Truth Be Told wins.

I think it is apparent by now how much I support, love, and simply believe in the power of Public Art, and today Public Art won a big battle.

Truth Be Told has been controversial in the community of Kinderhook, New York since the 160-foot facade was unveiled at the Jack Shainman Gallery last fall. The 25-foot tall work of black vinyl letters by Nick Cave was his response to the national demonstrations following the police killing of George Floyd and debuted in the gallery’s “States of Being” art and social initiative. 

Nick Cave said: “The gallery had to go to the city and ask permission. I’m like, just f-ing do it. Like John Lewis said when he said ‘good trouble.’ To me, it’s about that. You don’t need f-ing permission. It’s an art gallery, a place of expression. Go for it.” The gallery never got permission but it went up anyway.

A fight ensued with the local government who claimed the text was “a sign” not art. Kinderhook mayor Dale R. Leiser threatened to fine the gallery $200 every day the artwork remained on view, while the community over the universal question: whether text constituted art.

For months the debate continued. A petition signed by more than 3,300 people--museum directors, villagers, children--demanding that the work be allowed was obviously heard and honored. The zoning board of Kinderhook, New York, voted unanimously in favor of Truth be Told, acknowledging that it is indeed artwork and therefore is protected under the First Amendment.

I was excited to learn that Truth Be Told will travel to the Brooklyn Museum in May.

Nick Cave said it best: “It’s an art gallery, a place of expression. Go for it.”