The Jewish Museum in New York City is being urged to step in and save the Wilbur J. Cohen Building in Washington, DC, which is home to a collection of New Deal-era murals by artists such as Ben Shahn, Philip Guston, and Seymour Fogel. The call to action comes from a group of artists and cultural workers who are concerned that the building may be demolished as Trump officials move to expedite its sale.
The Cohen Building, completed in 1940, is adorned with murals that depict scenes of social welfare and the impact of the Social Security Act, which was passed as part of the New Deal program in 1935. These murals, created by prominent artists, serve as a reminder of the importance of a social safety net for vulnerable populations.
The artists behind the letter, including Elise Engler, Joyce Kozloff, and Martha Rosler, believe that the Jewish Museum is uniquely positioned to advocate for the preservation of the Cohen Building due to its recent exhibitions featuring the works of Shahn and Guston. The museum’s Director James Snyder and Board Chair Shari Aronson have expressed their support for the cause.
The letter, sent to the museum on January 9, highlights the urgency of the situation as the Trump administration moves forward with plans to sell and potentially demolish the building. The artists hope that their efforts will inspire other institutions to join the fight against the destruction of cultural heritage.
Among the more than 380 signatories are artist Joan Semmel and Jenne M. Currie, the daughter of one of the muralists whose work is housed in the Cohen Building. The artists are calling for a halt to the sale and destruction of the building and its valuable artworks.
As the fight to save the Cohen Building unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage in the face of political upheaval. The artists behind the letter are committed to ensuring that these historic murals are protected for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
