Stories

Artspace launches 10 x 10 x 10, a dynamic new initiative spotlighting ten innovative galleries under ten years old across the USA, featuring curated online exhibitions of contemporary art priced at $10K or less to make collecting more accessible. Highlighting Baby Blue Gallery in Chicago, founder Caleb Beck shares his journey from hosting shows in his apartment to creating a collaborative, artist-focused space that challenges traditional gallery norms and combats the increasing costs and exclusivity of the art world. Emphasizing fair artist relationships and innovative programming, Beck discusses recent shifts prompted by the pandemic, including the importance of digital presence and thoughtful, community-minded exhibitions. The gallery’s current show features artists like Ricardo Partida and Sarah Banks, whose work challenges viewers with a mix of beauty and underlying complexity, reflecting Baby Blue’s mission to deepen the experience of looking and support emerging talent through collaborative, cross-cultural exchange.

Artspace launches 10 x 10 x 10, a dynamic new initiative spotlighting ten young, innovative galleries across the USA through curated online exhibitions featuring cutting-edge artworks priced at $10K or under. Among these, Brooklyn’s Carvalho Park Gallery, co-founded by Jennifer Carvalho and Se Yoon Park, stands out with its visually distinctive, cross-disciplinary program that blends architecture, performing arts, and visual art to create immersive experiences. Despite the challenges of gaining recognition and the shift to online viewing, Carvalho Park remains committed to nurturing emerging artists and fostering collaborations that challenge traditional art forms. Their current exhibition, Order and Vertigo, highlights works by Derrick Velasquez and Guillaume Linard Osorio, exploring perception and materiality in a shifting world. Looking ahead, the gallery plans engaging solo shows, artist books, and performance series, all emphasizing the vital, irreplaceable power of in-person art experiences.

Love, Rihanna: Luxury Supreme is an extraordinary visual biography that transcends traditional bookmaking with its monumental size, intricate craftsmanship, and luxurious materials. Weighing 60 pounds and spanning 504 pages with over 1,000 images, this edition features nine bound-in booklets, special inserts, a removable poster, and a custom metal grill embedded in a cover wrapped with Vantablack fabric—never before used in publishing. Created through a painstaking, mostly handmade process that takes a team of artisans up to four days to complete each copy, the book reflects Rihanna’s exacting standards and creative spirit. With innovative typography by Barnbrook studio and bespoke endpapers designed by The Haas Brothers, it’s more than a book—it’s a tactile, immersive artwork celebrating Rihanna’s journey as an artist, performer, and entrepreneur. Hand-signed by Rihanna on 500 copies, Love, Rihanna: Luxury Supreme is truly a masterpiece bound to become a collector’s treasure.

Sterling Ruby’s art confronts the complexities and contradictions of America’s troubled social landscape, blending formal experimentation with deeply personal and political themes. Drawing from his rural upbringing, folk traditions, and a rigorous conceptual background, Ruby creates works that are visually seductive yet charged with tension, reflecting issues like violence, incarceration, and historical trauma. His pieces—ranging from soft sculptures to large-scale ceramics and foundry casts—embody a dynamic interplay between form, context, and autobiography, allowing them to exist independently while inviting multiple interpretations. Ruby embraces discomfort and ambiguity, crafting environments where viewers must reckon with uneasy emotions and unresolved narratives. At the same time, his engagement with archives, digital abstraction, and performative sculpture reveals an innovative approach that challenges conventional art historical frameworks, positioning his work as a vital exploration of identity, memory, and cultural critique.

Kerry James Marshall approaches art as a thoughtful, strategic platform for exploring complex ideas about identity, history, and race, particularly within the African American experience. Rejecting art as mere self-expression, he meticulously crafts images that confront the absence of black representation in art history, using painting to establish a powerful presence rather than to directly mobilize activism. His work invites viewers to reconsider ingrained narratives around race and power, blending a mastery of form and color—especially the nuanced use of black—with deep historical and political reflection. Influenced by mentors like Charles White and shaped by personal experiences from the Watts riots to broader cultural shifts, Marshall seeks to deepen understanding of blackness not just as a social category but as a rich, rhetorical and formal element within painting. Through this, he challenges art historical norms and advocates for a reimagined art discourse where black voices assert authority and generate new, undeniable ideas beyond token inclusion or affirmative action.

Colombian artist María Jimena Herrera transforms discarded and forgotten raw materials into evocative sculptures that invite viewers to engage in personal interpretation rather than offering clear answers. Her work, deeply rooted in collective and individual experiences, uses ephemeral elements like petals to emphasize the fleeting nature of life and art, with outdoor displays evolving as they interact with the environment. Through her practice, Herrera challenges perceptions and encourages reflection, viewing art as a powerful medium to express complex realities that often elude straightforward communication. With a background in peacebuilding and a commitment to dialogue, her exhibitions both in Colombia and internationally highlight the continuous negotiation between image, meaning, and viewer experience.

Jessica Stockholder, a pioneering figure in contemporary installation art, revolutionizes the boundaries between painting, sculpture, and architecture by creating immersive, architectonic environments that envelop the viewer in vibrant color and found materials. Through a lyrical intertwining of everyday objects—from neon tubes to discarded fabrics—her work challenges traditional forms, inviting an exploration of space, materiality, and abstraction. In a revealing conversation with Lynne Tillman, Stockholder discusses her evolution from early painting to complex installations that occupy entire rooms, emphasizing the interplay between chaos and order, the tension between material presence and abstraction, and the deeply personal yet universally resonant nature of her art. Her installations refuse a single vantage point, instead offering dynamic, multi-sensory experiences that provoke reflection on the constructed nature of space and the specialness found in the mundane.

Jeff Koons draws a powerful and intimate connection between contemporary art and the ancient world, particularly through his Gazing Ball series, which reinvents classical sculptures by inviting viewers to see themselves reflected alongside iconic figures like the Farnese Hercules. For Koons, ancient Roman sculptures embody vital human truths and aspirations, capturing the grandeur of gods and heroes while conveying timeless ideas of life, beauty, and desire. By merging the monumental presence of antiquity with modern reflections, Koons encourages us to explore our own place within the vastness of history and imagination, expanding our understanding of identity and ambition. This profound dialogue between past and present is celebrated through Koons’ works exhibited by Two Palms Gallery, a New York studio renowned for blending traditional printmaking methods with innovative artistic expressions.

Sarah Sze’s groundbreaking installations transform everyday objects into intricate, dynamic environments that challenge traditional notions of sculpture and spatial experience. Using commonplace materials like cotton buds, tea bags, and ticket stubs, she creates sprawling compositions that blur the boundaries between construction and decay, presence and absence, and order and chaos. Her work invites viewers into a choreographed journey where scale shifts dramatically and perception constantly evolves, encouraging a slow, thoughtful engagement with space and time. Notably representing the United States at the 2013 Venice Biennale, Sze’s innovative practice redefines sculpture as a living, fragile system in flux—an immersive laboratory where the everyday is reimagined into extraordinary forms that reflect the accelerating pace of contemporary life and our deep desire for intimacy and connection.

Chris Levine is a visionary artist whose work transcends traditional photography by fusing light, technology, and meditation to create iconic, tranquil images that resonate deeply with viewers. Known for his groundbreaking 2012 portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, Levine captures not just likeness but an inner stillness and spiritual essence, revealing familiar figures like Naomi Campbell and the Dalai Lama in new, meditative dimensions. His passion for light's purest forms—holograms, lasers, and installations—infuses his art with a mystical quality aimed at collective experiences, such as his upcoming project EYE that blends ancient wisdom with cutting-edge technology. Continuously evolving, Levine’s work strips complexity back to elemental forms like circles and crosses, allowing viewers to find calm and resonance in their simplicity, while his innovative approach challenges and expands the boundaries of contemporary portraiture and visual art.

Elizabeth Peyton, renowned for revitalizing the art of portraiture with her intimate, jewel-toned depictions of musicians, royalty, and friends, shares her Lockdown Listening playlist, offering a glimpse into the soundtrack that fuels her creative process. From the operatic layers of David Bowie’s voice to the raw emotion of Nirvana and the timeless power of Patti Smith, Peyton curates a selection steeped in personal meaning and artistic inspiration. Her playlist spans genres and eras, capturing the ache in The Strokes, the grandeur of Led Zeppelin, and the soulful intimacy of Wagner, all while reflecting the moods she cultivates in her studio. With each track echoing the emotional depth and subtle complexity found in her paintings, this musical journey reveals the profound connections between sound, memory, and the art of portraiture.

Yayoi Kusama, famed for transforming the humble pumpkin into an iconic symbol of contemporary art, is much more than a single motif—her career spans avant-garde film, performance, and immersive installations since the 1960s. Rising from a fraught childhood and battles with mental illness, Kusama forged her path as an outsider who challenged art world conventions with provocative happenings and politically charged performances, while her profound Infinity Net paintings captured her vision of self-obliteration and infinite space. Her influence resonates across Minimalism, Pop Art, and beyond, earning praise from contemporaries like Donald Judd and Marc Jacobs. Kusama’s work is deeply personal, serving as self-therapy that channels her hallucinations and anxieties into captivating dots, phallic forms, and surreal environments, ultimately securing her legacy as a revolutionary artist whose visionary creations transcend traditional art boundaries.

