Institutions cut ties, review relationship with David Adjaye following allegations of sexual misconduct
Acclaimed architect David Adjaye is facing significant professional repercussions as institutions distance themselves and review their relationships with him in light of allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
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The Studio Museum in Harlem is the latest institution to sever ties with Adjaye, who had been commissioned to design a highly anticipated new building for the museum. However, following the allegations in the Financial Times, the museum announced that Adjaye will no longer be involved in the project.
Raymond J. McGuire, board chair of the Studio Museum, expressed that the alleged actions are contrary to the museum's founding principles and values. Adjaye himself released a statement to the New York Times, acknowledging that the accusations may tarnish the museum's reputation and create a distraction.
The allegations against Adjaye were first reported in the Financial Times, with three women coming forward to accuse him of sexual misconduct and describe a toxic work environment. Adjaye has denied the allegations, stating they are untrue, but he expressed regret for engaging in consensual relationships that blurred professional and personal boundaries.
Other projects involving Adjaye in the United States now hang in the balance as postponements and cancellations have ensued following the Financial Times investigation. The deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum in Massachusetts has indefinitely halted the presentation of a large-scale sculptural work by Adjaye. The Counterpublic triennial in St. Louis is also organizing a public dialogue about a monumental work installed at the Griot Museum of Black History.
The status of Adjaye's involvement with the Princeton University Art Museum remains uncertain, as the director, James Steward, found the accusations troubling but did not explicitly state if the institution would continue its relationship with the architect.
Similarly, the Shelburne Museum in Vermont, which had commissioned Adjaye to design a new centre for Indigenous art, announced that it would reassess his involvement.
Adjaye's work is currently featured in the "New Publics, New York" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, but the museum has not responded to requests for comment.
Internationally, Adjaye's projects are showcased at the Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy, and he is the architect for upcoming buildings such as the Museum of West African Art in Benin City, the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in Delhi, and the Africa Institute in Sharjah.
Earlier this week, Adjaye resigned from his roles as an architectural advisor to the mayor of London, a board member of the Serpentine Galleries, and the Holocaust memorial project planned for London. The allegations against Adjaye have created significant professional consequences and led institutions to reconsider their collaborations with him.
