Since 1988, the city of Philadelphia has been quietly wrapped up in an art world scandal described by one individual involved as the “greatest act of cultural vandalism since WWII”. It was news to me, but thanks to director Don Argott’s documentary The Art of the Steal (Thursday 31st May, 8.30pm), I’ve immersed myself in all the juicy details of an ego driven conflict over control of one of the most valuable private collections of art in the world. It’s a great story.
Since 1988, the city of Philadelphia has been quietly wrapped up in an art world scandal described by one individual involved as the “greatest act of cultural vandalism since WWII”. It was news to me, but thanks to director Don Argott’s documentary The Art of the Steal (Thursday 31st May, 8.30pm), I’ve immersed myself in all the juicy details of an ego driven conflict over control of one of the most valuable private collections of art in the world. It’s a great story.
At the center of the scandal is the world famous Barnes Foundation collection of post impressionist and Early Modern art works from masters such as Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso and Cézanne, collected and owned by Dr Albert C. Barnes. In 1922, Barnes opened his foundation as an education institution and private gallery on the outskirts of Philadelphia and began what was to be a lengthy and frosty relationship with the local newspaper, local art patrons and other art institutions in the city.
When he died in 1951 the collection was run by his protégée Violette de Mazia; and when she passed away in 1988 the fun really began. In his will Barnes had made strict provisions to ensure his collection was not to be sold, lent to other museums, or removed from the grounds of the Barnes Foundation. This year the collection moves into a new gallery in the center of Philadelphia, where his collection will be under the control of the very people he despised and who he had worked to ensure never got their hands on his masterpieces.
The Art of the Steal looks at how the politicians and art patrons of Philadelphia in effect stole the US 30 billion dollar collection. It’s a one sided documentary - not helped by the refusal of those trying to gain control of the collection to be interviewed - but it’s a fascinating and engrossing story.
Rialto’s French inspired World Cinema series concludes this month with White Material (Tuesday 29th May, 8.30pm), from director Claire Denis’ (Beau Travail, L’Intrus and 35 Shots of Rhum). Isabelle Huppert is mesmerising as Maria Vial, a French woman running a coffee plantation in an unknown African country on the edge of civil war. White Material does a remarkable job of capturing a country in flux, even if it doesn’t really explain many of the characters and their motivations. Depending on how you view her, and you may change your mind throughout this film, Maria is either terribly brave or naïve, but it is hard to take your eyes off Huppert as she fights fruitlessly for her home and livelihood.
One of the most charming films this week must be Lovely, Still, premiering on television this Saturday (2nd June) at 8.30pm. A whimsical exploration of love between senior citizens it stars Martin Landau and Ellen Burstyn with Adam Scott and Elizabeth Banks. A little sentimental and cheesy at times Lovely, Still doesn’t quite live up to Sarah Polley’s similar Away From Her, but with such legendary actors at the helm and a nice twist late in the film its hard to resist.
And, news just in - Michael Haneke’s Amour has won the Palme d’Or at Cannes de Festival 2012. Haneke’s last feature The White Ribbon also won the Palme d’Or in 2009.
Also announced:
Grand Prix: Matteo Garrone - Reality (Garrone won the same prize in 2008 for Gomorrah)
Best Director: Carlos Reygadas - Post Tenebras Lux
Best Screenplay: Cristian Mungiu - Beyond the Hills
The Jury Prize: Ken Loach - The Angels’ Share
Best Actress: Shared between Cosmina Stratan and Christina Flutur - Beyond The Hills.
Best Actor: Mads Mikkelsen - The Hunt
The Camera d’Or for Best First Feature: Benh Zeitlins - Beasts of the Southern Wild
The Palme d’Or for Short Film: L. Rezan Yesilbas - Sessiz-Be Deng
For a full list of winners, head to http://www.festival-cannes.fr/en.html