Matthew Campbell's Book Exposes Douglas Latchford's Looting of Cambodian Art
Matthew Campbell's new book "The Man Who Stole the Gods" details how British art smuggler Douglas Latchford spent four decades illegally funneling Cambodian sculptures into Western museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Art crime scholar Erin L. Thompson interviewed Campbell about the violence of stealing sacred Khmer heritage and the challenge of writing about a trafficker who supplied major institutions. The newsletter also features James Cahill's art-world character study "The Violet Hour," an excerpt from William Kentridge's new book on his creative process, a review of a book on dogs in Western art history, and a Pride Month reading list including works on Peter Hujar, Paul Thek, Martin Wong, and Catherine Opie.
Key facts
- Matthew Campbell wrote "The Man Who Stole the Gods" about Douglas Latchford.
- Douglas Latchford was a British art smuggler who trafficked Cambodian sculptures for 40 years.
- Latchford's looted artifacts ended up in Western museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
- Erin L. Thompson, an art crime scholar, interviewed Campbell for Hyperallergic.
- The interview discusses the violence of stealing sacred Khmer sculptures.
- James Cahill's novel "The Violet Hour" is a character study of the art world.
- William Kentridge's new book includes the quote 'the studio is a safe space for stupidity'.
- A book on dogs in Western art history is reviewed by Alisyn Amant.
- A Pride Month guide lists 7 art books including works on Peter Hujar, Paul Thek, Martin Wong, and Catherine Opie.
- A summer reading list includes Megan O'Grady's meditation on art and living and Nan Goldin's photo essay.
Entities
Artists
- Douglas Latchford
- Erin L. Thompson
- Matthew Campbell
- James Cahill
- William Kentridge
- Alisyn Amant
- Alex Bowditch
- Peter Hujar
- Paul Thek
- Martin Wong
- Catherine Opie
- Nan Goldin
- Megan O'Grady
- Lakshmi Rivera Amin
Institutions
- Metropolitan Museum of Art
- Hyperallergic
- David Zwirner Books
- Getty Publications
Locations
- Cambodia
- Afghanistan
- Los Angeles
- United States