The neglected art of Queens College, NY: A look at decades of decay
The art collection at Queens College, part of the City University of New York (Cuny), has been a cause for concern among current and former staff members. Works of art by notable artists such as Anni Albers, Pablo Picasso, Alice Neel, and Vito Acconci are reportedly in poor condition, with damage to pieces both on public display and in storage. Issues include missing objects, insufficient support for cataloging and protection of the art, and a history of neglect spanning several decades.
Former substitute art librarian Amanda Perez highlighted the lack of funding as a key factor contributing to the neglect of the art collection. Budget cuts affecting the college institution-wide have exacerbated the situation, with recent decisions like the non-reappointment of professors further straining resources. The chronic lack of funding has led to issues with the maintenance, conservation, and preservation of the art on campus.
Artworks such as Vito Acconci’s ‘More Balls for Klapper Hall’ have suffered vandalism and damage over the years, with some pieces displaying visible signs of neglect. Gregory Sholette, a professor at Queens College, has observed damages to outdoor sculptures, including the deterioration of Acconci’s work. Despite efforts to repair and restore some of the damaged pieces, the overall maintenance and conservation of the art collection remain uncertain due to financial constraints.
The history of neglect and mismanagement of the art collection at Queens College dates back several decades, with reports of storage problems, thefts, and inadequate care documented over the years. The dissolution of the Queens College Art Collection in 1980 led to the establishment of the Godwin-Ternbach Museum, which took over the care and maintenance of some artworks. However, many pieces that did not enter the museum’s collection have reportedly faced issues such as improper storage, damage, and security concerns.
Efforts to address the challenges facing the art collection at Queens College, including hiring a visual and performing arts librarian and exploring a campus-wide records management system, are underway. However, the need for a dedicated overseer with stable funding and support to ensure the proper maintenance and preservation of the campus artwork is crucial. Staff members and art professionals have raised concerns about the ongoing issues with the art collection, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing art conservation and management at the college.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.