Art

Museum behind ladies-only art exhibit sued by man who was denied entry

Published

6 months ago

March 22, 2024

An American artist who created a ladies-only lounge at the Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania, Australia is at the centre of a complaint brought by a man who was denied entry to the exhibit about gender discrimination.

The art exhibit by Kirsha Kaechele, called ‘Ladies Lounge,’ is an ongoing installation at the museum, and invites only women beyond its luxurious green silk curtains. Inside the small lounge, ladies are served champagne by male butlers (the only men allowed in the space) and can view a number of artworks, including several pieces by legendary painter Pablo Picasso.

The Ladies Lounge was created in reference to historic gentleman’s clubs that barred women from entering. But in this case, anyone who does not identify as a woman will be forbidden access by the lounge’s guard at the door.

New South Wales resident Jason Lau was told he could not enter the Ladies Lounge at the MONA, which resides in Tasmania’s capital city Hobart, when he visited the museum in April 2023. Lau filed a formal anti-discrimination complaint within the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and said he was unfairly denied access because of his gender.

Kaechele told The Guardian she was “absolutely delighted” by the legal complaint.

Some of the delight stemmed from Kaechele’s ability to now bring her performance art outside of the MONA and to an Australian courtroom. During Tuesday’s tribunal, Kaechele brought with her 25 women dressed in navy suits and business attire. Throughout the proceedings, the 25 women silently read feminist literature and executed synchronized choreographed movements like crossing their legs or applying lipstick in unison.

When the day’s session came to an end, Kaechele and the group of women left building to the tune of Simply Irresistible by Robert Palmer.

Kaechele told The Guardian she tends “to engage life as a medium” in her art. She said the opportunity to move her art from the museum to the tribunal was “a dream come true.”

In his complaint, Lau argued it is discriminatory to keep artwork, like that of the Picasso painting displayed exclusively in the Ladies Lounge, away from he and other men who pay to enter the museum.

At the hearing, Lau said anyone who paid the museum’s AUS$35 (C$31) “would expect a fair provision of goods and services,” according to a New York Times report.

He’s asked for an apology from the museum and for men to either be allowed into the lounge or permitted to pay a discounted ticket price for the museum.

Kaechele and lawyers for the MONA rebutted by saying the exclusion of men is the point of the Ladies Lounge exhibit.

“The men are experiencing Ladies Lounge, their experience of rejection is the artwork,” Kaechele told the Guardian. “OK, they experience the artwork differently than women, but men are certainly experiencing the artwork as it’s intended.”

MONA’s lawyer, Catherine Scott, said the case will be a challenging one for the tribunal, as it involves both a physical space and the more subjective nature of performance art.

“MONA’s case is that art can be a really powerful medium in promoting equal opportunity by not just experience, but by conversation, and specifically redressing the past exclusion of women,” Scott said.

“It seems that Mr. Lau and his complaint are genuine – he wants everyone to be allowed entry,” the lawyer continued. “But if MONA agreed to that it would fundamentally undermine the work.”

Kaechele’s husband, David Walsh, founded and owns the MONA.

The Ladies Lounge first opened in 2020. According to the museum, woman can indulge in high tea and “other ladylike pleasures” while visiting the lounge.

“Here in the lounge, you are a participant in the art itself, part of a living installation,” the MONA wrote in a 2022 social media post. “No boys allowed.”

Kaechele told the Guardian her Ladies Lounge exhibit has garnered more complaints than just Lau’s, though he’s the first to successfully take his grievances to the tribunal. She recalled earlier explaining to one upset male visitor who threatened legal action that, despite paying the same museum fee as women, he was indeed experiencing the artwork.

“I said, ‘You do experience the artwork, because the rejection is the artwork,'” she explained. “And he understood that, and he appreciated it, and he dropped the case.”

The tribunal is expected to make a decision on the complaint in the coming weeks.

Exclusive men’s social clubs have existed all over the world, including Canada, and particularly thrived in the 19th century. These exclusionary clubs often only accepted white members and barred women from entering the space, apart from when in service roles. Inside the lounges, liquor was often served while personal and business connections were established among men of similar social standing.

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Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

2 days ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

2 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

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Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

4 weeks ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

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