Wow! Talk about stirring the pot. In this day of persistently gloomy headlines it's such a great relief to read something that brings a touch of a smile and bemused bewilderment.
The Los Angeles Museum Of Contemporary Art has caught the art world flat footed in a wonderful way. It has broken with tradition in naming a remarkable individual as its next director, an individual totally immersed in the world of contemporary art but carrying credentials clearly at variance with what the museum world would have come to expect.
Many may not know Jeffrey Deitch. He is one of those individuals who bring honor to his profession and set an exemplary standard of commitment and selfless engagement.
Not always perfect, but always fun. One of those worker drones, enhancing all around him. Jeffrey has been perhaps the greatest impresario of the contemporary art world. Sort of a Diaghilev writ small because he always did it by himself out of his own pocket. His two galleries in Soho were the mini cathedrals of the contemporary art world aficionados. Brilliant exhibits, done with a deep commitment to the artist and the field.
There he would exhibit his emerging artist Nureyevs, give them a stage to perform and be recognized. And when, standing in his gallery, always with tie and jacket, never a hint of exclusiveness. To respond to the work, to what the artist was trying to convey was your entry price to the fraternity of initiates. That was his sale, his pride, his satisfaction.
To give this brilliant art person who has done so much for the careers of so many artists the platform of a great institution, no matter its current problems, is a brilliant move and will catch the attention of the art world here and abroad. Diaghilev, we are ready!
L.A. MOCA- touchdown!!