Provide a response from the Association of Sculptors to the Damage to the “Oil Pond” / Museum of Documentation
The Association of Sculptors of Iran reacted by issuing a statement condemning the damage to the oil well by Japanese artist Noriki Haraguchi, calling the protection of works that are national assets the least that museum managers are required to observe. are.
Theater News Base: The text of this statement is as follows:
Statement of the Iranian Association of Sculptors regarding the performance and damage to the sculpture “Matter and Thought” by Noryuki Haraguchi at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran
Sculpture of Matter and Thought (Oil Pond) by Noriuki Haraguchi Japanese sculptor 1976, coinciding with the opening of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran; It is permanently installed in the museum, this work was reconstructed and restored in October 2017 with the presence of the artist. Now, after four years and in the absence of the artist (died in 1399), this work has been damaged and violated the privacy of the work during the program Five Treasures, in honor of Hakim Nezami, on Saturday, March 12, with the performance of “Fish Bird”.
The Association of Sculptors of Iran, expressing its deep regret over this irresponsible incident, declares its position as follows:
One: Although the statement and explanations of the museum refer to the performance of interactive works with works of art, but the invasion of privacy and damage to the original work can not be justified in any way and the responsibility of negligence in planning and selecting the work is with the organizers.
Two: The treasury of the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran is part of the national capital; Preservation of works and observance of the principles of professional preservation is the least that museum managers are required to observe.
Three: Selecting the Museum of Contemporary Art in Tehran and performing interactive works in the museum with its unique treasure requires a study and research process and professional sensitivities.
“Therefore, the Iranian Association of Sculptors strongly urges the museum authorities and the organizers of the event to provide the documents of the study process of the work and the predictions made by the museum in order to clarify the issue and enlighten the public opinion.”