Polish artist Wilhelm Sasnal blends painting, film, and comic art to explore themes of identity, consumer culture, and history, drawing inspiration from a wide range of music that fuels his creative process. Growing up during the upheaval of the Soviet Bloc’s fall, Sasnal’s work reflects a complex relationship with past and present, often channeling the raw energy and simplicity of songs from artists like Elvis Presley, Slayer, and The Beatles. His iconic Smoking Girls series captures rebellious youth with a politicized edge, while his films and paintings echo the hypnotic rhythms and emotional depth of his favorite tracks. Known internationally and exhibited in major institutions, Sasnal invites viewers to experience his art alongside the evocative playlists that inspire him, revealing how music and visual art intertwine in his unique creative journey.

Tired of dull and distracting Zoom or Skype backgrounds? Let Artspace inspire you with ten carefully selected artworks that capture the mood of our current moment and offer a beautiful, meaningful backdrop for your virtual meetings. From Yves Tessier’s quiet, intimate scenes evoking a longing for nature and connection, to Cecily Brown’s emotional abstractions reflecting inner turmoil, and Steven Rudin’s layered paper collages blending reality and imagination, these pieces bring art’s calming and thought-provoking power into your daily digital interactions. Whether it’s the serene minimalism of Orit Raff’s horizon, the timeless seascapes of Hiroshi Sugimoto, or the witty, hopeful cartoons of David Shrigley, these artworks are designed to transform your online presence and spark conversation until we can all meet again in person.

Marc Ohrem-Leclef’s captivating work blends photography, video, and text to create immersive portraits that explore complex communities and shifting notions of identity. From his early images of Indian wrestlers and Australian cowboys to his poignant 2012 project Olympic Favela—documenting forced evictions in Rio’s favelas—Ohrem-Leclef reveals the nuanced stories beneath surface appearances. His ongoing project, Jugaad /Of Intimacy and Love, delves into the fluidity of masculinities and homosocial bonds in India, drawing from intimate conversations across diverse backgrounds to challenge rigid definitions of sexuality and identity. Through empathetic observation and striking imagery, his work highlights moments of vulnerability, resistance, and human connection, offering a powerful commentary on culture, politics, and the enduring power of love.

Lockdown has given many of us a fresh perspective on the art hanging in our homes, sparking curiosity about why seemingly unrelated styles, genres, and mediums can complement each other so effortlessly. Exploring the fascinating dialogue between opposites—like sculpture and drawing, or photography and painting—reveals how our brains unconsciously seek balance by recognizing familiar geometric forms and the interplay of light and space. Expert Amanda Knuppel sheds light on how these contrasts, from the minimalist essence of drawing to the immersive presence of sculpture, or the literal capture of light in photography against its imaginative recreation in painting, create dynamic and engaging art pairings. For those ready to energize their walls with bold, unexpected combinations, embracing these creative contrasts might just be the key to bringing gallery-worthy excitement into your living space.

Athena Petra Tasiopoulos’s art is a poignant meditation on impermanence, transformation, and the beauty found in imperfection. Drawing inspiration from vintage cabinet card portraits, she breathes new life into forgotten souls through her mixed media collages, layering beeswax, resin, and recycled papers to create hauntingly delicate compositions. Her photography captures the quiet poetry of everyday moments, inviting viewers to pause and reflect on the present with gentle reverence. Through a balance of intuition and experimentation, Athena’s work transcends time and place, fostering a deeply human connection that encourages self-examination and celebrates multiple truths — all while inspiring a soothing sense of peace and presence.

Woodcutting, one of the earliest and most tactile printing techniques, continues to captivate artists and audiences alike with its unique blend of laborious craftsmanship and striking visual impact. Originating in ancient China and later flourishing across Europe and Japan, this relief printing method involves carving raised images into blocks to create richly textured, multi-layered works. Contemporary artists like Sol Lewitt, Al Held, Damien Hirst, Robert Mangold, Richard Bosman, Alex Katz, and Georg Baselitz have all embraced and adapted woodcutting, pushing its boundaries with bold colors, abstract forms, and innovative compositions. Their prints showcase woodcutting’s enduring versatility and its capacity to blend tradition with modern artistic exploration, making it a dynamic and continually relevant art form.

Eric Fischl’s new Artspace edition, Mix and Match (2020), created using the ArtRage app, reflects his innovative blend of traditional painting and digital technology, allowing him to explore new effects and possibilities while maintaining his core artistic intent: uncovering hidden truths about human connection and desire. This vibrant piece captures a fleeting beach encounter between two women in red and green bikinis, embodying themes of intimacy and ambiguity that Fischl has long pursued. As a celebrated figure in contemporary art and a senior critic at the New York Academy of Art, Fischl balances his role as both creator and mentor, supporting emerging artists through scholarships and residencies. Embracing technology with a mix of skepticism and curiosity, he sees his digital work as a fresh way to articulate the emotional complexity of our times, blending tenderness and optimism in a world often marked by fear and uncertainty.

Eric Fischl, a leading figure of the Neo-Realist movement in the 1980s New York art scene, explores themes of human connection through his evocative figurative paintings. Celebrated for works that invite deep reflection, Fischl’s art captures the complexities of existence with characters “in their bodies but out of their minds.” Represented in major museums like the Met and MoMA, Fischl continues to evolve his expression, confronting both personal and universal desires. His latest print, Mix and Match (2020), available exclusively on Artspace, embodies his signature style and thematic depth, encouraging viewers to linger and interpret its rich narrative. In a revealing interview, Fischl shares insights from his formative years, emphasizing the importance of “long-looking” and the ongoing challenge of solving self-created artistic problems.

The Sun, a source of life and a symbol rich with spiritual and cultural significance, has inspired artists across history to explore its many facets—from a divine force and life-giver to a marker of mortality and a beacon of hope in the quest for renewable energy. This collection of six remarkable artworks captures the Sun’s dual nature as both a powerful cosmic presence and an everyday miracle. From Mamma Andersson’s evocative sundial goddess embodying timelessness, to John Baldessari’s playful juxtaposition of kitsch romance and surreal elements, to Chiho Aoshima’s haunting blend of innocence and nature’s volatility, each piece invites reflection on our complex relationship with the Sun. Meanwhile, Brian Alfred’s solar panel painting poses provocative questions about humanity’s future, Robert Montgomery’s glowing poetic text finds the sacred in sunlight’s reflection, and Jim Lambie’s vibrant sunspot print embraces imperfection as a metaphor for intellectual freedom. Together, these works celebrate the Sun’s enduring power to inspire reason, wonder, and survival.

Eric Fischl reflects on the vibrant and tumultuous energy of 1980s New York, a time of cultural revolution that shaped his career as a leading figure in Neo-Realism alongside artists like Julian Schnabel and David Salle. Now celebrated worldwide, Fischl’s latest work, Mix and Match, is a limited edition digital print capturing two women in mismatched bikinis on a beach, evoking subtle tensions and unspoken narratives that prompt deeper introspection. Through this piece, Fischl balances the urgency of confronting fear and darkness with images of tenderness and optimism, inviting viewers to explore complex emotions and memories. Proceeds from the print support the Eric Fischl Scholarship Fund, fostering new artistic talent through residencies, embodying his commitment to nurturing future generations in art.

London-based artist Hormazd Narielwalla blends memory, nostalgia, and innovative use of found materials to create collages, prints, and sculptures that evolve with the viewer over time. Inspired early on by a Savile Row tailor’s shredded bespoke patterns, Narielwalla’s work intricately explores the relationship between the body and clothing through geometric forms and a deep dialogue with art history. His pieces, often painstakingly layered and balanced without prior sketches, echo influences from iconic artists like Matisse, Lygia Pape, and Barbara Hepworth, whom he honors in his current series, *Rock Paper Scissors*. This collection deconstructs tailoring patterns and channels Hepworth’s sculptural motifs to explore themes of chance, form, and space. Narielwalla’s award-winning, globally collected art offers a meditative escape and a rich visual vocabulary that invites viewers to discover new details with each encounter.

Art has the remarkable power to lift our spirits and brighten our days, a truth Leo Tolstoy eloquently captured over a century ago when he defined art as the transmission of the highest and best human feelings. In times of stress, certain vibrant and joyful artworks stand out as beacons of happiness, offering viewers daily doses of color, hope, and laughter. From Allie Ellis’s lively “Banana Grandma” infused with cheerful yellows, to Romero Britto’s optimistic, colorful canvases reminiscent of floating lovers, and Bel Fullana’s whimsical island scenes radiating lighthearted charm, these pieces remind us of the simple joy art can bring. Whether it’s Monty Kaplan’s hyperreal spring blossoms, Takashi Murakami’s bursting floral happiness, David Shrigley’s candid love manifesto, Taylor Smith’s socially conscious Pop Art, or Andy Warhol’s iconic, colorful flowers, this curated selection proves that art doesn’t need to be complicated to be profoundly uplifting—it simply needs to speak to the heart and brighten the soul.

Investing in a KAWS piece means bringing home more than just art—it’s a deep dive into the journey of Brian Donnelly, the Jersey City-born artist who transitioned from graffiti creator to global contemporary sensation. Known for his iconic Companion figure with its skull face and crossed-out eyes, KAWS cleverly blends pop culture with fine art, infiltrating everything from Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade balloons to collaborations with Dior and Uniqlo. His work commands impressive auction prices, reflecting growing demand and blue-chip status. Beyond his commercial triumphs, KAWS’s roots in street art and his unique ‘subvertising’ technique reveal a thoughtful approach to communication and culture. Whether displayed alongside peers like Basquiat and Murakami or collectors like Pharrell and BTS, KAWS’s art is a vibrant, accessible fusion of street, style, and sophistication that ignites conversation and captivates collectors worldwide.

