Vernon Fisher and the Hilton Family

In 1990, the Texas artist Vernon Fisher completed a large-scale, multi-media, site-specific triptych. The work, titled Peace Through International Trade and Travel (1989−1990), was commissioned by Public Art University of Houston in order to decorate the newly renovated Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management on the University campus. As the Cold War came to a close and any hope of an equitable world economic system dissolved, Fisher reflects upon mid-century American ideologies, growing American hegemony, and the spread of global capitalism. I argue that as Fisher is painting, he is inspired by Conrad Hilton’s autobiography, Be My Guest, (1957), and the result is a thinly veiled critique of Conrad Hilton, corporate greed, and American imperialism. A dispute between artist and patron ensued and the work was never installed. This investigation illuminates the many complexities concerning public art, the artist-donor relationship, and our trust in the artistic process.