Controversy Over Diego Rivera Mural at San Francisco Art Institute
The San Francisco Art Institute (SFAI), currently navigating financial challenges, faces significant scrutiny as discussions arise regarding the potential sale of Diego Rivera’s iconic mural, The Making of a Fresco Showing the Building of a City, valued at approximately $50 million. This situation has drawn backlash from notable figures, including renowned artist Catherine Opie, who voiced her concerns about the implications of such a sale.
Financial Troubles and Ownership Concerns
Ownership of the SFAI’s property, including its historic buildings, lies with the University of California (UC), which recently intervened by clearing the art institute’s $19.7 million bank debt. This move aimed to protect the 150-year-old institution from foreclosure on its Chestnut Street campus. However, the art institute has a window of up to six years to repay this debt, and failure to do so by 2026 could lead to UC assuming full ownership of the campus, forcing SFAI to vacate.
The Fate of the Rivera Mural
In the event that SFAI must relocate, there are plans to potentially move the prized Rivera mural. A feasibility study is currently underway to explore the logistics of such a move, as confirmed by SFAI spokesperson Sara Fitzmaurice. One option reportedly being considered is an acquisition by filmmaker George Lucas for his upcoming Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, while the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art has also expressed interest in acquiring the mural, which would allow it to remain campus-bound.
Calls for Preservation
Catherine Opie, a prominent SFAI alumna, has been particularly vocal regarding the sale’s potential repercussions. In an open letter, Opie described the prospect of selling the mural as “an incredibly unconscionable decision,” stressing that the institution’s survival should not come at the expense of what she described as “one of the most important artworks in the history of the institution.” In light of the circumstances, she announced her decision to withdraw her own work from an upcoming alumni auction, highlighting her commitment to preserving the mural.
Challenges of Moving the Mural
The process of relocating a monumental artwork like Rivera’s mural is not straightforward. Curator and art conservator Rosa Lowinger, who has overseen similar projects, noted that moving the artwork could take up to two years, with costs potentially ranging from $1.5 million to $2 million, not including any necessary repairs to the original site. The primary focus for conservators is to ensure the mural’s integrity throughout the moving process.
Understanding the mural’s attachment to its wall is crucial. If the mural is not directly painted onto the wall, conservators will need to determine its mounting method, which may involve probing techniques to ascertain how it was initially affixed. Furthermore, transport logistics require significant precautions, such as supporting the mural properly to avoid damaging it during transit.
Future Considerations
As discussions evolve regarding the mural, the board of trustees at the SFAI has indicated that their preferred outcome would be to find ways to endow the mural in situ, ensuring its preservation while fulfilling institutional responsibilities. Pam Rorke Levy, chair of the board, stated, “Attracting patrons or a partner organization who would create a substantial fund” is the ideal scenario for preserving Rivera’s work and supporting the institution’s mission moving forward.
The future of the Diego Rivera mural remains uncertain, and much will depend on the actions taken by the SFAI in the coming years. As stakeholders in the art community continue to voice their opinions, the ultimate decision could have significant ramifications for both the mural and the legacy of the San Francisco Art Institute.