Pablo Picasso’s upcoming exhibition, *Picasso and Paper*, promises to illuminate the artist’s lifelong fascination with paper through nearly 300 works spanning his prolific career. Central to this showcase is the striking 1938 collage *Women at Their Toilette*, a masterful piece that reinterprets the historic “La Toilette” motif—women engaged in intimate grooming rituals—with Picasso’s signature psychosexual intensity and fractured forms. This monumental work, created amidst personal turmoil and political unrest, explores themes of desire, control, and vulnerability, reflecting both the complexity of female interiority and Picasso’s turbulent emotional landscape. By destabilizing traditional representations of domesticity, Picasso infuses the tableau with raw emotion and kinetic energy, making it a profound meditation on human frailty, artistic innovation, and the enduring power of the gaze.

This edition of the Group Show at Artspace gallery explores the power and mystery of fragments, weaving together six compelling works that reflect on both ancient remnants and modern-day issues. From Gillian Wearing’s evocative wax cast of her hand, which challenges fixed notions of identity, to David Beattie’s poignant photograph of a felled tree stump symbolizing environmental loss, each piece invites viewers to contemplate absence, presence, and transformation. Tom Burr’s print captures cultural upheaval through juxtaposed images of Brutalist architecture and 1960s icons, while Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative hand sculpture offers a sharp, irreverent critique of power and capitalism. John Stezaker’s altered vintage photograph evokes uncertainty and projection, leaving interpretation open to the viewer’s own biases. Finally, Sarah Lucas’ fusion of phallic and weapon motifs humorously and critically undermines traditional ideas of male potency and aggression. Together, these works reveal how fragments carry stories both lost and reimagined, speaking eloquently to the complexities of the present age.

Frank Stella, renowned as a pioneering minimalist and innovative contemporary artist, began his breakthrough with the striking Black Paintings in the late 1950s, which played a crucial role in shaping minimalism. Influenced by Jasper Johns and inspired by a wide array of sources—from pre-war Polish synagogues to Herman Melville's Moby Dick—Stella’s work spans shaped canvases, geometric abstractions, and even 3D printed sculptures. Despite the complexity of his diverse creations, Stella emphasizes the visual immediacy of his art, inviting viewers to appreciate the objectness of each piece without searching for hidden meanings. After a challenging period in the 1970s, his market value surged, with several works fetching multimillion-dollar prices. A contemporary and friend of other minimalist giants like Donald Judd, Stella also had early connections with Yayoi Kusama, whom he supported during her rise. His dynamic portfolio and embrace of technology mark him as a multi-faceted figure whose art remains vital and engaging today.

Concrete Art, born from Theo van Doesburg’s 1930 manifesto, champions geometric abstraction, clarity, and simplicity, rejecting spontaneity and Impressionism to create universal, planned works built from pure color and surface. The movement’s legacy lives on through artists like Shizuko Yoshikawa, whose serene blend of European modernism and Zen aesthetics stands out in a male-dominated field, and Imre Kosics, whose stark black-and-white compositions reveal rich optical complexity. Yves Klein pushed Concrete Art to its minimalist extreme with his iconic International Klein Blue and innovative body-painting performances, while Jo Niemeyer infused nature’s interplay of light and space into his geometric creations across diverse media, including land art and racing cars. Rooted in these traditions, Piet Mondrian’s pioneering grids continue to influence art and design, exemplified in this elegant serving tray, demonstrating how Concrete Art’s principles remain vital and visually striking today.

In a world that often feels overwhelming and uncertain, immersing yourself in art offers a powerful antidote to stress and anxiety, activating our brain's pleasure centers and promoting calm. Artspace presents a curated selection of exquisite artworks designed to transport viewers away from the chaos, featuring pieces from celebrated artists like Gary Hume, Chris Ofili, and Miya Ando. From Hume’s elegant prints and Ofili’s dreamy collages to Deininger’s architectural paintings and Michelle Lopez’s sublime sculptures, each artwork invites a moment of peaceful reflection and sensory engagement, reminding us of art’s unique ability to heal and inspire.

In a world that often celebrates artistic collectives and collaborative production, many celebrated artists reveal a different truth: solitude is a vital and recurring ingredient in creative work. From Haegue Yang’s deliberate isolation as an artistic method, to Agnes Martin’s retreat into the New Mexico desert to regain her creative spark, and Alec Soth’s pursuit of solitude on the road, loneliness emerges as both a challenge and a catalyst in the artistic process. Icons like Louise Bourgeois and Pablo Picasso fiercely protected their private studio time to channel focus and spirit, while Francis Bacon’s early social alienation deeply informed the haunting intensity of his work. Even Yayoi Kusama, despite her public performances, finds refuge in solitude amid struggles with loneliness and mental health. Van Gogh’s tragic isolation propelled some of his greatest masterpieces, underscoring the complex relationship between loneliness, mental turmoil, and artistic brilliance. Across diverse disciplines and eras, these artists testify to the profound creative power—and sometimes peril—of working alone.

In a time when the outdoors feel out of reach, contemporary landscape art offers a vibrant reimagining of our relationship with nature, moving beyond traditional pastoral scenes to explore themes of environmental change, human perception, and cultural meaning. From Vija Celmins’ vast, star-studded skies that challenge our view of the universe, to Darren Almond’s meditative, time-infused night landscapes, and Edward Burtynsky’s stark images of human-altered quarries, these works reveal the complex dialogue between humanity and the natural world. Paola Pivi injects whimsy and wonder by placing zebras in alpine snows, while Sebastião Salgado’s pristine Antarctic ice formations highlight the fragile beauty of untouched environments under threat. Allan McCollum’s uncanny TV set landscapes question the boundaries between reality and artifice, reminding us that the ways we envision nature are deeply tied to both cultural narratives and our own interior lives. Together, these artworks invite a fresh, compelling look at what landscape art can be in the 21st century.

America’s cultural landscape has profoundly shaped modern popular imagery, creating a visual language that remains timeless despite the nation’s many changes. From Collier Schorr’s evocative portraits of youth caught between confidence and innocence, to Alex Prager’s vivid, cinematic reenactments of American life, these artists capture the spirit and complexity of the country. Mary Ellen Mark’s empathetic documentation of American subcultures, Benny Safdie’s homage to iconic symbols like Elvis’ pink Cadillac, Stephen Shore’s pioneering color photography chronicling everyday moments, and Frank Worth’s intimate portraits of golden-age Hollywood stars like James Dean all contribute to a rich tapestry of Americana. Together, their work offers a compelling and enduring exploration of the American experience, available now through the Artspace archive.

In Radical Museology, Claire Bishop critiques the recent trend of art museums as mere entertainment venues, championing instead an “anti-presentist” curatorial approach that blends historical and contemporary works to foster deeper cultural dialogue and restore humanist values. Highlighting museums like Van Abbemuseum and Museo Reina Sofia as exemplars, Bishop’s ideas inspire collectors too, encouraging thoughtful pairings that create rich, engaging conversations between artworks across time. This article showcases five striking duets—from Magritte’s surreal calming blues paired with Dominique Labauvie’s modern abstraction, to Joan Mitchell’s expressive gestures intertwined with Charline Von Heyl’s explorations of negative space—demonstrating how these cross-generational combinations enliven collections and invite viewers into layered, emotional spaces.

Jean-Michel Othoniel, the renowned French sculptor, is celebrated for his bead-like sculptures that explore fragility, transformation, and ephemerality, with works installed in public spaces like the Palais Royal metro station in Paris and Chanel boutiques worldwide. Reflecting on his childhood visits to museums in his working-class hometown of Saint-Étienne, Othoniel reveals how art became a parallel universe of joy and hope for him. As a collector, he embraces a wide range of artists, from hyperrealist Duane Hanson’s striking bodybuilder sculptures to Paola Pivi’s whimsical zebra photographs, the avant-garde cinema poetry of Jonas Mekas, and the conceptual ceramics of Peter Voulkos. His selections highlight a vibrant mix of established icons, rediscovered talents, and emerging visionaries, capturing the dynamic spirit of contemporary art today.

Reopening after a pandemic pause, Tate Modern unveils an evocative retrospective of Andy Warhol, spotlighting the iconic ‘Marilyn Diptych’ (1962) in a captivating exploration of celebrity, faith, and mortality. Created shortly after Marilyn Monroe’s tragic death, Warhol’s diptych draws on religious iconography and the form of traditional altarpieces to immortalize Monroe as a modern-day saint of pop culture. Through a haunting juxtaposition of vibrant, hand-painted portraits and fading monochrome images, Warhol captures both the myth and the melancholy behind Monroe’s public persona and Warhol’s own immigrant, Catholic upbringing. This exhibition invites reflection on fame’s vacuous allure and the enduring power of images in shaping identity and memory.

Jenny Holzer, the acclaimed Ohio-born, New York-based artist, revolutionized contemporary art with her powerful text-based works that began as provocative street posters in late 1970s New York. Famous for her iconic Truisms—sharp, philosophical one-liners like "Protect Me From What I Want"—Holzer has expanded her practice across diverse media including LED displays, stone benches, and digital billboards worldwide. Her work evolved from self-pasted posters to globally exhibited art recognized by prestigious institutions like documenta and the Venice Biennale, where she was the first woman to represent the USA, earning the Golden Lion prize. Holzer’s art reflects deep engagement with political and social issues, from the AIDS crisis to war, often incorporating texts by others alongside her own words. Continually relevant and provocative, her works can even be found etched into the rocks of Ibiza, embodying her enduring impact on public discourse and visual culture.

