SFMOMA Head Curator Eungie Joo Dismissed for Workplace Misconduct
The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art made headlines on December 17 with the dismissal of curator and contemporary art head Eungie Joo due to workplace misconduct. According to a museum spokesperson, Joo’s termination was a result of violating the institution’s rules of workplace conduct. Though the specifics of the incident remain undisclosed, the decision to part ways with Joo was deemed necessary to uphold the museum’s standards.
Joo’s Contributions and Background
Eungie Joo joined SF MoMA in 2017 as the inaugural curator of contemporary art, aiming to enhance the museum’s standing in the global contemporary arts scene. During her tenure, she curated various exhibitions, including the current display of animatronic sculptures by Kara Walker, running until spring 2026 and accessible to the public free of charge. Prior to her role at SF MoMA, Joo held significant positions at prestigious art institutions such as Instituto Inhotim in Brazil and the New Museum in New York, where she curated renowned international events like the Sharjah Biennial and the New Museum Triennial.
Institutional Turmoil and Recent Leadership Changes
Joo’s dismissal follows a series of challenges faced by SF MoMA in recent years. The institution witnessed the departure of key figures like chief curator Gary Garrels in 2020 and longtime director Neal Benezra in 2021, amidst controversies surrounding diversity and financial decisions. Christopher Bedford, the current director, assumed leadership in 2022 and has implemented measures like job cuts and increased admission prices to stabilize the museum’s finances post-pandemic.
Looking Ahead
As SF MoMA navigates these changes and strives to regain financial stability, the art world awaits further developments on Eungie Joo’s departure and the museum’s future direction. The impact of Joo’s contributions and the circumstances leading to her dismissal raise questions about accountability, workplace culture, and the evolving landscape of contemporary art institutions. Stay tuned for updates as SF MoMA continues its journey of transformation and resilience in the arts community.
