Jeffrey Deitch, MOCA's new Director

In case you've missed it, you definitely need to read Tyler Green's 3 part interview with Jeffrey Deitch, MOCA's new director. Tyler does a good job of renewing my faith in "journalism" here and Deitch certainly sounds like your typical museum director so I'm not certain why some people find the choice so strange. Look, if JD lets Jeff Koons start to curate I'll certainly do my best to fricassee him but till then I ain't gonna go all Yosemite Sam... like some are till he actually does something. Tyler asks the right questions, Deitch gave the right answers... a totally predictable art world moment where everyone does as they should.

Christopher Knight's article today also shows a higher level of skepticism. It's a good reminder that Deitch has to earn his way in LA... that's actually a good thing for Deitch since LACMA's Govan came with such a great reputation, which has been somewhat tarnished in his time in LA. LA isn't like anywhere else and Deitch really needs to build a stronger foundation for the institution.

I did find Roberta Smith's article weird though... with its focus not so much that LA is gaining a new director it's that New York is losing one of its best dealers??? sheeesh... though she did bring up a point that Tyler and others have missed, Deitch is an art world autodidact. This is important as he's proven capable of learning and growing in a pragmatic way. LA needs someone who can finally seat MOCA at the appropriate place in LA's cultural landscape and though Ican understand the skepticism (I share it) I think Deitch has shown an exemplary level of excellence in every new hat he's tried on... so much so I think betting against him is somewhat foolish. We will see.