With New York’s recent ban on single-use plastic bags, carrying your groceries just got a stylish upgrade. Embrace the eco-friendly trend by choosing from a selection of fine-art tote bags that double as wearable art statements. From Takashi Murakami’s vibrant collaboration with Porter, blending pop art with high-quality craftsmanship, to the Guerrilla Girls’ bold gender-equality-inspired designs, these totes transform everyday errands into a chance to showcase creativity and activism. For a cheekier option, Tom of Finland’s iconic homoerotic imagery adds a playful edge, while Maurizio Cattelan’s kitsch Pony tote gives a nod to contemporary art’s humor and irreverence. And if you want to keep it witty, David Shrigley’s “Don’t Touch My Stuff” bag is perfect for making your mood known with a smile. Say goodbye to plastic and hello to artful, expressive carrying companions—functional, fashionable, and full of personality.

Art fairs have long been hubs of art commerce, yet they often overlook emerging voices amid the glitz and spectacle. Elizabeth Dee, co-founder and CEO of Independent Art Fair, is reshaping this landscape by creating a more intimate, innovative, and sustainable platform that champions new perspectives and fosters meaningful connections between artists, galleries, and collectors. Since its inception in 2009, Independent has prioritized depth over scale, offering curated, institutionally minded exhibitions that embrace diversity and fresh talent, particularly spotlighting Latin American artists this year. With a strong community focus and an environmentally conscious approach, Independent stands out as a vibrant alternative to traditional fairs, drawing new collectors and industry attention alike, all while staying true to its mission of elevating art beyond mere commerce.

Documentary photography, often seen as the purest form of capturing reality, has evolved far beyond simple snapshots, revealing deeper narratives and shifting our perspectives over time. From Robert Capa’s iconic wartime moments to Jacob Riis’ intimate portraits of poverty, photographers like Dorothea Lange have shown how a single image can freeze time yet continue to resonate through the decades. Contemporary artists such as Robin Graubard capture the fading spirit of 1980s New York, while Drew Doggett’s portraits celebrate the timeless strength of indigenous cultures. David Malin pushes the boundaries of art and science with breathtaking celestial images, and Larry Clark’s raw, immersive work explores the gritty edges of youth culture. Sebastian Salgado’s profound black-and-white studies expose the backbone of the global economy, and Richard Misrach’s wide-ranging landscapes reveal the vast, often overlooked spaces of America. Together, these photographers exemplify how documentary art continually redefines itself, telling powerful stories that shape our understanding of history, identity, and the world around us.

Bruce Nauman, a pioneering figure since the early 1970s, revolutionized conceptual art with his provocative exploration of text, fragmented human forms, and themes of violence, sex, and death, blending physical reality with spiritual depth. Eschewing a singular style, Nauman’s diverse practice spans sculpture, video, performance, and printmaking, embodying his motto that “the true artist helps the world by revealing mystic truths.” For fans of Nauman’s visionary legacy, this article introduces a curated selection of contemporary artists who channel similar conceptual boldness—from Michelle O’Marah’s deconstruction of media narratives and Anna Gaskell’s haunting fairy tale photography, to Graham Fagen’s culturally rich multi-media work and John Baldessari’s groundbreaking conceptual gestures. Also highlighted are Meredith Danluck’s commentary on American icons, Clay Ketter’s textured architectural abstractions, Richard Meier’s geometric artistry, and Henrik Olesen’s revealing queer histories. Together, these artists extend Nauman’s influence into fresh, compelling directions in art today.

Gerhard Richter’s upcoming retrospective at New York’s Met Breuer, "Painting After All," showcases over a hundred works spanning his six-decade career, emphasizing his unique dialogue between representation and abstraction. Among the highlights is "Betty, 1977," a haunting portrait of his 11-year-old daughter that defies traditional depictions of girlhood in art history. Unlike the often sentimental or troubled portrayals of girls in Western painting, Richter’s intimate and technically meticulous work captures a complex, agential child poised between vulnerability and strength. His approach blurs the lines between photography and painting, embracing ambiguity and the ephemeral nature of memory. This exhibition promises a profound meditation on painting’s materiality and the psychological depth of its subjects, inviting viewers to reconsider both the medium and the experience of seeing childhood through an innovative lens.

Belgian artist Marcel Ceuppens captivates with his striking blend of mid-century modern aesthetics and contemporary themes, showcased in his award-winning billboard “Composition 11/3” on Melrose Avenue. With a background in advertising and a passion for art that explores disconnection and the universal search for place, Ceuppens’ faceless “Everyman” character invites viewers to project their own stories onto his surreal, dreamlike settings. Inspired by the optimism and innovative spirit of mid-century design, his vibrant, neo-modernist paintings fuse graphic precision with emotional depth. Balancing the worlds of art and commercial design, Ceuppens creates work that is both decorative and deeply thoughtful, offering a joyful escape from today’s chaos and resonating widely with art lovers who find happiness and hope in his visual narratives.

Argentinian artist Adrián Villar Rojas crafts monumental, ephemeral installations that challenge traditional notions of sculpture and museology by blending imagination, obsolescence, and cultural critique. From his haunting life-sized clay whale hidden in a remote Patagonian forest to a provocative dinner party on the roof of New York’s Metropolitan Museum made with objects digitally merged with human forms, Villar Rojas confronts the hierarchical politics of institutions and the impermanence of art. His groundbreaking series, The Theatre of Disappearance, spans global venues and interrogates Western history, identity, and the future, weaving together philosophy, technology, and place. Celebrated for transforming museums into sites of continuous "housekeeping," Villar Rojas’s work invites us to reconsider the relationship between humans, objects, and time, transforming spaces with a poetic and haunting vision rooted in both fantasy and urgent environmental realities.

From Leonardo da Vinci’s intimate sketches to the playful internet memes that flood our screens today, cats have long captivated artists with their mysterious charm and indomitable spirit. This article explores five striking artworks that celebrate felines in all their complexity—from Daido Moriyama’s alert street kitten in Taipei to William Kentridge’s symbolic reclining figure paired with a cat, reflecting themes of freedom and desire. David Shrigley’s quirky plush cat toy blurs the line between art and object, while Katy Moran’s abstract print channels the raw, instinctive energy of a cat on the hunt. Finally, Maurizio Cattelan’s audacious rug elevates the humble housecat to divine status, blending humor and iconography in a uniquely modern homage to our enduring feline fascination. Together, these works invite us to see cats not just as pets but as powerful muses who inspire creativity across time and culture.

Step into the dazzling world of art auctions with the upcoming Artspace Winter 2020 auction, where incredible works by renowned artists like Ellsworth Kelly, Bridget Riley, KAWS, and Banksy go under the hammer. From Kelly’s iconic minimalist lithograph "Blue Over Green," radiating bold color and form, to Bert Rodriguez’s witty, narrative-rich performance art piece "I'll Do It This Afternoon," this auction offers something for every collector. Discover Bridget Riley’s hypnotic Op Art abstraction "Intervals 1," Takashi Yasumura’s striking, hyper-real photograph "Rolls Of Toilet Paper And A Plastic Flower" from his acclaimed "Domestic Scandals" series, and Alfredo Jaar’s thought-provoking installation piece "Brutalismo," which confronts social injustices through art and architecture. Whether you’re a seasoned bidder or just starting out, this is your chance to engage with extraordinary art and be part of a vibrant cultural moment from February 27th to March 2nd.

In an era where truth is relentlessly challenged by digital manipulation and propaganda, documentary photography remains a vital, if complex, witness to history and society. From Bruno Barbey’s vivid snapshots of the 1968 Paris student protests capturing the chaotic spirit of rebellion, to Sanja Iveković’s colorful acts of defiance against political repression in 1970s Zagreb, these images reveal deep stories beyond the frame. Wang Jinsong’s poignant portraits of Chinese families reflect the shifting social landscape post-One Child Policy, while Bob Henriques’s iconic photo of a young Martin Luther King Jr. at a pivotal 1957 Civil Rights rally marks a seminal moment in the fight for justice. Even the calm image of President Kennedy in the White House belies the turbulence of his final year in office, reminding us how photographs can capture both the surface and the undercurrents of history. Together, these powerful works explore how photography, despite its limitations, continues to shape and convey the political and human dramas that define our times.

Whitney Hubbs’ recent solo exhibition, Animal, Hole, Selfie, showcased at New York’s SITUATIONS gallery, captivated audiences with large-format photographs that explore psychosexual tension and self-portraiture’s abject themes. Drawing inspiration from photographic legends like Edward Weston and contemporary icons such as Cindy Sherman, Hubbs uses her 4”x5” camera to perform daring visual narratives that challenge conventional optimism. Her work, deeply influenced by her Los Angeles roots and Riot Grrrl ethos, blends drama and formalism with a raw emotional energy that is both unsettling and compelling. Balancing her life as a professor and artist, Hubbs continues to evolve her creative practice, embracing chance and vulnerability to produce striking images that invite viewers to question and connect with their own perceptions.

Peter Saul, an 85-year-old Californian painter, is renowned for his vibrant, cartoonish style that sharply satirizes American politics and culture. Rejecting the abstract expressionism of his youth, Saul’s neo-surrealist works boldly depict controversial political figures, including George Washington, Ronald Reagan, George W. Bush, and Donald Trump, often highlighting their more problematic legacies with dark humor. Despite missing the wave of Trump-themed art early on, Saul’s later portraits portray the former president in wildly provocative and unsettling ways, from Wonder Woman to an alligator. Saul candidly admits he paints “bad guys,” and his work blurs political lines, sometimes veering unintentionally toward fascist imagery while intending critique. His unapologetically irreverent art, showcased in the New Museum’s "Crime and Punishment" exhibition, challenges viewers to confront uneasy truths beyond simple partisan narratives.

