The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) has abruptly dismissed its Korean chief curator, Ju Eunji. On the 17th (local time), the museum announced that Ju had been removed from her duties due to "workplace misconduct" in accordance with internal regulations. However, the institution refrained from disclosing specific details, citing confidentiality regarding personnel matters.

Ju Eunji's Career and Achievements

Ju Eunji joined SFMOMA in 2017 as the first chief curator of contemporary art following the museum’s major expansion. Before her role at SFMOMA, she served as the founding curator of the Redcat Gallery in Los Angeles from 2003 to 2007. Later, she worked as the director of education and public programs at the New Museum in New York until 2012. Ju also gained international recognition for curating the Korean Pavilion at the 2009 Venice Biennale and the 2015 Sharjah Biennale.

In 2019, she debuted as SFMOMA's curator with the exhibition Soft Power, featuring works by 20 multinational artists. The exhibition explored how art can drive social progress and earned widespread acclaim from critics. Throughout her tenure, Ju became known for showcasing socially driven artists and curating exhibitions that engaged with critical cultural and political themes.

Signature Exhibitions and Works

One of Ju’s notable contributions was organizing the first retrospective of Filipino artist Pacita Abad, whose works addressed themes of dictatorship, civic struggles, and cultural identity. In 2022, she collaborated with American artist Kara Walker on Fortuna and the Immortality Garden Machine, a monumental moving installation that critiques power, technology, and societal manipulation. This critically praised work will remain on view at SFMOMA until 2026, despite Ju's departure.

Controversy Surrounding the Dismissal and SFMOMA's Internal Issues

Ju Eunji's sudden dismissal has sparked controversy, shedding light on potential internal challenges within SFMOMA. The museum has faced prior personnel upheavals, including the 2021 dismissal of senior curator Gary Garrels over inappropriate remarks and the resignation of former director Neal Benezra amid conflicts with staff. According to some reports, Ju allegedly had a strained relationship with museum employees. She has yet to issue a public statement regarding her dismissal.

This unexpected event has not only raised questions about SFMOMA's organizational culture but also drawn attention to its future direction in managing internal and curatorial affairs.