San Francisco gallerist Jonathan Carver Moore, whose gallery promotes underrepresented artists, has been accused by nine artists of withholding payments, failing to return artwork and becoming unresponsive after accepting pieces for exhibitions and sales. Seven artists have reportedly demanded that he return their work or compensate them, raising questions about the gallery’s business practices and its mission to support marginalised communities.

One artist, Demond Melancon, said he supplied 10 ritual masks valued at $70,500 for Expo Chicago and agreed to receive half the proceeds, but was never paid. A collector said he paid $8,800 for one mask but struggled to obtain it after Moore requested a delay; Moore attributed problems to the gallery’s financial difficulties and delays in receiving payments, acknowledged a lack of transparency, and said he intended to put matters right, while disputing some allegations.