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Article: Abstract expressionism and the Cold War: did New York really steal the idea of modern art? Were the artists tools of U.S. policy? 25 years on, Serge Guilbaut's j'accuse can still prompt a fiery response.(ISSUES & COMMENTARY)
- Article from:
- Art in America
- Article date:
- June 1, 2008
- Author:
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A major thesis of Serge Guilbaut's How New York le the Idea of Modern Art is that the Abstract Expressionists were Cold Warriors. Soon after his book was published in 1983, Guilbant and I debated this claim at the Whitney Museum. It struck me then as absurd, and I was convinced that it would die of its own accord. It has not. In fact, Guilbant's allegation has come to be the received wisdom for several generations of art historians.
Even at this late date, Guilbaut's book must be challenged because it is wrongheaded. He misconstrued the historical record and dealt carelessly or cavalierly with facts. He also demeaned the artists ...