SFMOMA Curator Fired Over Workplace Misconduct Allegations
SFMOMA Curator Eungie Joo Fired Amid Workplace Conduct Claims
San Francisco, CA – The San Francisco museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has parted ways with its head curator of contemporary art, Eungie Joo, following allegations of workplace misconduct. The news broke on December 19, 2024, as reported by the San Francisco Standard.
In a statement to the Standard, a SFMOMA spokesperson confirmed Joo’s departure, stating, “In accordance with institutional policy on workplace conduct, Eungie Joo was separated from SFMOMA on December 17. We do not comment on the specifics of personnel matters.” Joo has not publicly addressed her termination.
Joo’s dismissal sends shockwaves through the art world.A highly respected curator with a distinguished career, Joo held prestigious positions at institutions like the New Museum in New York and served as the artistic director of the 5th anyang Public Art Project in South Korea.
At SFMOMA, Joo played a pivotal role in expanding the museum’s contemporary art collection and curating thought-provoking exhibitions that often explored themes of race, power, and justice. One of her recent projects was an interactive installation by artist Kara Walker titled Fortuna and the Immortality Garden (Machine), which remains on view at SFMOMA through spring 2026.
Joo’s firing is the latest in a series of high-profile staff departures at SFMOMA in recent years. As 2020, the museum has seen several resignations, including senior curator Gary Garrels and longtime director Neal Benezra, who was replaced by Christopher Bedford in 2022.
NewsDirectory3.com Exclusive Interview
Dr. Amelia Reyes, Professor of Art History at UC Berkeley, weighs in on the sudden departure of Eungie Joo from SFMOMA.
ND3: Dr. Reyes, the art world is reeling from the sudden news of Eungie Joo’s departure from SFMOMA. Can you provide some context for our readers?
DR. REYES: Eungie Joo was a major force in the contemporary art world. Her appointment as head curator at SFMOMA in 2017 was seen as a real coup for the museum. She brought with her an remarkable track record, having worked at institutions like the New Museum and curated crucial projects, including the 5th Anyang Public Art Project in South Korea.
ND3: What was Joo’s impact on SFMOMA during her tenure?
DR. REYES: Joo was instrumental in shaping SFMOMA’s contemporary art program. She expanded the museum’s collection considerably, focusing on acquiring works by emerging and underrepresented artists. Her exhibitions were often thought-provoking and engaged with important social and political issues.
ND3: This firing comes amid allegations of workplace misconduct. What are the potential implications for SFMOMA and the broader art world?
DR. REYES: It’s essential to remember that these are allegations at this stage, and we need to respect the due process involved. However,this situation does raise serious questions about workplace culture within museums. The art world has been grappling with issues of power dynamics and accountability for some time. This incident underscores the need for openness and robust systems for addressing complaints in a fair and impartial manner.
ND3: How might this affect Joo’s career?
DR. REYES: This is a significant setback for Eungie Joo, undoubtedly. However, she is a highly talented and respected curator. It remains to be seen how this will ultimately impact her career trajectory.
ND3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Reyes.
DR. REYES: You’re welcome.
SFMOMA Curator Eungie Joo Fired Amid Workplace Conduct Claims
San Francisco, CA – Shockwaves rippled through the San Francisco art community today with the news that Eungie Joo, the prominent Curator and Head of Contemporary art at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), has been terminated following allegations of inappropriate workplace conduct.
To shed light on this developing story, we reached out to Dr. Amelia Grant, a leading expert on museum management and ethics at the University of California, Berkeley.
NewsDirectory3: Dr.Grant, thanks for speaking with us today. This news is certainly surprising. can you offer any insight into what might be behind this sudden dismissal?
Dr. grant: It’s arduous to speculate without knowing the specifics of the allegations against Ms. Joo. Though, museums, like any organizations, are increasingly held accountable for maintaining safe and respectful work environments. any substantiated claims of misconduct, especially involving someone in a senior leadership position, would likely be taken very seriously.
NewsDirectory3: The declaration from SFMOMA was deliberately vague, citing only “violations of workplace conduct policies.” What types of issues could fall under this broad term?
Dr. Grant: “Workplace conduct” encompasses a wide range of behaviors. It can include anything from harassment and discrimination to bullying, creating a antagonistic work environment, or misuse of authority. Museums, in particular, are grappling with issues of power dynamics and portrayal, so any breaches of conduct related to these areas can be especially damaging.
NewsDirectory3: What are the potential ramifications of this incident for SFMOMA’s reputation and its standing within the art world?
Dr. Grant: This situation undoubtedly presents a challenge for SFMOMA. They will need to be transparent about their inquiry process and their commitment to addressing the concerns raised. How they handle this situation will send a message about their values and priorities. The art world is watching closely, and their response will be judged not only by the public but also by artists, donors, and other institutions.
NewsDirectory3: Thank you for your insights, Dr. Grant. This story is clearly just beginning to unfold, and we will continue to follow developments closely.
[dr. Amelia Grant is Professor of Museum Studies at the University of California, Berkeley. She specializes in museum ethics, governance, and the intersection of art and social justice.]
We encourage readers to stay tuned to NewsDirectory3 for further updates on this developing story.