The Potential Future Trends in the Art Industry
The Orlando Museum of Art (OMA) has recently appointed Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon as its new chief curator, following the retirement of longtime curator Hansen Mulford. This leadership change comes at a critical time for the museum, as it faces the aftermath of the FBI raid on a show of paintings attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat. In this article, we will analyze the key points of this text and explore potential future trends in the art industry, with a focus on the OMA’s journey.
Claeysen-Gleyzon’s Background and Achievements
Born in France and raised in Niger, Africa, Coralie Claeysen-Gleyzon has been a part of the OMA since January 2018. She has held various positions within the museum, including associate curator, curator, and more recently, interim head of the collections and exhibitions department. During her time at the OMA, Claeysen-Gleyzon has curated exhibitions such as the centennial retrospective and “Visual Conversations: Expressions of Individuality and Community.” Her international experience as a gallery director in Qatar and an independent art advisor in Lebanon brings a diverse perspective to the OMA’s leadership team.
The Fallout of the FBI Raid
The OMA is currently facing the fallout of the FBI raid on a show of paintings attributed to Jean-Michel Basquiat. As details of the nine-years-long FBI investigation became public, the authenticity of the paintings unraveled. A former auctioneer admitted to helping create and sell the works, leading to museum leadership changes and legal disputes. Former OMA director Aaron De Groft was ousted and is now being sued by the museum, while Cynthia Brumback, the former chair of the board of trustees, also departed amid allegations of withholding knowledge about a subpoena served to the museum. These events have created a challenging environment for the OMA, requiring strategic decisions and strong leadership.
The Appointment of Cathryn Mattson and the OMA’s Commitment to the Community
Cathryn Mattson was appointed as the new executive director and CEO of the OMA following the departure of interim director Luder Whitlock. The museum has made efforts to recommit itself to the Orlando community by launching initiatives such as commissioning an investigation into the Basquiat scandal. Mattson highlighted Claeysen-Gleyzon’s deep relationships within the Orlando arts and cultural community and expressed excitement about collaborating with her to lead the OMA into its next chapter.
Potential Future Trends and Recommendations for the Industry
Based on the key points discussed, several potential future trends can be identified in the art industry:
- Increased focus on authenticity and provenance: The Basquiat scandal serves as a reminder of the importance of verifying the authenticity and provenance of artworks. Museums and galleries should take proactive measures to ensure thorough due diligence when acquiring and exhibiting artworks.
- Embracing diverse perspectives: Claeysen-Gleyzon’s background and international experience bring a unique perspective to the OMA. This trend of embracing diversity should be encouraged throughout the art industry, as it fosters a more inclusive and global dialogue.
- Enhanced leadership and governance: The events at the OMA highlight the significance of strong leadership and effective governance. Museums and cultural institutions should prioritize transparent and accountable leadership structures to avoid potential crises and legal disputes.
- Community engagement and trust-building: The OMA’s commitment to investigating the Basquiat scandal and recommitting itself to the Orlando community demonstrates the importance of community engagement. Establishing trust and transparency with the local community is crucial for the long-term success and sustainability of cultural institutions.
In light of these trends, recommendations for the art industry include:
1. Implement rigorous authentication processes to ensure the integrity of artworks in exhibitions and collections.
2. Encourage diversity in curatorial teams and leadership roles to bring fresh perspectives and foster inclusivity.
3. Establish transparent governance structures with clear accountability measures to mitigate potential risks and legal disputes.
4. Prioritize community engagement initiatives to build trust, foster audience participation, and cultivate long-term support.
By embracing these recommendations and staying vigilant to evolving trends, the art industry can navigate challenges, build resilience, and continue to thrive while upholding the cultural significance of art.
References:
- “Orlando Museum of Art names new chief curator,” Orlando Sentinel – https://www.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment/arts-and-theater/os-et-orlando-museum-of-art-new-chief-curator-20220715-6sczwhrdtvazxlarrpjpsiim3e-story.html
- “Former OMA director countersues following museum’s lawsuit,” Orlando Sentinel – https://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/breaking-news/os-ne-orlando-museum-of-art-director-counter-sues-20220715-d5dtupesbnh2fpau3j7zm5e7gu-story.html