David A. Ross has resigned as chair of the master’s degree program in art practice at the School of Visual Arts (SVA) in New York after his connections to Jeffrey Epstein came to light. The resignation follows the publication of correspondence between Ross and Epstein by Artnews, revealing a series of letters that span several years. Epstein, a convicted sex offender, died by suicide in a Manhattan prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges.
The correspondence, consisting of approximately sixty letters, was recently released by the Department of Justice. In his communications with Epstein, Ross detailed his interactions with the financier, dating back to the 1990s. At the time, Ross was the director of the Whitney Museum of American Art and stated that he had sought relationships with individuals who could financially support the institution.
Ross’s relationship with Epstein persisted even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from adults and minors. Notably, in a 2009 email, Ross responded positively to Epstein’s proposal for an exhibition titled “Statutory,” which was to feature underage models made to look older. Ross wrote, “You are incredible!” and made reference to a controversial artwork by Richard Prince that involved a young Brooke Shields.
In a statement provided to the New York Times, Ross expressed his initial belief in Epstein’s claims that the charges against him were politically motivated. He stated he felt “mortified” and “ashamed” upon learning the extent of Epstein’s criminal activities. “I continue to be appalled by his crimes and remain deeply concerned for its many victims,” Ross wrote.
The School of Visual Arts confirmed that it had accepted Ross’s resignation “immediately” following the revelations. Before his tenure at SVA, Ross held prominent roles in various major art institutions, including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston.
The fallout from this incident underscores the ongoing scrutiny of individuals connected to Epstein, as more details of his extensive network continue to emerge. The implications of such relationships are significant, particularly in the field of art, where patronage and influence often intertwine.
