Hello all you wonderful people! I've been approached by a potential client for a consultation and eventual exhibition project. The collection in question is the largest of a certain writer that I am ethically opposed to. As are many of my ilk.
I don't want to say whom just yet for the sake of remaining professional. I just want to get advice from my peers who may have been placed in a similar situation. I will say that this is a philosophical construct I'm battling with, not someone associated with war crimes or anything.
I realize it's a slippery slope to begin making moral judgments on controversial historical objects, but I'm still having a hard time saying yes to this project.
Has anyone dealt with anything like this before that could share some wisdom? I can discuss the figure in question in an email or phone call I think without compromising my principles. james@sparkandanvil.com
Thanks for your time and insights!
Yours,
James
Hi James,
I have a feeling you and I would agree about many aspects of our modern world. That said, let me tell you my feelings regarding your query.
I spent many years (decades) as a retail picture framer. Often I would work on projects for clients whose ideologies I did not agree with, or that I even considered damaging to society. After lengthy consideration, I went ahead with the projects by telling myself that it was better for me to get the money for the project than for someone who agreed with the person I disagreed with.
Although it never came up in my experience, I would make an exception for a project that involved something heinous or illegal. But as far as philosophical differences, I'm happy to take money from those I disagree with, and use some of it to make the world a better place.
As a side note, I have much more trouble with purchasing materials from companies that I disagree with, and there are many of them. I try to avoid them, but sometimes I have to bite the bullet and use them anyway, in order to benefit myself and my customers.
Scott