“Of course [the Living Desert] had concerns, which I respected,” Chicago told Artnet News in an email. “We spent a considerable amount of time discussing how to bring my work to that landscape without disturbing the wildlife or damaging the environment.”
Last month, when she learned of Chicago’s plans, Japenga sent a letter to the artist, the Living Desert, and Sabby Jonathan, a former Palm Desert mayor and current councilman, among others. (Johnathan previously voted against the city’s sponsorship of the exhibition, according to the
Japenga suggested that the piece was unsafe and should be relocated to a more appropriate venue. She included quotes from two local wildlife biologists she consulted, who had raised concerns about possible animal safety issues, including 11 bighorn lambs recently born in the area.
Smoky Artwork by Judy Chicago at Desert Zoo Is Canceled
“Living Smoke” was scheduled for April but the California venue withdrew after an activist said the colorful smoke display could harm the environment.
Judy Chicago’s plan to create an atmospheric artwork at the 1,200-acre Living Desert Zoo and Gardens was scrapped after an environmental activist raised questions about its effect on sheep and other animals.Credit.Donald Woodman/Artist Rights Society
Published Feb. 27, 2021Updated March 12, 2021
Two years ago, the arts organization Desert X in Palm Springs, Calif., canceled a Jenny Holzer light projection to be shown on a local mountainside during its biennial exhibition for fear of endangering bighorn sheep that roamed there.
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The Desert X Board in consultation with its team and members of the Coachella Valley community have decided that, In light of the urgent health crisis and surge in cases of COVID-19, the only responsible way forward to protect the community, health care system, Desert X artists, visitors and all those who volunteer and contribute to the exhibition, is to wait until the lockdown period has been lifted before opening to the public.
The artists’ projects are ready, and the Desert X team and board will identify a new opening date as soon as they believe it can be done safely.
Art Industry News: Forensic Architecture Claims a Miami Museum Censored Its Probe Into a Migrant Detention Center + Other Stories
Plus, Desert X postpones its 2021 biennial and art shippers report a rocky rollout of the new Brexit procedures.
The Long Duration of a Split Second, consisting of two projects,
Killing in Umm al-Hiran 18 January 2017, Negev/Naqab, Israel/Palestine Investigation: 2015-ongoing, video, aerial images, text. Turner Prize 2018, Tate Britain.
Art Industry News is a daily digest of the most consequential developments coming out of the art world and art market. Here’s what you need to know on this Tuesday, January 12.
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