image and questions - 18 Feb., 2008 

LACMA BCAM
Originally uploaded by danlmarmot.

The new Eli Broad Contemp Art Museum. (Originally published on MAeX ArtBlog)

"Hey! That's my picture. :-) (Dan who authored the below comments and picture to the left, lives in San Diego, Calif.)

It's *very* interesting. I have a post gestating about why the art exhibited is considered 'important'.

Every piece inside that building is from Eli Broad's collection... but why is it there? Are the pieces considered important because Broad bought them for big bucks (and thus was a sponsor not just of the arts, but of *styles* of art, like Koons and Hirst)... or are the pieces important because of inherent properties that have nothing to do with their collectability?

Is 'collectability' a necessary prerequisite for 'important' art? I would say no... there's some art that can't be collected (uh... environmental art, probably others).

Or even better: Is there some art that's important but not desirable? That's a great question!"

Have a response? Speak up here!

The works are in the Eli Broad Museum because I think there is an important trend going on with wealth collectors building museums to house their collections. Because this museum is part of LACMA is what's interesting because, that trend has been away from established venues, instead creating ones own. I also think this trend is because museums of late have tended to access works of art to raise funds for a variety of reasons including, purchasing more desirable pieces that might better fit an existing collection. However, when a collector donates a work they like to think it will remain in that collection.

What is important is also increasingly being designated by collectors. One can see that one a mile away as a way to protect ones investment and, to boost ones ego. Of course, liking the work is what it's about and, if any of the works in question were pivotal in that artist's career makes it important as well. Importance could also have something to do with affecting the course of Western art history, if any of those works qualify.

If there's anything that's important that not desirable is a great question. And, of course, I have some opinion(s) about that but, maybe it would be nice to see what other responses pop up before I spout off again. (Shabaka)

Have a response? Speak up here!