The fires in California that have ravaged thousands of acres have been front-page news for weeks. The devastation has been epic; hundreds of homes and businesses are gone, and officials estimate that at least 28 people are confirmed dead, with several more missing.
Image: WeHo Times
Art collector and gallery owner Ron Rivlin survived the fire, but his home in Pacific Palisades did not. Rivlin owns Revolver Gallery in West Hollywood and has an extensive artwork collection at his home. Rivlin told media outlets that he lost over 200 pieces of art in the fire, including works by Andy Warhol, Keith Haring, Damien Hirst, John Baldessari, and Kenny Scharf. Revolver Gallery specializes in works by Warhol. Rivlin has consulted with the FBI on cases of fraud or forgery because he is recognized as an expert on authenticating work by Andy Warhol.
When he had to evacuate, he was able to carry three Warhol prints with him, telling the New York Times, “I grabbed those, and as I was leaving, I saw the fire ahead of me on the hill.” While his home had smoke detectors and sprinklers in every room, the fire was so intense and moving so fast that the sprinklers were not enough to knock down the flames. The gallery in West Hollywood was not damaged, but as an avid collector, Rivlin said his home always held some of his favorites.
One piece that did survive was a sculpture by artist Michael Bennisty called “Holding Hands. ” The sculpture depicts a couple standing up and holding hands. Each figure has missing bits yet is still upright and together. Rivlin is insured for the works but mentioned family photo albums that were lost, calling them “irreplaceable.”
The fires highlight a concern for art collectors who keep pieces at their homes. Galleries and museums often have fire-proof walls and spaces and full-time staff to protect the collections. A private home doesn’t have the same degree of security, so natural disasters, crime, or accidents can put priceless artwork at risk. While most collectors are insured, the loss is not just for the owner of a piece but also for the art world. Warhol, Haring, and many other artists have left a legacy of work, so when any piece gets destroyed, artists, collectors, and fans all feel the loss.
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Brenda Kelley Kim lives in the Boston area. She is the author of Sink or Swim: Tales From the Deep End of Everywhere and writes a weekly syndicated column for The Marblehead Weekly News/Essex Media Group. When not writing or walking her snorty pug, Penny, she enjoys yard sales, flea markets, and badminton.
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