The Blaffer Art Museum, managed by the University of Houston, is experiencing significant internal disruption following the appointment of Laura Augusta as director and chief curator in 2024. Reports indicate staff changes and exhibition cancellations, raising questions about the institution's immediate future and artistic direction.
Key Takeaways
- Laura Augusta's appointment in 2024 led to internal changes at the Blaffer Art Museum.
- Former associate curator Erika Mei Chua Holum was terminated in July.
- Artists Ja’Tovia Gary and Kenneth Tam have withdrawn or seen their shows canceled.
- A Guadalupe Maravilla exhibition was also canceled earlier in the year.
- Budget disagreements and communication issues are cited as key factors.
Leadership Transition and Staff Departures
The Blaffer Art Museum, a key cultural institution within the University of Houston, is navigating a period of notable change. This follows the arrival of Laura Augusta as director and chief curator earlier this year. Her appointment has coincided with several high-profile departures and shifts in planned exhibitions.
According to a report from the Texas art magazine Glasstire, Erika Mei Chua Holum, who served as the museum's associate curator, was terminated in July. Chua Holum stated that her dismissal was attributed to alleged budget overruns for her exhibitions. However, she maintained that these budget figures were accurate and had been approved by previous leadership.
"I was terminated in July," Chua Holum told Glasstire, adding that "the sculpture could’ve been constructed." This refers to a previously canceled exhibition.
Augusta, the current director, has disputed Chua Holum's claims regarding the feasibility of certain projects and the reasons for her termination. This difference in accounts highlights internal disagreements over financial management and artistic planning.
Fact Check
The Blaffer Art Museum is part of the University of Houston. Its mission includes presenting contemporary art exhibitions and programs.
Exhibition Cancellations and Artist Concerns
Beyond staff changes, several artists have either withdrawn their planned exhibitions or had them canceled. Artist Ja’Tovia Gary reportedly canceled her show at the Blaffer Art Museum on July 18, shortly before Chua Holum's termination.
Gary cited a breakdown in budget negotiations as the reason for her decision to pull the exhibition. Augusta, however, stated that Gary's exhibition was "still in development" and that specific details, including its budget and overall scope, had not been finalized. Augusta emphasized that it is standard practice for museums to have shows in various stages of development.
"It is standard practice for museums to have exhibitions in various stages of development at all times," Augusta explained to Glasstire, noting that the exhibition "was canceled by the artist before it was contracted."
Another artist, Kenneth Tam, also informed Glasstire that his Blaffer exhibition had been "canceled." Tam described behind-the-scenes difficulties regarding the organization and details of his show, claiming it was postponed amid back-and-forth discussions. The museum, however, denied to Glasstire that Tam's exhibition was canceled.
Background Information
Earlier in the year, in February, the Blaffer Art Museum also canceled a presentation by artist Guadalupe Maravilla. This cancellation occurred roughly six months after a Shahzia Sikander sculpture at the University of Houston was vandalized. At the time, the museum attributed Maravilla's cancellation to concerns related to the construction of a large-scale sculpture. However, former curator Chua Holum disputed this, stating the sculpture could have been built.
Ongoing Project Status and Communication Issues
The status of at least one other exhibition, by artist Thania Petersen, also remains uncertain. Glasstire reported that Petersen had experienced "difficulty" in her communications with Blaffer staff regarding her upcoming show. Augusta confirmed that Petersen's exhibition "currently remains in development."
These developments suggest a broader pattern of communication challenges and unresolved issues surrounding exhibition planning and execution under the museum's new leadership. The disagreements over budget allocations and project feasibility indicate a shift in the museum's operational approach.
Steven Matijcio, the museum's former director and chief curator, weighed in on the budget discussions. He told Glasstire that he considered Chua Holum’s exhibition budgets to be "feasible" during his tenure. This statement contrasts with the current administration's reported concerns regarding those same budgets.
Impact on Artistic Programming
The series of cancellations and withdrawals of exhibitions directly impacts the museum's artistic programming. When artists pull their shows or when exhibitions are postponed indefinitely, it affects the public's access to contemporary art and the museum's reputation within the art community.
The incidents involving Ja’Tovia Gary, Kenneth Tam, and Thania Petersen highlight potential challenges in fostering strong relationships between the museum and artists. Clear communication and agreed-upon terms are crucial for successful collaborations in the art world.
The situation at the Blaffer Art Museum underscores the complexities inherent in museum leadership transitions, particularly concerning artistic vision, financial management, and maintaining positive relationships with artists and staff. The University of Houston has not yet released a public statement regarding these internal matters.