Have you ever had a piece of artwork stolen? Me too…more than once. Within the past two weeks, “Sally,” part of a triptych called “Sue . Sally . Sara .” was stolen off a gallery wall.
I received both a phone message and an email from the Director of the organization and the Director of the gallery–frought with professionalism and concern. My response? “Stuff happens,” and “Hey, I take it as a compliment…I’m theft-worthy.”
For me, the theft poses questions like…“What was wrong with the other pieces in the triptych”…not “How could this happen.”
As a gallery owner and then director for many years, please take my advice on this one. Do not have a hysterical fit that reinforces the idea that all artists are crazy and irrational.
Yes, I understand that you may be attached to the artwork. “Sally” is a part of my masthead at RLGibson.com, but you’ve got to let it go. Galleries and their owners and directors do the best they can; do me a favor, and give them a break. Most of them are insured.
Do you have a story of art theft and intrigue to share? Send me an email or leave a comment on this post. Have Happy Holidays!
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I like your way of thinking, I have had art stolen also, mine wasn’t a large peice and probably would have fit in someones handbag, I was mad but your right. The fact that someone really wanted it enough to steal it says something about your art. Its still not right, but why beat myself up over it.
great post
Pete
I had a piece stolen once from a student show. So, although security wasn’t tight and supposedly the pieces were insured, I never saw a thing from it. I was incredibly attached to the piece as it took the whole semester to finish the paper mosaic-ed SELF PORTRAIT! And, I never got a picture of the finished product. So, it lives on in my mind only. I do have an idea for recreating it, but in fused glass, this time. AND, if I ever get it finished…I will photograph it first thing!
Lesson learned 🙂
Curiously enough, there was another student in the previous year who also had a self portrait disappear!