Bloggers at Loggerheads Again—But Nicely

MAN and the Grrl at odds again—but this time we’re respectfully disagreeing, rather than lobbing weapons of blog destruction.
We have expressed opposite views on Michael Govan, who had approved an already in-the-works sale of an ancient Indian art from LACMA’s collection, but then snatched it from the market and was admirably outspoken against undertaking such deaccessions in the future.
And today Tyler appears to support to the Smithsonian blue-ribbon panel’s implied criticism of Betsy Broun of the Smithsonian American Art Museum, who I feel has long served that institution patiently (during its long construction-related shutdown) and admirably. To his question of “Why does the museum exist?” I would say that a walk through Broun’s reinstalled galleries provides a good answer: to provide an alternate take on telling the story of American art, tied to the full sweep of our nation’s history and its people. Not an unworthy mission.
Our posts about Govan are here (CultureGrrl) and here (Modern Art Notes).
And about Broun—here (CultureGrrl) and here (MAN).
Speaking of alternate takes, I’ve got to run to see the new Brooklyn Museum feminism festival!