Founder of MOCA China still MIA
The Art Newspaper reported that the founder of MoCA China, Jeffrey du Vallier d’Aragon Aranita, has still not returned to Hong Kong to deal with his creditors and debts. With an ambitious plan to open up several MoCA museums across China that would share collections and programming, the artist/entrepreneur defied skeptics when he was even able to open the one and only MoCA on October 3, 2008. But shortly after the museum’s opening, Aranita skipped town, leaving behind debts upwards of a quarter of a million dollars.
Skeptics perhaps had a right to their hesitation: after three months and three exhibitions, MoCA China had to close because they ran out of money and couldn’t pay the rent. They also didn’t follow through on payment to artists after fundraising auctions.
All in all, it sounds like it was a poorly run operation—not surprising when your founder is tummy surfing in Hawaii. The Art Newspaper has tracked Aranita on his facebook page, which he updates with conflicting stories (he claims he went to Hawaii for healthcare). But facebook status messages apparently say he still has time for surfing. Aranita’s background is elusive and strange, and no one has any strong hopes he’ll make good on his debts. Jackass.
For the full story on Aranita and MoCA China, click here. For information on Aranita the artist, click here.
2 years ago | Tags: MoCA China Jeffrey du Vallier d’Aragon Aranita Museum of contemporary art hong kong museum art debt
