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September 2, 1971
written from the Casa Bettelheim

Dearest Sheila:

By now you know, like the rest of the world, that there is a verdadera huelga at the museum. We are out on the picket line, out raising strike funds, answering questions galore while the placards read MOMA is built on a rocky foundation - our art is surreal - our salaries minimal, etc. I am out with them, solidarity forever. But more important, the director asked for my resignation -- I said no thanks -- stalemate -- by next week I should have an offer of severance pay, pension plans, and exact date of termination. Because, querida, I am determined in my mind that I will terminate-on my terms. An era is over -- I am about to become Constantine fully and no longer MOMA's slave. So you see that the lovely idea you mouthed so thoughtfully here at our breakfast table is actually going to take place. Constantine-Libre! Voila!

For the moment, let me turn to some business at hand. Because all my correspondence is back at the museum and I wont pass a picket line, I must only rely on my memory and your meandering letter.

1) Is the wrapped skirt on which you showed at Knoll's in Chicago? By all means send photo even if only to use a detail.

2) We want to show the Red wuppertal prayer rug in color because white has been used so much. Who owns it; I can write to Wuppertal and maybe they have transparency rather than cliche

3) Please send color and detail shots of Rochester wall

4) Please send everything you have on 5th Bienal piece

5) Jack has some sample pieces of the Badigara which he bought? in Calicut - my pieces are better - they are in MOMA collection but I can get photograph

6) You are sitting in front of the beige wall of the Rothschild Bank- its a lovely photo - for Mustapha - but I need some of you at work - maybe even on a miniature in your studio. Ill send you photo when I am back as desk inMOMA.

7) My miniature was photed in color; it is divine.

8) Dominque has not sent the mustard and green wall rug - also she flopped on making the new [[strikethrough]] slides [[/strikethrough]] transparencies for me -- but I have enough to use.

9) Please do send Josie a bill for your expenses - her letter sounds naively insane but she should not be allowed to treat people, artists, in such a cavalier fashion

10) Florida panel should not cover wall but project from wall and leave white brick showing - you sale it and see what size to recommend; Ill work on price.

Is it true that you are coming in September? I will make no plans