“Art of the Steal” Unravels “Vast Conspiracy”
Director Don Argott holding "Philadelphia Inquirer" with front page article about new Barnes
The Art of the Steal, an enthralling new documentary tracing the downfall of Barnes Foundation, screened yesterday as part of the New York Film Festival.
The movie will be released for wider distribution next spring– unfortunate timing given that the battle to keep the Barnes intact, and in its original suburban location in Merion, PA, appears to be a lost cause. (N.B. If you haven’t been to the Barnes, go immediately before it moves.)
The unforgettable, quirky, personal museum is slated to be dismantled and relocated to downtown Philadelphia, consolidating the city’s tourist attractions. This is expressly against Barnes’ wishes, as stated in his will. This move is portrayed as a hostile take-over in the film. John Anderson, author of Art Held Hostage, dubs the affair “a vast conspiracy.”
Even the filmmakers, however, were skeptical anything could be done to reverse plans to move the museum.
“This is a giant snowball rolling down the hill,” said director Don Argott, during a Q & A session after the screening. “I don’t think it can be stopped.”
Barnes pin against the move
Q & A session
The film plays like a dramatic thriller, positing that the forces of politics, money and power conspired to effectively “steal” Barnes’ $25 billion in Renoirs, Cezannes and Matisses by grabbing control of the foundation and taking the art out of its original context.
One of the film’s most amusing scenes follows dealer Richard Feigen as he cruises Sotheby’s November 2007 impressionist and modern art auction preview, revealing that none of the multi-million dollar Cezannes or Gauguins on offer are anywhere near Barnes-worthy.
Who are the film’s bad guys?
The late publisher Walter Annenberg is portrayed as a hypocritical vindictive poseur. Ray Perelman, Philly businessman and patron is identified as the person who came up with the notion to move the Barnes. Rebecca Rimel, President of the Pew Charitable Trusts, comes in for heavy criticism –portrayed with numerous unflattering photographs– and accused of using the Barnes to further her own agendas.
Julian Bond, Chairman of the NAACP, puts it bluntly: “These vandals stepped in and took it away from him [Barnes].”
Outspoken Barnes neighbors Toby and Robert Marmon, featured in film, after screening
Anyone who has visied The Barnes in Merion and seen the faulous art in the midst of beautiful botantic surroundings will understand what a perfect gem would be lost if it is moved. Everyone living in Penna should urge their reps in congress not to allow tax-payers’ money be spent for an unnecessary museum.
I believe no one would be shocked by the premise that those with great wealth and political power are able to manipulate others … including the judicial system … to get what they want and protect what they have. Big deal. Ho hum.
However when you see this film, which shows an apalling real time example of that premise, one cannot help but deem it a “crime” committed, without any fear of punishment. Hubris, arrogance underscored.
There is even clear evidence of one of Philadelphia’s power brokers commiting out right perjury to make the case for the “steal”. Judge Ott, an elected judge, showed his cowardice … and his concern for his own re-election .. by looking the other way.
I wasn’t going to see the film … I found the entire matter to upsetting.
I’m glad I did. You need to see it too.