As has been recently reported in the press, the artist Garth Benton is suing Gordon Getty, son of the art collector J. Paul Getty. Benton claims that one of his murals which was in Getty’s home has been painted over. The action is being brought in California under the Art Preservation Act of 1979, which prohibits intentional defacement, mutilation, alteration, or destruction of fine art.

While we consider this a matter to be resolved privately between the two parties, the implications of such a statute on the work we do at A.M.P. could not go unnoticed. The Art Preservation Act of 1979 is clearly an infringement on personal and civil rights regarding issues of speech and property, not to mention common sense. The unfettered production of physical works of art has reached crisis proportions and threatens to drown us in mediocrity. There just isn’t enough room. It’s time to make the difficult choice. Downsize now! Dematerialize now!

It’s true. We may have been caught with our pants down, but it’s not too late. We must join together to repeal the California Art Preservation Act a.s.a.p. and enact laws which both actively protect our cultural environment, our natural resources, and promote a thriving marketplace, and the creative heritage that keeps our nation strong.
Please Help.

The Art Moratorium Project will be immersed for the next year in researching any laws and lawmakers that impact us and the creative community. If you have leads, information, and or contacts concerning the Art Preservation Act of 1979 or any other legislation pending or not, concerning Art, please contact us immediately. Your participation is invaluable.

Art Moratorium Project 23 Garretson Ave. Rodeo, Ca. 94572

The case Benton vs. Getty was recently settled out of court for an undisclosed sum (11-00.) Unfortunately, Results like this will only encourage more of this kind of intrusive legislative action.