Letter from the editor:

I'm hoping for a more restful week after such a dizzying series of events last week. Most notably the Beirut explosion, which was a stark reminder that our cities are so fragile, and how so much can disappear so quickly. 

Today, we examine the largely ignored origins of the #challengeaccepted meme, hear from a gallery director in Beirut, learn more about New Museum's union problems, and take a look at Wojnarowicz's stoner — I mean stoned — drawings.

You may have encountered the #challengeaccepted meme circulating when women you know posted black and white selfies and encouraged others to do the same. Alicia Eler writes about the more somber origins of the meme, and how it transformed into something far less political. It all started with one female university student in Turkey who was murdered by her ex-boyfriend.

Hakim Bishara continues his coverage of the Beirut blast and talks to Marfa’ Gallery founder Joumana Asseily about the devastation the space experienced. She points out something that sent chills down my spine:

Fortunately, the gallery was closed on the day of the explosion, August 4, and Asseily and her assistant were in safer parts of the city … “We could have had an opening that night or worked till late, as we usually do. I still can’t believe that we were working, exhibiting, and living so close to 2,700 tonnes of ammonium nitrate and maybe ammunition.”  

I bet it's something many people who live in the vicinity of the blast must be thinking.

The New Museum Union is not happy, and they spoke about recent developments:

“Now that the museum has dumped so many union supporters — our whole steward committee was laid off, our whole bargaining committee laid off or furloughed — they can go back to pretending they’re some progressive institution,” the union tweeted. “Let us remind you all again that they’re not.”  

“The layoffs disproportionately targeted unionized and other low-paid workers at the Museum…”  

A reader pointed out that in one of my notes last week, I had written that the Metropolitan Museum had “decided” to dedicate an endowment fund to the flower arrangements in the Great Hall before they had one for interns. She pointed out that the museum hadn’t made that decision, but that the person who donated the money was responsible for the choice. 

While I agree that the donor was in fact the one who made the gift, I don’t want to let the institution off the hook. The Metropolitan Museum may not have created that endowment as a matter of choice, but they certainly are responsible for an institutional culture that saw flowers as a priority over paying interns. When I criticize wonderful institutions like the Metropolitan Museum, it is because I believe they should lead by example, and not simply allow donors to dictate priorities. Thank you to that reader for pushing me to correct and elaborate on my point.

And if you need a fun break, can I suggest our story on David Wojnarowicz's "Stoned" drawings. Reputedly he wasn't high when he made all of them, but that's what they all say.

David Wojnarowicz’s Little-known “Stoned” Drawings

Wojnarowicz created his “Stoned Sketchbook” as a teenager, but its loopy, delightful drawings foreshadow the mature artist’s irresistible irreverence.

Valentina Di Liscia

News

A Beirut Gallery Owner Speaks About the Devastation of the Explosion

“We are now in survival mode,” says Joumana Asseily, director and founder of Marfa’ Projects. “A week ago I was concerned about safety issues because of the pandemic but now my biggest worry is checking if everyone is safe and has a shelter.”

Dallas Art Fair Will Not Reimburse Participants for Canceled 2020 Edition

As galleries struggle to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic, exhibitors learned the fair will not reimburse participants for the booth fees they have already paid.

New Museum Recalls Some Furloughed Workers, Union Calls for Greater Reform

“As they parade around their executive pay cuts, [director] Lisa Phillips is still making at least $500,000 while 25 people now have no income and no health insurance during a pandemic,” the union said.

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