The city suspended de Zegher after an exhibition of fake Russian modernist works. She is accused of failure to perform her duties. De Zegher denies the accusations
Catherine de Zegher. Source: nieuwsblad.be
More than 60 cultural figures showed their support the director of Ghent’s Museum of Fine Arts, Catherine de Zegher. She was suspended over the show Russian Modernism 1910–30 that probably included fake works.
The exhibition, which opened in October 2017, included 24 works from collector Igor Toporovsky’s Dieleghem Foundation.
International media claimed after comments by art critics and experts that the authenticity documents for the works were fake, sales records were untraceable and the owner’s explanations were confusing. An independent transparent examination was prevented by lawyers from the Dieleghem Foundation.
The show Russian Modernism 1910–30 was conceived as a permanent exhibition. Opened in October 2017, it was closed in January following the scandal. In March, the museum suspended de Zegher as director. Like the collector, the curator denies the allegations, citing judgements from two independent experts. The experts she mentioned refuted her words.
The curator filed a complained against the city of Ghent, De Standaard, reports. A decision on whether the museum’s actions were legal will be taken by Jan Briers, governor of the province of East Flanders.
Despite the serious accusations of neglect, art professional around the world show their support for de Zegher. They point at her vast curatorial experience, say comments in the media were allegations and call to protect museums that organise new projects despite risks.
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