depending on the cash situation. It is a piece of art history and represents the cultural memory of its trustees.” *
On June 27, city council members will determine the fate of Museum Morsbroich, Leverkusen, Germany, located near Cologne. It is proposed that the modern and contemporary art museum, open since 1951, be shut down and its art collection be sold as a cost saving measure. The Detroit Institute of Arts narrowly escaped such a fate in 2014. How many others teeter on edge of such decisions?
Is a public art collection different than any other public property or commodity? If so, how?
And pointedly, how should laws effectively address this to protect what is our irreplaceable cultural heritage?
It is my hope that communities will proactively devise effective legal and policy measures now — to protect our cultural treasures — prior to unforeseen financial difficulties experienced by any given public institution.
“Art and contemporary culture are essential to a healthy individual and an enlightened global community.” (I Require Art™)
—Jules Cavanaugh
*Richter quote: Gareth Harris, © 2016 The Art Newspaper, February 29, 2016, http://bitly.com/1TCX4ES
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- Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932): Sindbad (905/1-49), Detail; 2008. Inv.#12637. Lacquer behind glass, each 11-13/16 x 19-11/16 inches (30 x 50 cm). Marian Goodman, New York, NY, USA. Marian Goodman, New York, NY, USA. © Gerhard Richter. © This artwork may be protected by copyright. It is posted on the site in accordance with fair use principles.
- Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932): 3.4.08, 2008. Overpainted photograph, 12.5 cm x 18.5 cm. Wako Works of Art, Tokyo, Japan. © Gerhard Richter. © This artwork may be protected by copyright. It is posted on the site in accordance with fair use principles.
- Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932): Betty, 1977. Oil on canvas, 30 × 40 cm. Museum Ludwig, Cologne. Private Collection. © Gerhard Richter.
- Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932): Untitled, c. 2010. Lacquer on photograph, 10 ×15 cm. © Gerhard Richter. Courtesy of Wako Works of Art, Tokyo, Japan. © This artwork may be protected by copyright. It is posted on the site in accordance with fair use principles.
- Gerhard Richter (German, b. 1932): Abstract Painting, 1990. Oil on canvas, 260 x 200 cm. Private Collection. Sold at Sotheby’s, New York, 13 November 2012, Catalogue Raisonné: 712. Image: © Sotheby’s, New York. © Gerhard Richter © This artwork may be protected by copyright. It is posted on the site in accordance with fair use principles.