Art Positive Requests Smithsonian Wojnarowicz Installation Shots
Bill Dobbs, representing anti-censorship organization Art Positive, has sent a letter to Smithsonian director Martin Sullivan requesting that the museum release the original installation shots of David Wojnarowicz's “A Fire in My Belly,” as well as photos of the gallery as it now stands, minus the v
Bill Dobbs, representing anti-censorship organization Art Positive, has sent a letter to Smithsonian director Martin Sullivan requesting that the museum release the original installation shots of David Wojnarowicz’s “A Fire in My Belly,” as well as photos of the gallery as it now stands, minus the video. The Smithsonian has banned photography in its galleries, so this would be a step towards transparency.
The Smithsonian has remained in support of Smithsonian Secretary G. Wayne Clough, despite all but admitting that the censorship was a hasty mistake. The request for photos of the gallery installation is perfectly valid and would be a powerful visual symbol of the ongoing impact the removal of the video has had.
I’m not sure that having the photos will make the situation any better, but I have to admit that I’m curious as to what the absence actually looks like, and how the video was originally installed. If nothing else, as the letter points out, making the photos public will contribute to the historical record of the incident, no matter how it ends up.
Check out the letter in full below, with my highlights added in bold:
Dear Mr. Sullivan,
I write on behalf of Art Positive with some requests regarding the historical record of the Hide/Seek exhibition now on view at the National Portrait Gallery (NPG).
1. Please make available–as soon as possible–to the public and media outlets photographs of the exhibit as currently installed. If a complete set has not already been made I trust this can be accomplished before the show closes February 13, 2011. The NPG has prohibited photography of Hide/Seek therefore the responsibility to document it for the historical record rests with you. The wall labels need to be visible and readable in those photos because they are integral to understanding the exhibit. Given the public controversy, particular care must be paid to documenting the area of the gallery where the edited David Wojnarowicz video, “A Fire in My Belly,” was on view.
2. In the same vein, please make available to the public and media outlets installation photos of Hide/Seek taken prior to November 30, 2010 including those showing the kiosk with the Wojnarowicz video. Please include any documentation (notes, photos, etc.) of the removal of the video as well.
3. If installation shots had not been made by the end of November, please make every effort to contact persons who may have still photos or video including those who attended media previews and similar events. Please consider this a request for the list of media representatives who attended such events.
Your earliest attention to these requests would be appreciated. Given the time sensitivity please confirm that you have received this e-mail. I may be reached by phone at (212) 966-1091.
Sincerely yours,
Bill Dobbs
If you’ve visited the Hide/Seek show and have installation shots of where the Wojnarowicz was, please do get in touch with me at Kyle [at] Hyperallergic.com.
