THE ART OF THE STEAL
An un-missable look at one of the art world’s most fascinating controversies and a celebrated selection of the Toronto, New York and AFI Film Festivals, Don Argott’s gripping documentary THE ART OF THE STEAL chronicles the long and dramatic struggle for control of the Barnes Foundation, a private collection of art valued at more than $25 billion.
In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes formed a remarkable educational institution around his priceless collection of art, located just five miles outside of Philadelphia. Now, more than 50 years after Barnes’ death, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court for control of the art, and intend to bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of Barnes’ former students and his will, which contains strict instructions stating the Foundation should always be an educational institution, and that the paintings may never be removed. Will they succeed, or will a man’s will be broken and one of America’s greatest cultural monuments be destroyed?
This documentary made me so upset, simply because its completely true. To rip an entire collection, a museum that he built, he arranged, and made into a work of art itself, is bullshit. Art now more than ever is a cash cow, they’re not thinking about how this art work can move people, they’re thinking how this art work can move tickets. Increase profit, not increase inspiration or admiration. It’s just a shame. Check it out on Netflix instant play, its worth watching.
"I've been thinking with my guts since I was fourteen years old, and frankly speaking, between you and me, I have come to the conclusion that my guts have shit for brains."
— High Fidelity
