Overview
- An internal memo shows the AGO’s modern and contemporary committee voted 11–9 against acquiring Nan Goldin’s 2024 video Stendhal Syndrome after objections to her public comments on the war in Gaza.
- Committee members who opposed the purchase described Goldin’s remarks as offensive or antisemitic, while others warned that rejecting the work over her views would constitute censorship.
- The Vancouver Art Gallery and the Walker Art Center completed the joint acquisition after the AGO withdrew, and the work is currently on view in Vancouver with an exhibition running through April 6.
- Following the decision, modern and contemporary curator John Zeppetelli resigned and two volunteer committee members also stepped down, with Zeppetelli remaining temporarily as a guest curator.
- Acknowledging that personal political views surfaced in the meeting, the AGO engaged an independent governance expert and announced a reset to refocus acquisitions on established criteria.