Exposed: Copies in Controversy

Following and combining two of my recent posts is another quirky story. An Alma Thomas work was loaned to the White House by the Hirshhorn Museum thus creating a mini controversy with her painting, "Watusi (Hard Edge)." The 1963 painting is extremely similar to a 1953 piece entitled L’Escargot by Matisse. As we know many painters copy favorite paintings as part of their developmental process as well as their dialog with art. Copies, elaboration, appropriation and more are all common grist for the mill these days.

Anyway, there was a lot of comment on line and the painting was removed from the White House. The White House press office says,"it was moved because it didn’t fit the space right."

Take a look and see what you think...

Above: Henri Matisse, The Snail,1953 Below: Alma Thomas, Watusi (Hard Edge), 1963; courtesy of Flavorwire.

Artobama

In spite of all our concerns about what's happening in the presidency these days, a "good thing" is the Obamas' interest in art (and cooking too if Michele Obama's guest appearance on Iron Chef is an indication). Museums and collectors have been quick to offer works for inclusion. Aside from changing the art dealer landscape, the works also have political implications. Included are: “Sky Light” by African-American abstract artist Alma Thomas; “Numerals, 0 through 9,” by Jasper Johns, “Berkeley No. 52,” by Richard Diebenkorn, and an Ed Ruscha canvas featuring the words, “I think maybe I’ll…”. Robert Rauschenberg and Louise Nevelson were also loaned from the National Gallery. F.Y.I. the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times have more details.