Memo to Dan Keegan, director of the Milwaukee Art Museum:
Ignore the protesters. Your Summer of China is another example of what a well-run, world-class art museum should be doing.
Again you have put Milwaukee at the top of the art world. The centerpiece of the Summer of China, “The Emperor’s Private Paradise: Treasures from the Forbidden City,” has been seen only in the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem, Mass., and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. From Saturday until Sept. 11, it will be in Milwaukee before returning to China.
If the distinction of being only one of three museums to host the exhibition weren’t enough, Keegan and his staff have assembled four complementary exhibitions, expanding significantly on both the Peabody Essex and Met presentations.
“On Site: Zhan Wang” brings a monumental 21st century sculpture by Zhan Wang into Windhover Hall under the wings of the Calatrava addition. “Warriors, Beasts and Spirits” takes visitors back into the Han, Tang and Ming dynasties through the collection of a Wisconsin native. “Emerald Mountains” is one of the most comprehensive collections of modern Chinese ink paintings in the West. The fourth complementary exhibit, “Way of the Dragon” explores the Chinoiserie style of ornamentation, and is the only part of the Summer of China to open later on June 30.
Simply stated, the Summer of China is world class. It’s something that won’t be seen in Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco or LA.
Through the leadership of Keegan and programs like the Summer of China, the Milwaukee Art Museum and its renowned Calatrava addition remain at the forefront of the world art scene. In addition, by charging nothing extra for special exhibits like the Summer of China, the museum has made great art accessible to every resident and visitor.
Protesters, spurred on by the media, argue that the detention of an outspoken Chinese artist by the current government in China should cause museums to cut back on cultural exhibitions from that country or at least modify them to include the issue they champion. To us, that would be like adding a discussion of the current political situation in Egypt to the recently departed “Mummies” exhibition at the Milwaukee Public Museum.
It’s a mock controversy that detracts from the historical significance and beauty of the Summer of China.
Keep up the good work Director Keegan.
