Super Bowl Art Bets
Thursday 06th March 2014I had never even thought to wonder, 'How many artists are also Super Bowl fans?' In the United States, at least, it seems like quite a few. As surprising (or not) that may be, it turns out that famous galleries are also getting in the betting action, and have been for quite some time. There is apparently a long and storied history of famous galleries and museums in the hometowns of the competing teams making bets with each other on the outcome of the game. Not for permanent dispensation of their valued works, of course, but simply for a loan period of a few months - and, of course, some bragging rights.
Initially, however, the Seattle Art Museum had gotten into some very hot water with Native American rights groups over their first choice of bet, which was a raven mask dating back 135 years, and considered a sacred spiritual object by Nuxalk Nation in Canada. Fortunately for all involved, as soon as the director learned of the problem. the Seattle Art Museum was happy to offer up the aforementioned piece by Kako in place. Even better, Rorschach apologized to Charles Nelson immediately via telephone, one of the Nuxalk Nation leaders, and agreed to return the mask to the Nuxalk Nation in Bella Coola, British Columbia, and to make a formal public apology.