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August 9, 1953

3A Varennes St.
San Francisco

Dear Dorothy Miller:

It has come to my attention that an attack has been made upon you by Mr. Barnett Newman in reference to your work in the Museum of Modern Art. I am told that this was done by open letter and that your name was used in two instances. May I take this occasion to express my contempt and disgust for this act.

I think it might be pertinent to add that it was in no small part due to Mr. Newman's political ambitions that I severed my association with The Betty Parsons Gallery. For one who felt no scruple in using the Gallery and his painting efforts for cheap publicity stunts (note Look Magazine layout with Anita Colby),the dissemination of fantastic and sophomoric propaganda about the nature of the gallery and his influence therein, and the adaptation and vulgarization of the ideas and work of men in the gallery, - all with the stated purpose of destroying without sensibility or honor that which he could use to social aggrandizment, - and that which frustrated him, - well, - that such a person would eventually attack you personally was inevitable.

As for myself I am, in addition, outraged that he should presume to use principles for which his only respect in the past has been their tactical and opportunistic value. I consider it an assault on principles of the highest order by the lowest of means and to the most sordid of ends. I am sure the attack was nothing but the usual gesture to achieve notoriety for leadership at the expense of both his target and his means. For certainly many times in the past he has revealed to me his utter disregard for principle and personal integrity when they were at variance with his social ambitions of the moment. If I write harshly it is the result of many personal experiences, and involving matters so profound as to cause me to consider his acts in the nature of outrage - mean beneath my contempt. Certainly no one but a completely impotent man, one who must live by envy alone, could have such a need to destroy, or trample the virtue he parodies, whether in words or paint.

Again I must say I deplore the incident from every aspect - from that of the personal as well as from those of intrinsic values. But I believe that little harm will result, rather - it is possible much will be clarified that was heretofore obscured by silence and manners. You have my best regards. Had you shown Mr. Newman in the "15" this would not have been! Your task was indeed most difficult.

Very truly yours,
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Clyfford Still