A former federal prosecutor has brought allegations to New York Attorney General Letitia James regarding the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, which was established to protect and promote the legacy of abstract artist Helen Frankenthaler who passed away in 2011. The prosecutor, Andrew Weissman, is urging James to investigate the foundation for potential conflicts of interest and self-dealing by members of the board of directors. Weissman claims that board member Clifford Ross, who is the late artist’s nephew, directed the foundation to provide grants to the Asia Society and Museum, which is currently hosting an exhibition of Ross’s own photography work.
Weissman’s letter to the Attorney General highlights the alleged misuse of resources by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation, which has assets exceeding $500 million. Between 2021 and 2022, the foundation reportedly granted $250,000 to the Asia Foundation and Museum, where Ross’s photographs are displayed prominently. The exhibition, titled “Coal + Ice,” features Ross’s photos of waves in Portugal and is described as an immersive photography and video experience that runs until August 11. The foundation’s financial decisions, particularly in relation to Ross’s work, have raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest and undisclosed transactions.
In a separate legal action, former board member Frederick Iseman filed a lawsuit against the Frankenthaler Foundation, accusing the directors of engaging in actions that undermine the legacy of Helen Frankenthaler. Iseman, who is also a nephew of the late artist, is represented by Kaplan, Hecker and Fink LLP and has brought attention to the alleged misconduct within the foundation. The ongoing legal dispute further adds to the scrutiny surrounding the foundation’s operations and the handling of Frankenthaler’s artistic legacy.
Weissman’s involvement in the investigation stems from Iseman’s concerns about the foundation’s governance and financial decisions. The former prosecutor, known for his work in Robert S. Mueller’s Special Counsel Office investigating Russian interference in the 2016 election, is seeking an independent inquiry into the alleged conflicts of interest and self-dealing by the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation’s board members. The controversy surrounding the foundation raises questions about transparency, accountability, and the preservation of an artist’s legacy in the realm of philanthropy and art institutions.
The accusations brought forth by Weissman and Iseman point to a broader issue of ethical practices within charitable foundations and cultural organizations. The potential misuse of funds, conflicts of interest, and lack of oversight in the promotion of an artist’s legacy raise concerns about the integrity of such institutions. As the allegations regarding the Helen Frankenthaler Foundation continue to unfold, the Attorney General’s investigation could shed light on the inner workings of the foundation and potentially lead to reforms in governance and financial decision-making within the organization.
In response to the allegations, the Frankenthaler Foundation has denied any wrongdoing and defended the actions of its directors. The foundation claims that the accusations made by Iseman and Weissman are baseless and part of a campaign to tarnish the reputation of the board members. The ongoing legal proceedings and the Attorney General’s potential investigation could bring clarity to the situation and determine the extent of any misconduct within the foundation. The outcome of these inquiries may have significant implications for the management of charitable organizations and the protection of artists’ legacies in the future.
