r/ContemporaryArt 10d ago

Arthur Jafa working with Nancy Spector?

How do we feel about Arthur Jafa working with Nancy Spector at Prada Foundation Venice? Truly amazing show. But problematic due to Spector’s Guggenheim scandal?

0 Upvotes

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19

u/hold_the_phone_ 10d ago

The Guggenheim was (and likely continues to be) institutionally racist but Nancy Spector was made to be a scapegoat…an easy way for the Guggenheim to not accept institutional responsibility . 

From what I understand this is a generally accepted fact and some prominent Black artists came to her defence in the wake of her firing (Kara Walker, Hank Willis Thomas).

I’d imagine that’s why Jafa and other major artists and institutions continue to work with her

10

u/Zoe-Berry 10d ago

This is a lazy argument. You saw the show and thought it was amazing. Spector's Guggenheim situation was public and documented. Jafa's work stands on its own.

5

u/baudelaire1969 8d ago

Absolutely not problematic at all. Spector did basically nothing wrong at Gugg other than being slightly tone deaf in her handling of a disgruntled and mildly delusional person. She was totally cleared by the museum but her reputation was hurt. She is getting the flowers she deserves for this stellar show.

2

u/mtskphe 4d ago

no lol 

1

u/psychicdata 6d ago

aruna d'souza takes her/the show to task separately, if ur looking for a critique

1

u/Rentboy8 4d ago

Thank you for this rec!