David Salle, pronounced like the name "Sally," is a celebrated American painter known for his distinctive style of combining seemingly unrelated images to create striking visual contrasts. Rising to prominence in New York during the 1980s, Salle’s work reflects influences from cinema, literature, and his time at CalArts under John Baldessari, blending visceral reactions with thoughtful composition. His paintings have garnered acclaim from prominent institutions and command high prices in the art market, while his creative spirit extends beyond painting, including directing a feature film and collaborating with dancers and fellow artists. Embracing a fluid approach to art that defies strict categorization, Salle invites viewers to engage with his work openly, experiencing the immediate impact and layered meanings in his dynamic, multi-faceted canvases.

Sport and art intersect in captivating ways, with artists and photographers capturing the raw emotion, drama, and cultural significance of athletic feats. From John Baldessari’s surreal close-up of hands gripping a baseball bat to Jonas Mekas’s intimate film portraits of creative icons playing basketball, these works probe the visceral and poetic sides of sport. Gosha Rubchinskiy’s stark snapshots of Crimean youth skateboarding reveal a poignant blend of Western subculture and post-Soviet history, while George Fischer’s iconic image of Muhammad Ali prepares us for the raw intensity of the “Thrilla in Manila.” Meanwhile, Jonas Wood’s vibrant paintings use basketball motifs to champion democratic ideals through colorful, layered compositions. Together, these artists invite us to experience sport not just as competition, but as enduring inspiration and artistic expression.

Rebecca Morrill, Art Commissioning Editor at Phaidon, shares her lifelong passion for the color blue, which permeates everything from her wardrobe to her everyday objects. While blue captivates her, her art collection extends beyond just color to explore drawing, printmaking, and text-based pieces. Morrill reflects on her selective buying process, often drawn to artists she knows personally or whose work resonates with her love for detail and concept. She highlights a curated selection of blue-themed artworks from artists like Y.Z. Kami, whose dome paintings evoke architectural beauty; Ugo Rondinone’s playful blue clock; the underrated Robert Indiana’s number works; and Victor Vasarely’s mesmerizing kinetic compositions. She also admires text art by Michelle Vaughan, conceptual pieces by Sol LeWitt, and the intriguing monochrome yet colorful works of Daniel Arsham. Morrill’s collection celebrates deep artistic connections, personal meaning, and the joyful influence of blue across diverse contemporary art forms.

Annabel Andrews, a UK-born artist living in Spain, skillfully navigates between figurative and abstract art, with a strong emphasis on color and light. Influenced by friends and mentors like José Guerrero and Pablo Palazuelo, she creates luminous works using her unique technique of preparing canvases with homemade casein glue and zinc white before layering acrylics. Her artistic journey began in childhood, inspired by nature and botany during wartime, and has evolved through continuous study and experimentation. Andrews’ paintings blend minimalism, geometric color constructivism, and abstraction, inviting viewers into a dialogue about form and feeling. Her art, exhibited widely and held in international collections, reflects both a personal and natural evolution, balancing control and spontaneity with a deep connection to the world around her.

The 2020 art market reveals a dynamic shift as abstraction rises anew, challenging the dominance of figuration that ruled the contemporary scene for years. While figural paintings, known for their implicitly rich narratives and historical echoes, remain strong among top sales, a fresh wave of emerging abstractionists is redefining the genre with innovative approaches. Highlighting eight artists from the Artspace vault—from Eric Brown’s masterful oil work to Sam Gilliam’s trailblazing drape paintings, and Melissa Meyer’s elegant calligraphic forms—this new abstraction breathes vibrant life into the medium, blending influences across cultures, styles, and epochs. With exhibitions gaining buzz and collectors taking note, these artists are poised to shape the future of contemporary art with fresh, compelling visions that resonate in today’s shifting cultural landscape.

Barbara London, former MoMA curator and video art pioneer, reflects on her five-decade journey shaping and documenting the evolution of video as a serious art form. From early encounters with groundbreaking artists like Vito Acconci and Nam June Paik, to navigating the competitive tensions between filmmakers and video artists, she shares insights into the vibrant, interdisciplinary New York art scene that fostered innovation. London discusses the technical challenges of preserving fragile early video works, the vital role of artist interviews in maintaining aesthetic integrity, and her travels uncovering global media art perspectives. Highlighting key figures such as David Bowie, Bill Viola, and Steve McQueen, her new book *Video/Art: The First Fifty Years* offers an intimate, authoritative account of how video transformed from experimental fringe to a dominant force in contemporary art, continually reshaped by emerging technologies and fresh creative codes.

Nan Goldin, a pioneering American photographer renowned for her raw, intimate portraits of outsiders and marginalized communities, has left an indelible mark on contemporary art and culture. Emerging from Boston's vibrant queer scene and later capturing the gritty life of New York’s Lower East Side, Goldin’s seminal work, *The Ballad of Sexual Dependency*, earned critical acclaim and cemented her status in the art world. Her candid images reveal a tender, personal touch that transcends mere documentation, offering viewers a glimpse into complex lives and relationships. Beyond photography, Goldin has influenced a generation of artists and remains passionately committed to film over digital, emphasizing the artistry involved in curation and editing. Recently, she has gained renewed attention through her activism against the Sackler family’s role in the opioid crisis, spearheading powerful protests that fuse art and social justice. Her work continues to resonate deeply, standing shoulder to shoulder with iconic contemporaries and influential cultural movements.

Phaidon has acquired The Monacelli Press, a beloved publisher renowned for its groundbreaking and beautifully designed books on art, architecture, and interior design. Founded in 1994, Monacelli made its mark with the influential title S,M,L,XL by Rem Koolhaas and Bruce Mau and has since published over 400 distinguished works featuring leading creatives across architecture, interior and landscape design, and photography. The acquisition represents a perfect union of two visionary publishers dedicated to inspiring generations with provocative and essential titles. With this partnership, Phaidon aims to expand into new creative categories while honoring Monacelli’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

Throughout history, artists have drawn profound inspiration from nature, using landscapes not only to capture the beauty and power of the natural world but to reflect on human experience and society. From ancient Chinese scrolls depicting serene escapes and social order, to modern conceptual works featuring melting ice or synthetic clouds, nature remains a powerful muse. Photographers like Ed Ruscha, Hiroji Kubota, Dani García Sarabia, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Marcos Vilas Boas, and Axel Hütte have each explored the environment in unique ways—from hyperreal Californian vistas and misty Chinese mountains to abstract interactions of light and water, staged natural dioramas, moody maritime horizons, and evolving alpine landscapes—inviting viewers to reconsider their place in the world through striking, evocative imagery.

Katherine Bernhardt, the Missouri-born, Brooklyn-based painter dubbed the "female bad-boy of New York painting," creates vibrant, pattern-driven canvases that blend consumerist icons like cigarettes and Doritos with natural motifs such as flowers and sharks. Drawing inspiration from Neo-Expressionism, Pop Art, and decorative arts like Moroccan carpets, her work is celebrated for its bold color fields and effortless, obsessive energy. Her unapologetically playful yet sophisticated paintings challenge traditional figurative art, inviting interpretations that range from environmental commentary to pure visual delight. With rising acclaim and soaring auction prices, Bernhardt’s distinct blend of wit, rebellion, and mastery puts her firmly at the forefront of contemporary art, perfect to pair with fellow non-conformists or pop icons.

Michele Robecchi, a London-based writer and curator with a rich background in commissioning art monographs and organizing international exhibitions, shares his favorite contemporary artworks currently featured on Artspace. From Gianni Motti’s provocative installation converting exhibition budgets into literal cash, to Ceal Floyer’s minimalist yet deeply personal pieces, and Pope .L’s humorous yet thoughtful societal critiques, Robecchi highlights a diverse range of artists whose work challenges, inspires, and engages. Among them are Adel Abdessemed’s poetic nods to art history, Mario Schifano’s pioneering European Pop Art, Robin Rhode’s street-inspired creations, and Lorraine O’Grady’s incisive reflections on gender and race. He also praises Nari Ward’s compelling use of everyday materials, Pipilotti Rist’s enduring influence, Elizabeth Catlett’s educational political art, and Sister Corita Kent’s ahead-of-her-time pop art tackling social justice. Robecchi’s selections offer a vibrant snapshot of thought-provoking contemporary art that invites viewers to look deeper and appreciate the stories behind each work.

Since the rise of synthetic cubism, text has played a transformative role in contemporary art, evolving from mere words to powerful, multifaceted expressions that challenge perception and meaning. This curated collection from Artspace showcases six striking works that explore language’s complexity—ranging from Lawrence Weiner’s poetic, unanswered question embroidered like a sampler, to Christopher Wool’s hypnotic text compositions that blur the line between reading and seeing. Annika Ström’s emotionally charged stenciled pleas, Donald Morgan’s invocation of ancient incantations, Betty Tompkins’ provocative examination of language’s power over women, and Jesse Wine’s poignant ceramic representation of an untouched homework page all underscore text’s potent yet slippery nature. Each piece invites reflection on how language shapes understanding, identity, and power—available now at accessible prices that make these captivating works within reach.

