In The Art of the Steal, Don Argott dissects how Dr. Albert Barnes' extensive art collection was permanently removed from the original foundation building; very much against Dr. Barnes' last wishes.  If you've read about the film or are a fan of art, then you already know about this legal "art theft."

Some of us learned quite a bit from watching this documentary.  I must admit, I attended the Barnes Exhibtion at the AGO in Toronto back in 1995; not knowing the controvery behind it.  During the Q&A, a Toronto woman spoke about protests that took place here during the AGO exhibit.  Again, something that was not very well known to some of us, including the filmmaker.  During the Toronto show, the AGO Board of Directors was invited to talk to the protesting group in order to raise awareness of the violations to Dr. Barnes' wishes.  Nonetheless, the show continued to great success.

People in the audience wanted to know what is to happen to the original foundation building, when the art works are moved to a new building on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  Argott said he's not sure but it seems that the original building will still be used for administrative purposes.  The film has been getting quite the buzz.  It's informative and it raises some interesting issues of class, race and capitalism... As Argott said, he hopes this film will "shift the dialogue to larger issues" at play.

For info on upcoming screening times and location, go here. 

(Photo by Heidy M. From L-R: Demian Fenton (Editor), Sheena M. Joyce (Producer), Lenny Feinberg (Executive Producer) and Don Argoot).