Steve McQueen, Drumroll (Installation View), via MoCA

A retrospective of early works by artist and filmmaker Steve McQueen is currently on view at the MoCA’s Hollywood location at the Pacific Design Center, through September 21.  McQueen has carved out a unique place for himself as both a practicing video artist and filmmaker (with both a Turner Prize and an Oscar to his name) over the past years, and his exhibition at MoCA’s Pacific Design Center offers an introduction to the artist’s early practice. (more…)

The New York Times reports on Jeffrey Deitch, highlighting that the controversy regarding the LA MOCA director is not one-sided. While Deitch entered direction of a museum in dire financial straits, he in fact has strengthened its online presence, has presented almost two dozen exhibitions – some groundbreaking – and has hosted successful celebrity fundraisers. However his critics assert that he has appealed to both the public and billionaire board member Eli Broad, while neglecting artists and curators, turning the museum into a “black hole”. (more…)

The Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles announced that Ari Emanuel, Hollywood power agent and broker, has been elected to its board. The museum also re-elected Maurice Marciano, art collector and founder of the Guess clothing brand. Mr. Emanuel is co-chief executive of the William Morris Endeavor agency and is involved with arts nonprofits, although he is not known to be an art collector. (more…)

L.A.’s Museum of Contemporary Art has planned a special board meeting for this week after a summer of discontent and upheaval. This comes after Paul Schimmel, the museum’s long time chief curator was forced to resign in June due to tension between him and director, Jeffrey Deitch. Many board members, including prominent artists, have resigned or voiced their dissatisfaction in the wake of this decision, and thus the meeting is critical to unify the board and ensure financial support in the future.

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LA MOCA’s beleaguerment continues as its main supporter, Eli Broad, misses two payments.  At MOCA’s lowest endowment level of $5 million in 2008 Broad pledged $15 million, provided matching funds could be obtained.  Broad has paid $6.25 million of the amount, and the endowment currently stands at $20 million. No matching has been made. In the last fiscal year, grants and contributions fell 21.5%, operating profit has declined and expenses rose 10.7% to $17.5 million at the museum.

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LA MOCA announces Deborah Harry as headliner for its November 12th gala, which is being developed by Marina Abramovic [AO Newslink]

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