UNTITLED, ART’s fourth edition in San Francisco showcased a vibrant and thought-provoking international lineup, blending innovation with cultural reflection. With around 60 galleries from 12 countries, the fair highlighted artists tackling contemporary social and political issues through diverse mediums. Notable highlights included Johannah Herr’s luminous vinyl works critiquing military and ideological control, Luis De Jesus’s presentation of powerful explorations on identity and history, and Kristin Hjellegjerde’s array of African artists challenging traditional narratives on gender and environment. Diane Rosenstein Gallery brought experimental and boundary-pushing art from Bay Area talents, while Night Gallery featured JPW3’s creative reuse of urban materials into living art, merging community engagement with artistic innovation. UNTITLED, ART remains a dynamic forum where emerging voices and historical perspectives intersect, making it a must-see event for art lovers.

This year celebrates the 70th anniversary of Polaroid’s first black-and-white prints, highlighting the unique physicality and creative potential of this instant film medium. From Nobuyoshi Araki’s intimate and unfiltered explorations of life’s raw moments to Andy Warhol’s repetitive portraits capturing the mundane as art, Polaroid has been a versatile tool for artists pushing photographic boundaries. The article showcases diverse works—from Slater Bradley’s innovative use of Polaroid negatives to Magda Delgado’s mystical, nature-focused imagery and Duane Hanson’s hyper-realistic sculptural studies based on Polaroid portraits—demonstrating how the format’s tangible, chemical-driven process continues to inspire creativity and authenticity across generations.

The visual history of modern pop music is rich with iconic yet often over-familiar images, but delving deeper reveals rare, candid moments that capture legendary artists at pivotal points in their careers. From Mick Rock’s unstaged portrait of David Bowie on the brink of glam rock stardom to Elliot Landy’s eerie infrared photo of Bob Dylan retreating from the chaos of 1968, these alternative snapshots tell compelling stories. We see the Beatles caught between meteoric success and impending pressure, Madonna’s early days backstage at a legendary New York club, and Louis Armstrong’s humble preparations behind the scenes. Elvis Presley’s electrifying homecoming show in Tupelo and Bob Marley’s powerful 1975 Central Park performance also stand out as moments when these giants truly lived their cultural impact. These images, drawn from the Artspace archives, offer a fresh perspective on music legends, revealing the human stories behind their enduring fame.

As 2019 comes to a close, Artspace takes a captivating journey through its most compelling interviews of the year, spotlighting a diverse array of artists who challenge conventions and redefine contemporary art. From the relentless activism of the Guerrilla Girls, who expose inequality with wit and protest, to Jonas Wood’s vibrant, psychologically charged paintings, and Icelandic artist Shoplifter’s sensory, colorful environments, these conversations reveal the rich tapestry of voices shaping today’s art scene. We explore Cecilia Vicuña’s fusion of ancient tradition and activism, the Haas Brothers’ biomorphic designs breaking down toxic masculinity, and Judy Chicago’s pioneering feminist legacy. Also featured are Leonard Drew’s transformative assemblages, Nancy Rubins’ monumental sculptures from found objects, and Katherine Bradford’s bold rise through social themes. The list continues with Brendan Fernandes’ dance-infused installations interrogating identity, Caitlin Cherry’s energetic cultural disruptions, and Sheila Pepe’s resolute craft-based queer feminist works. Together, these interviews celebrate art’s power to provoke, inspire, and redefine culture across media, generations, and identities.

Calvin Tomkins, a towering figure in art journalism, profiles Jennifer Bartlett’s groundbreaking approach to modern painting, focusing on her monumental gridded installation "Rhapsody." Created over long, intense months, the work—composed of nearly a thousand enameled steel plates—blends figurative and abstract elements, exploring American imagery and geometric forms in a dynamic, narrative flow. Bartlett’s ambitious project, celebrated as a landmark in contemporary art, reflects her fearless experimentation and eclectic style, weaving a rich tapestry of influences from Impressionism to Neo-Realism. Her evolving “house paintings” further showcase her ability to fuse personal stories with art history, resulting in bold, innovative works that challenge conventions and celebrate artistic freedom.

NADA Miami bursts with vibrant energy this weekend, showcasing a stunning array of works that captivate and provoke. Shannon Cartier Lucy’s hauntingly surreal paintings reveal intimate, emotionally charged scenes rooted in her unusual upbringing, while Jamilah Sabur crafts a universal language through her luminous, alphabet-inspired series. Atlanta’s Burnaway magazine presents Suzanne Jackson’s innovative, multi-dimensional pieces that blend memory and nature, supporting critical dialogue about the American South. Chicago’s MICKEY gallery features Chloe Seibert’s compelling humanoid sculptures that balance desire and defiance with dark humor. Stephanie Temma Hier dazzles with richly symbolic, pop-culture-infused paintings, while Corey Presha’s humorous yet poignant works confront historical racial tensions through the lens of American humor. Finally, the collaborative duo Mark Barrow and Sarah Parke mesmerize with intricately woven and painted textiles, highlighting the power of creative partnership. Together, these artists and galleries embody the dynamic spirit of NADA Miami, making it a must-see cultural event.

During Miami Art Week, Basel stands out as the premier fair, showcasing the most prestigious galleries and high-priced artworks. Yet, hidden amongst the elite offerings are exceptional pieces available for under $25,000. Highlights include Maja Ruznic’s haunting, expressionist paintings that dissolve figures into abstraction; Sam Anderson’s unique epoxy clay sculptures capturing fringe character tropes; and Katalin Ladik’s provocative feminist photography challenging beauty norms. Also featured are Joseph Elmer Yoakum’s richly imaginative landscapes rooted in Outsider Art, Suzanne Treister’s visionary future-themed paintings and digital prints, Bendt Eyckermans’ atmospheric and theatrical Belgian-influenced scenes, and Norwegian-Nigerian Frida Orupabo’s powerful collage series exploring tensions between violence and intimacy. This curated selection offers art lovers a chance to engage with fresh, compelling voices at accessible prices amidst Miami’s most exclusive art event.

UNTITLED, Art Miami Beach opened with a captivating array of artworks that linger in the mind. Highlights include Adebunmi Gbadebo’s hauntingly personal series True Blue, crafted from materials like hair and indigo to preserve the memory of her enslaved ancestors. Rannva Kunoy’s iridescent Buccaneer mesmerizes with layers of shimmering pigment that shift with your perspective, rare and best experienced in person. Emma Webster’s monumental landscape paintings, such as Idyllic, reimagine nature in the age of climate crisis with surreal, diorama-inspired scenes. Noel Anderson’s tapestries reveal complex narratives of African American culture, blending sport and violence in striking images. Meanwhile, Jenna Gribbon’s intimate paintings, like the charming Mutual Pleasure featuring a beloved dog, explore queer companionship and invert traditional artistic tropes with warmth and wit. These works underscore a dynamic mix of history, identity, and innovation defining this year’s fair.

KAWS, renowned for blending fine art with commercial culture, has captivated audiences worldwide with his iconic Companion series and innovative collaborations, from Nike sneakers to Uniqlo apparel. Celebrated by art collectors and celebrities alike, his work ranges from street art to large-scale public installations. For those looking to gift something unique this holiday season, the limited edition ceramic plate set offers a sophisticated twist on KAWS’s signature style, featuring his Companion character in elegant monochrome hues inspired by traditional porcelain. This exclusive set, linked to his 2019 Taipei installation, is the perfect blend of art and functionality for fans and collectors.

Los Angeles-based artist Jonas Wood has cemented his status as a leading figure in contemporary painting, known for his vibrant colors and playful geometric forms that delve into memory, psychological depth, and the intimate spaces of home. His works blend abstraction, representation, and photographic elements with a distinctive, off-kilter charm that invites viewers into a visually rich experience. Recently, Phaidon released an in-depth monograph exploring Wood’s creative process, studio life, and extensive body of work, accompanied by a limited-edition etching titled *Bball Studio*, which reflects the origins of his basketball motif and the studio that marked a pivotal moment in his career. With insights into his studio practice, printmaking, and personal reflections, this collection offers a rare and comprehensive glimpse into the artist’s evolving journey and his commitment to exploring the emotional resonance of everyday interiors.

Carmen Hermo, Associate Curator at the Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art, highlights her favorite works from Artspace's preview of UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach, celebrating artists who engage history, identity, and power through compelling mediums. From Alanna Fields’ paper and wax explorations of hidden narratives in found photographs to Marta Minujín’s vibrant "frozen memory" mattress-sculpture-paintings, each piece draws viewers into deep, evocative stories. Paula Wilson’s humorous woodblock print connects bodily rhythms with cosmic cycles, while Cian Dayrit’s embroidered textiles interrogate global power and colonial legacies with striking symbolism. The iconic Judy Chicago, ever fierce at eighty, rounds out the selection with a portrait honoring her enduring legacy and influence in feminist art.

Ayesha Williams, deputy director of The Laundromat Project, shares her top picks from Artspace’s preview of UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach, an upcoming art fair showcasing dynamic, thought-provoking works by multiracial, multigenerational artists. From Nate Lewis’s intricate pose contrasted against a deep black background to Ronny Quevedo’s layered redactions crafted with thread and muslin, each piece captures complex narratives and raw vulnerability. David Shrobe’s collage invites viewers to imagine transformative journeys, while Wura-Natasha Ogunji’s portrayal of powerful women resonates with the vastness of the desert landscape. Tariku Shiferaw’s poetic layering beautifully embodies lyrical homage, reflecting the rich depth of Afro Blue. Williams’s selections highlight art that bridges intimate storytelling and broader social change, inviting Miami visitors to explore these evocative works firsthand at the fair.

