Art Institute Closed Until American Gothic Complies with Social Distancing

By Mitchell Trachtenberg

Artist’s rendering of how an adjusted photo would look (P.C. Alex Peters)

CHICAGO, IL - As coronavirus (COVID-19) continues to spread through Illinois, the Chicago Art Institute has decided to shut its doors until iconic painting, American Gothic, can set a better example for social distancing.

“It’s been challenging enough ensuring that visitors stand six feet apart from each other when admiring our masterpieces, and the father and daughter portrayed in American Gothic do not help the cause,” said Art Institute Curator, Arthur Watson. “They are standing right next to each other, and their facial expressions convey a sense of judgment,” he said pensively, as he pointed to the lack of space between them.

Watson then stated that unless the painting could be adjusted in a way that complies with the CDC’s recommendation, they would be forced to shut down due to the health risk.

While it was applauded by Mayor Lightfoot and Governor Pritzker, the decision to alter a historic painting was criticized by Amanda Wood, great-granddaughter of artist, Grant Wood.

“This is nonsense! You’re not asking the figures in A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte to evacuate, and they’re practically on top of each other! Close down anyway to keep people safe, but don’t change this painting,” said Amanda Wood.

Watson stated that they would never impose that sort of restriction on the people in A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, because they all seem to be having such a pleasant time that he wouldn’t want to ruin their day.