Review of The Art of the Steal (2010) by Helen J — 22 May 2010

This documentary may present a one-sided perspective but that doesn't take away from a fascinating story of a man's last wishes being completely undone by those that have their own agenda and apparently think they know best.

I found the dual perspectives on art particularly intriguing. There is something gained and something lost when you make great art so easily accessible to the masses. Anyone who has ever traveled to a major museum or exhibit only to have their moment diminished by the bubblegum popping, cell phone picture snapping crowd in front of them can appreciate the value and rarity of a more intimate private exhibit.

Independent of the expose' of how Barnes' wishes were violated (whether pragmatically or carelessly) is the consideration of different perspectives on how best to protect, share and extract value from artistic masterpieces.