Entrepreneur Brian Bolke, known for his trendsetting ventures like Forty Five Ten and The Conservatory, shares his passion for contemporary art ahead of Artspace's UNTITLED, ART Miami Beach fair. Highlighting must-see works, Bolke praises Mark Bradford’s deeply personal reflections on identity, Leyla Cardenas’ hauntingly simple sculptures, and Judy Chicago’s fiery portrait celebrating artistic vitality at eighty. He is also captivated by Marti Cormand’s nostalgic miniature paintings, Dallas talent Nic Nicosia’s evocative photography, Boo Saville’s vibrant emotional colorwork, and Emmanuel van der Auwera’s thought-provoking digital age video sculptures. Art lovers visiting Miami from December 4-8 are invited to explore these standout pieces at Artspace’s booth and experience the cutting edge of contemporary art firsthand.

Chiho Aoshima, a leading figure in the Superflat movement inspired by anime and manga, uniquely explores themes of nature clashing with humanity, girls challenging traditional gender roles, and visions of renewal after apocalypse. Despite her background in economics, she became a prominent artist through her work with Takashi Murakami’s Kaikai Kiki collective, contributing to global public art installations and creating large-scale pieces like her expansive wallpaper debut at the Carnegie Museum of Art. Her innovative approach extends to animation, exemplified by her collaborative video "City Glow," reflecting on humanity’s complex relationship with nature. Collectors can now acquire her signature style through the striking print *Japanese Apricot 1*, a captivating investment that embodies the vibrant edge of Japanese pop art and the Superflat aesthetic.

Tomer Alexander, an artist celebrated through Artspace's Straight From the Studio initiative, draws deeply from his diverse cultural experiences and emotional memories to create evocative abstract works. Born in the South of France and influenced by a lineage of artists, Tomer’s art captures the essence of places he has traveled—from Cape Verde to Brazil—inviting viewers to journey through vivid emotions and landscapes. His process blends spontaneous drawing with thoughtful oil painting, inspired by moments, people, and the unique light of each location. Featured works like "Praca De Se," "L’epis De Mais 1," and "STM" reflect his fascination with local life, history, and the rhythms of everyday scenes, making his art a heartfelt homage to his global adventures.

Artspace proudly unveils "Rihanna: Fenty x Phaidon," a spectacular visual autobiography celebrating the multifaceted icon—nine-time Grammy winner, actress, entrepreneur, and cultural trailblazer. This luxurious, large-format book features 1,050 vibrant images, many never before seen, presented in two exclusive limited editions crafted in collaboration with renowned artists The Haas Brothers. One edition includes a stunning bookstand inspired by Rihanna’s iconic tattooed hands, while the ultra-luxe Luxury Supreme edition offers a dramatic gold-toned stand with intricate vermiculated fabric details, all bound in bespoke black fabric with laser-cut steel logos. Signed and numbered, these editions transform Rihanna’s story into an irresistible, immersive collector’s experience that embodies her bold artistry and incomparable style.

As the fall art season kicks off, galleries and museums are spotlighting seven standout artists whose exhibitions set the tone for the year ahead. From Alex Prager’s cinematic, neo-noir photographs that captivate with emotional depth, to Guy Yanai’s vibrant, pixel-inspired paintings gaining momentum in New York’s Chelsea district, these artists offer investment-worthy pieces that marry innovation with timeless appeal. Betye Saar’s powerful assemblages confront African-American history with profound symbolism, while Julie Mehretu’s monumental abstracts examine global themes of history and displacement, soon to be celebrated in a major LACMA retrospective. Nick Cave blends dance and visual art to explore African identity through his iconic Soundsuits, and Sol LeWitt’s bold, colorful abstractions continue to influence modern and conceptual art collectors worldwide. Finally, Judith Hopf’s cutting-edge sculptures challenge conventions with material reversals, reinforcing her status as a leading figure in contemporary German art. Together, these artists not only define the season but invite collectors to engage with dynamic, culturally resonant works.

Emily Hoerdemann, featured through Artspace's Straight From the Studio initiative, creates captivating collages that blend serene photography with bold, cut-out text, reflecting her life in Los Angeles and her fascination with organization. Drawing from personal and collective experiences, her work explores language, femininity, and appropriation through analog techniques that combine her own photographs with vintage materials and contemporary art references. From her evocative One Word Poems to her vibrant Hues series and dynamic Photo Interventions, Hoerdemann’s art challenges traditional notions of femininity while celebrating color, balance, and form, offering a fresh, visually rich dialogue rooted in both nostalgia and empowerment.

Sascha Braunig’s captivating paintings blur the line between figure and background through surreal, trompe l'oeil effects that mimic digital skins, yet are crafted from intricate clay-based 3D models. Celebrated for her small, vibrant works that explore light, color, and space, Braunig gained significant recognition in the 2015 New Museum Triennial and has been featured in influential art books like Phaidon's Vitamin P3 and Thames & Hudson’s 100 Painters of Tomorrow. With solo exhibitions at MoMA PS1 and Kunsthall Stavanger, her work continues to mesmerize audiences. Among her notable pieces is the limited edition silkscreen print Witch Hunt (2018), available through Foxy Productions, embodying her innovative fusion of surrealism and meticulous craftsmanship.

In "Made in North Korea: Graphics from Everyday Life in the DPRK," filmmaker Nicholas Bonner shares a unique and captivating collection of North Korean graphic design, gathered over years of visits starting in 1993. Unlike Western advertising, which plays on emotion and aspiration, North Korea’s graphics are straightforward and utilitarian, often hand-drawn and anonymous, focusing on clear messages rather than brand identity. Bonner’s collection spans everyday items like sweets wrappers, beer labels, and toy boxes, as well as propaganda art and commemorative stamps, revealing a world where design is an educational and cultural tool rather than a commercial pursuit. Over time, traditional hand-crafted designs gave way to computer-generated images as competition emerged in the country’s markets, signaling a shift toward modernity while preserving a unique graphic heritage that reflects the societal and economic changes in North Korea.

Ida Ekblad, Norway’s rapidly rising art star, captivates with her bold fusion of Abstract Expressionism, Situationism, and vibrant pop culture influences like cartoons and graffiti. Her latest exhibition, “Blood Optics,” showcased at Mexico City’s Museo Tamayo, features strikingly colorful paintings made with Puff Paint—creating textured surfaces—and sculptures crafted from concrete and discarded materials. Ekblad’s editioned silk screen print, *Picture Phosphorescence, the Pure, Again*, highlights her signature motifs of aliens, gateways, and the color blue, enhanced by a unique puff paint technique that gives the artwork a dynamic, raised effect. With her works fetching up to $50,000 at auction, this print offers collectors an accessible entry point to own a piece of Ekblad’s electrifying urban folk art style.

Charles Wilkin, a New York native based in the Catskills, captivates with his surreal and seductive collages that blend spontaneity and thoughtful structure. Drawing from vintage photo books and fashion magazines, Wilkin’s work explores the chaotic beauty of human nature through layered textures and unexpected associations. His creative process, which he calls the "Perceptive Reading of Paper Scraps," invites viewers into new, transformative realities that spark empathy and invite reflection beyond the surface. Featured worldwide and part of esteemed collections, Wilkin aims to connect his audience with deeper narratives and the unseen qualities that make us uniquely human.

In a witty and irreverent exploration of medieval art, this article dives into the delightfully bizarre depictions of dogs from centuries past, uncovering grotesque and hilarious canine hybrids that range from fish-dogs to goat-faced poltergeists. Through vivid descriptions and historical anecdotes, it highlights how medieval artists, often constrained by their era’s limited techniques and mythologies, created creatures that seem both terrifying and endearing. Beyond the laughs, the piece reflects on medieval beliefs, loyalty, and mythology—reminding us that while these pups may look monstrous, all dogs are good dogs, and there's a fascinating story behind every strange portrait. So, if you’re ready to embrace the chaos of history’s weirdest dogs, this romp through medieval manuscripts will both amuse and astound.

Swiss artist Nicolas Party, known for his vibrant, smooth, and bulbous depictions of everyday objects, is making waves in the art world with record-breaking sales and high-profile gallery representations. Drawing inspiration from modernist painters and even Egyptian sarcophaguses, Party’s work blurs the lines between digital and traditional art forms. For his first-ever blanket edition, he brings his painterly precision and vivid color palette to a luxurious hand-loomed lambswool blanket produced by master Scottish craftspeople, combining rich art history with tactile craftsmanship. Each double-sided blanket features one of Party’s signature compositions on the front and a textured birdseye pattern on the reverse, offering a unique blend of art and comfort.

Herman Miller’s story begins in early 20th-century Zeeland, Michigan, where a modest furniture company evolved into a design powerhouse guided by visionary leadership and a commitment to quality and humanity. Driven by D.J. De Pree’s deep Christian values and progressive approach, the company pioneered participative management and embraced innovation through collaborations with groundbreaking designers like Gilbert Rohde and George Nelson. From biomorphic forms to iconic pieces like the Marshmallow Sofa and the Eames Lounge Chair, Herman Miller has consistently redefined modern furniture by focusing on function, simplicity, and improving everyday living. Their legacy—centered on design as a way of life—continues to influence and inspire the world of furniture today.

