The New York Times’ writes that in an effort to create a twenty million dollar endowment, the Donald Judd Foundation has decided to sell about thirty-five Judd sculptures at Christie’s. Director Barbara Hunt McLanahan said “This was not a decision taken lightly. We considered all our options, and this is the best option.” Marianne Stockebrand, whom Judd appointed as director and lifetime trustee of the foundation, has resigned over the sale. “I was in favor of a slower approach, to sell things one at a time and place them in collections carefully, which would have been better for Judd’s legacy. With auctions, you have no control over where things go,” said Stockebrand.
Let’s face it 20 million is a good bit of change, however if there is a fire sale now – what’s the point except to bring prices down. I do agree with Ms. Stockebrand, however there needs to be a different plan than abandonment of the foundation, when clearly you are one of it’s driving forces. This is sad on many levels.
Update: I’ve wanted to note the source of the photo, but I was too lazy to look it up again – that problem is solved – Photo by Chris Ashley. You can visit his blog here.