When it comes to politically sanctioned countries, the art trade walks a complicated line.
When a Miami dealer recently phoned to ask us about “trading with the enemy,” we initially thought he meant buying art from a competing gallery.
It turned out he was speaking literally. He was considering an exhibition of “dissident art” from “embargoed countries” (nations against which the U.S. has imposed sanctions) and wanted to avoid any legal snags. “I’m thinking of focusing on Cuba,” the dealer explained, “and I’d like to commission paintings from artists currently living in Havana. What’s my risk?” Continue reading “Dangerous Liaisons”