A recent initiative by a collective of artists seeks to protect historical New Deal-era artworks located within the Wilbur J. Cohen Federal Building in Washington, D.C. This effort involves an appeal to the Jewish Museum in New York, requesting their assistance in safeguarding the murals and sculptural installations crafted by renowned Jewish artists such as Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, and Seymour Fogel, which are currently at risk due to potential demolition.
The formal letter, addressed to Shari Aronson, who chairs the Jewish Museum's board, was spearheaded by artists Elise Engler, Joyce Kozloff, and Martha Rosler. It has garnered support from hundreds of influential figures within the art community, including notable signatories like Joan Semmel, Rochelle Feinstein, Joan Snyder, Lucy Lippard, and Kay WalkingStick, underscoring the widespread concern for these artistic treasures. This plea emerged following reports that the building, often dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of New Deal Art,” was slated for “accelerated disposal” by the U.S. government, potentially leading to its demolition.
Erected in 1940, the Cohen Building originally served as the headquarters for the Social Security Administration, with its interior adorned to reflect the agency's mission. These artistic contributions, specifically highlighted in the artists' letter to the Jewish Museum, include Shahn’s series of murals titled The Meaning of Social Security, Guston’s Reconstruction and Well-Being of the Family, and Fogel’s works, Wealth of the Nation and The Security of the People. The letter critically observes, “The United States has a woeful record of respecting, preserving, and restoring its public art, especially compared with older and less wealthy countries.” This statement emphasizes a broader lament regarding the nation's inconsistent approach to cultural heritage preservation.
Both Ben Shahn and Philip Guston have recently been the subjects of exhibitions at the Jewish Museum, further cementing their artistic legacy and connection to the institution. The artists' collective hopes that the museum's historical and artistic ties to these figures will motivate a strong intervention to prevent the loss of these significant public artworks. The campaign highlights a critical juncture for cultural preservation, advocating for the recognition and protection of art that embodies a pivotal era in American history.