The Art of the Steal

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Courtesy of IFC Films
USA • 2009 • in English • 101 min • Not Rated

In 1922, Dr. Albert C. Barnes created The Barnes Foundation in Lower Merion Pennsylvania, five miles outside of Philadelphia. He formed this remarkable collection of Post-Impressionist and early Modern art to serve as an educational institution.

Dr. Barnes built his Foundation away from the city and cultural elite who scorned his collection as “horrible, debased art,” and set it on the grounds of his own home, an arboretum in the leafy suburbs. Tastes changed, and soon the very people who belittled Barnes wanted access to his collection.

When Dr. Barnes died in a car accident in 1951, he left control of his collection to Lincoln University, a small African-American college. His will contained strict instructions, stating the Foundation shall always be an educational institution, and the paintings may never be removed. Such strict limitations made the collection safe from commercial exploitation. But was it really safe?

More than fifty years later, a powerful group of moneyed interests have gone to court to take the art – recently valued at more than $25 billion – and bring it to a new museum in Philadelphia. Standing in their way is a group of former students who are trying to block the move. Will the students succeed, or will a man’s will be broken and one of America’s greatest cultural monuments be destroyed?

Club reactions by city:

moderated by Eddy Von Mueller
with guest Michael Rooks, Wieland Family Curator of Modern & Contemporary Art,
The High Museum

Fascinating and horribly depressing. Not once in all the machinations did the carpet baggers attempt to honor Dr. Barnes' desire to foster art and education.

Fabulous!!! Like many documentaries, questions arise about the motivations of all the people involved. It does facilitate an interesting dialogue.

Beautifully texture both visually and narratively. Quite disturbing that Dr. Barnes' focus on education was completely lost in the need for greed and tourism dollars.

moderated by Mike Budd

A unique movie that raises serious issues and presents the problems when politicians and others get involved in private property.

A very persuasive piece. But an argument can be made that art belongs to the people. On the other hand what of the sacrosanct nature of wills and trusts and our laws of private ownership.

This film is an excellent example of the importance of documentaries. Unfortunately movie theaters almost always cater to the greatest public's will to see fiction, glitz and costly special-effects extravaganzas.

moderated by Patrice Petro and Gilberto Blasini
with guest Jennifer Johung, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Professor of Art History

Riveting! Difficult not to feel outraged by this theft, especially as it as done by people who have no real love for art – only money.

Fascinating documentary. How sad, though, that the law/courts can completely disregard and, in fact, change Mr. Barnes' desires as to how he wanted his art collection to be used. Unbelievable!

Outstanding documentary. Very unique – exactly why we're devoted to the Cinema Club!

moderated by John MacKay
with guest David D'Arcy, Screen International & Screendaily Film Critic

A major, extremely relevant film, about wealth and the so-called generosity of gangsters, a.k.a. philanthropists – 2010 is just the right time to tell this story.

A good example of the adage: 'You can't legislate from the grave.'

This is why I belong to the cinema club.

moderated by Peter L. Stein
with guest Kenneth Baker, San Francisco Chronicle Arts Critic

This compelling documentary moved me to tears. It was like witnessing the slow, painful death of the American dream. And Kenneth Baker's insights illuminated aspects of the film and the Barnes collection that were a lovely unexpected pleasure. Brilliant!

A one-sided yet nevertheless compelling presentation that says money and power can prevail over the wishes of the individual. The addition of Kenneth Baker was inspired and elevated my overall experience this morning.

Compelling, gripping and persuasive, exactly the intent of the filmmaker - it does raise an interesting question about our responsibility to great art - who has the privilege and right to access: the long decesased owner or the greater public?

moderated by Harper Barnes
with guest Roseann Weiss, Regional Arts Commission

A fascinating clash of wills and a power struggle with a complex web of relationships. Some strange bedfellows.

I'm not into art that much, but I loved this movie.

Intriguing documentary. Very nicely balanced — or would have been had those invited commented. Kudos to the filmmakers for their attempt.

moderated by Desson Thomson
with guest Philip Kennicott

Very provocative movie - the discussion was excellent as a counterpoint to the film. Yay for the Club!

Deepened my knowledge of and outrage over this blatant triumph of wrong over right. Heartbreaking that this masterpiece created by visionary Barnes has been dismantled rather than preserved.

What a terrific story! Conversely, what a poor, pontificating and pretentious documentary.