Too politically risqué? Art collection pulled from Vanguard lounge
Paintings depict wives, girlfriends, lovers of Calif. governors
An art collection at a lounge near the Capitol is at the center of controversy.
The paintings, titled “Politically Vulnerable,” were pulled from the walls of Vanguard, near 14th and L streets.
The work was set for a grand opening Friday.
The art collection includes 12 paintings by local artist Maren Conrad of 10 women, including Linda Ronstadt, Maria Shriver and Christine Larsen, who have been wives, lovers or muses for California governors.
Conrad said she spent six weeks on the project after being commissioned by Vanguard’s owners.
“We went through the list of who was going to be portrayed, the concept behind it, my artist statement,” Conrad told KCRA 3. “My goal in creating this body of work was to start a conversation about who these women are and to show a common strength, showing one’s femininity and vulnerability even in the face of politics.”
She said Vanguard wasn’t so “vanguard” in pulling her paintings, after a person who read a short brief about the art in the Capitol Morning Report complained.
“(Vanguard) was worried about upsetting the female lobbyist, the female backing,” Conrad said. “In her email, she stated that she would boycott the restaurant and not give her business anymore and get her colleagues to do the same thing.”
Vanguard’s marketing director sent KCRA 3 a statement.
“It’s not easy to own or operate a business. Regardless of how we currently feel about this situation and the conversations surrounding it - we've got to stand behind the business decision that was made,” wrote Natalie Paulson. “It's beyond difficult to see something you've worked so tirelessly on become the subject of such controversy.”
People to whom KCRA 3 showed the paintings don’t understand why they would be offensive.
“I wouldn’t obviously complain, but you know, to each his own,” Kermit Franklin said.
Stefanie Sublett said, “I think it’s ridiculous that they pulled it. I think it’s really pretty. Obviously that artist is really talented.”
KCRA 3 reached out to the person who complained about the painting, but has not heard back.
Conrad said a local buyer has purchased the full collection of the dozen paintings.