Artist: Archie Rand
Confronting Bodies: Brooklyn Union Gas Co.
Date of Action: November 15, 1993 though January 26, 1994
Specific Location: Community Gallery at One MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, New York
Description of Artwork: Hebrew letters painted on kitschy wall hangings of images including but not limited to the last supper, dogs playing poker, the American flag, and Jesus Christ.
Description of Incident: Archie Rand entered into a contract with the Brooklyn Union Gas Co. to have his work shown at their Community Gallery. The works were then removed amid accusations from Brooklyn Union's employees that the art was "offensive" and constituted "flag desecration," "animal desecration," and "graffiti on Christ."
Results of Incident: Archie Rand filed suit against Brooklyn Union Gas Co. for breach of contract. The two parties later reached a settlement reinstating the artwork at the Community Gallery.
Source: NCAC based on information from press releases by the Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts and articles in The New York Law Journal, and The Village Voice.
Submitted By: Peter Silverman