Blooms, a vibrant new book showcasing 86 groundbreaking floral designers from around the world, celebrates a bold new era in contemporary floral art that transcends traditional boundaries. These artists—ranging from self-taught visionaries to seasoned professionals—reimagine flowers not just as decorations but as dynamic artworks that blur lines between fashion, performance, and fine art. Using sustainable practices, unconventional materials, and striking sculptural forms, designers create evocative, personal styles that challenge conventions and captivate diverse audiences beyond the florist’s shop, reaching global followers via social media, pop-ups, and innovative installations. From MetaFlora’s theatrical botanical compositions to Lewis Miller’s joyful guerrilla flower displays and Ariel Dearie’s elegant, photographic arrangements, Blooms spotlights the passionate creativity and ecological consciousness driving the floral renaissance today—proof that this is truly not your grandmother’s florist.

Phaidon's latest edition in their iconic Vitamin series, Vitamin T: Threads and Textiles in Contemporary Art, shines a spotlight on the dynamic world of fiber art, a medium that bridges ancient tradition and radical innovation. Featuring 113 contemporary artists nominated by leading curators, writers, and museum directors, this comprehensive compendium celebrates the revolutionary spirit woven into textiles—rooted in feminist, civil rights, and anti-war movements—and highlights its powerful role in shaping fine art. Embracing the interdisciplinary legacy of the Bauhaus and the deeply human narratives embedded in fabric, Vitamin T offers a panoramic exploration of textile art's evolving cultural significance and its capacity to express complex ideas through materiality.

Jonas Mekas, often hailed as the godfather of New American Cinema, was a groundbreaking avant-garde filmmaker and champion of independent film who left an indelible mark on the art world. An immigrant from Lithuania, Mekas co-founded key institutions like Anthology Film Archives and Film Culture, fervently supporting experimental cinema. His films, noted for their poetic, plotless glimpses into beatnik life, have been celebrated worldwide, including at the Venice Biennale and MoMA PS1. Mekas's "To New York With Love" portfolio, a heartfelt tribute to the city, showcases 21 evocative prints drawn from his iconic film diaries. This collection offers a rare chance to own a piece of cinematic history, reflecting Mekas’s lifelong dedication to capturing the spirit of artistic freedom and New York’s vibrant culture.

Venezuelan-born, New York-based artist Roxa Smith transforms interior spaces into vibrant portraits full of personality and layered meaning. Inspired by her move from California to a gray New York City and a rainy visit to her grandmother’s farmhouse, Smith’s work blends lived experience with imagination, combining sketches, photos, and collage to create dynamic, often abstracted environments. Her paintings delve into intricate details and shifting perspectives, while her collages emphasize bold patterns and graphic elements, each medium offering a unique exploration of domestic spaces. Through this evolving practice, Smith captures the intimate spirit and ever-changing nature of the places that inspire her.

Untitled Art Miami Beach opened yesterday in South Beach, showcasing a diverse array of compelling works from emerging and established artists. Highlights include Emilie Gassiaux’s tactile drawings created despite her black-out blindness, Gordon Cheung’s symbolically rich paintings critiquing China’s expansionist policies, and Jonny Negron’s evocative figurative works exploring kinship and identity. Summer Wheat challenges traditional representations of masculinity by depicting empowered women with innovative textile-like techniques, while Paco Pomet’s vibrant, humorous twilight scenes captivate with their surreal glow. Wesaam Al-Badry’s poignant portraits fuse Western luxury fashion with Islamic cultural traditions to explore complex intersections of identity and consumerism. Together, these artists underscore the fair’s dynamic spirit and the power of art to provoke thought and empathy.

As the Miami art fairs approach, Esther McGowan, executive director of Visual AIDS, highlights her favorite works from the Untitled Art Miami Beach online preview. She celebrates Liliana Porter’s emotive sculptures that transform toys into storytelling figures, Mark Wagner’s intricate collages made from currency that challenge ideas of value, and Bryson Rand’s poignant photography supporting AIDS causes. Lisa Hoke’s vibrant sculptures crafted from everyday discarded materials boldly confront consumerism, while Wura-Natasha Ogunji’s mixed-media pieces explore identity and femininity through delicate threadwork. Enrique Chagoya’s compelling art tackles colonialism and social injustice with sharp, accessible symbolism. Together, these artists offer a dynamic and thought-provoking glimpse into contemporary art’s power to inspire and provoke.

Wes Anderson, renowned for his distinct cinematic style, has teamed up with his partner Juman Malouf to curate “Spitzmaus Mummy in a Coffin and Other Treasures,” a unique exhibition at Vienna’s Kunsthistorisches Museum. Drawing from 4.5 million artifacts, they crafted a whimsical cabinet of curiosities featuring 400 objects arranged not by traditional historical or geographic logic, but by color, theme, and playful associations. While critics question the depth and curatorial rigor of this visually driven approach, fans of Anderson’s films may find the exhibition’s aesthetic charm and evocative mood a captivating invitation to experience art in a fresh, imaginative way. Whether you adore or critique it, this daring fusion of filmic sensibility and museum curation sparks a lively dialogue about how we engage with art across time.

Salvador Dalí, one of the most iconic Surrealist artists of the twentieth century, drew inspiration from Cubism, Dadaism, and Freudian theories to create a unique visual language filled with imaginative symbols like melting clocks and spindly-legged elephants. His work spans various mediums, from painting and sculpture to graphic arts, with early and lifelong dedication to etchings and lithographic prints. Among his celebrated pieces are illustrations for the Biblia Sacra vulgatæ editionis, including the striking "Abraham, Abraham!," which captures a dramatic biblical moment with surreal majesty. Dalí's enduring influence and dynamic aesthetic continue to captivate collectors and art lovers worldwide, with his works housed in premier institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art, MoMA, and the Guggenheim.

Egon Schiele’s prints captivate collectors with their raw, sinewy depictions of youthful bodies that blend contorted shapes and bold eroticism, embodying a turn-of-the-century edge that foreshadowed Abstract Expressionism. Known for his hauntingly elongated fingers and unflinching style, Schiele’s work commands staggering prices at auction, yet his prints offer a more accessible way to experience his nuanced artistry. Emerging as a prodigy under Gustav Klimt’s wing, Schiele became a controversial figure in early 20th-century Vienna, mingling with legends like Edvard Munch and Vincent van Gogh before his untimely death at 28. Featured pieces like *Two Kissing Girls* and *Suburban Kids* perfectly showcase his provocative themes and signature line work, making his prints a compelling addition to any collection.

Sarah Lucas’s provocative art, featured in her first major US survey “Sarah Lucas: Au Naturel” at the New Museum, boldly explores sex and everyday objects with raw accessibility and dark humor. Rejecting the exclusivity of galleries, Lucas taps into the universal, often cheeky language of sexuality, as seen in iconic works like Eating a Banana and Two Fried Eggs and a Kebab. Her use of toilets and bodily forms challenges societal taboos and the power we assign to genitals, sculpting them as mundane parts of the body to question their cultural weight. Working spontaneously from her Suffolk home, Lucas blends personal experience with sharp critique, highlighting issues of objectification, gender, and identity while inviting viewers to reconsider the serious and the absurd in human bodies and behavior.

Destination Art, Phaidon's new global guide, invites readers to embark on a journey to experience 500 exceptional modern and contemporary artworks permanently installed around the world. In an era dominated by digital images, this collection celebrates the unique, immersive experience of encountering art in person and highlights how the environment shapes that encounter. From monumental living sculptures like Agnes Denes’s Tree Mountain in Finland to playful yet poignant installations such as Julia Oram's giant bath plug in New Zealand, each work tells a story tied to its locale, inviting travelers to explore diverse cultures and landscapes. The book spans continents and styles—from Grayson Perry's narrative-filled holiday home in England to Nancy Holt's celestial Sun Tunnels in the American desert—transforming art viewing into a pilgrimage of discovery, reflection, and awe.

As fall approaches, the art world gears up with an exciting lineup of exhibitions featuring groundbreaking artists. Highlights include Toyin Ojih Odutola’s richly detailed drawings imagining a wealthy, uncolonized African society at Jack Shainman Gallery, and B. Wurtz’s unique assemblages and sculptures blending everyday objects with photographic prints at Metro Pictures and ICA Los Angeles. Martine Syms captivates with an interactive video installation across New York and London galleries, while João Maria Gusmão and Pedro Paiva debut their captivating cinematic and architectural works in New York. The season also honors the late painter Paul Bloodgood with a retrospective at White Columns, revives Gertrude Abercrombie’s surrealist legacy at Karma, and presents Simone Leigh’s powerful exploration of Black womanhood at Luhring Augustine. Aria Dean’s minimal, thought-provoking sculptures and videos challenge historical narratives at Château Shatto, while Sarah Lucas finally receives a comprehensive U.S. survey at the New Museum, offering her trademark provocative mix of humor and confrontational gender politics. This season promises a rich, diverse, and dynamic journey through contemporary art’s most compelling voices.

Lucian Freud, one of the 20th century’s most important portraitists and grandson of Sigmund Freud, fled Nazi Germany to build a profound 60-year career in Britain defined by intensely intimate and psychologically penetrating portraits. Known for his close and often complicated relationships with his models—many of whom were personal friends—Freud’s unique working method involved meticulous, small-area painting and intense emotional scrutiny. David Dawson, Freud’s longtime friend, assistant, and subject of his final work, shares insights into the artist’s private world, revealing the intensity, individuality, and deep human empathy that Freud captured in his paintings. This new comprehensive two-volume retrospective, curated by Dawson alongside author Martin Gayford and editor Mark Holborn, offers an unprecedented look into Freud’s process, relationships, and lasting influence on art, showcasing how he brought an unparalleled combination of heart and intellect to exploring what it means to be human.

Photographer Jess T. Dugan and social worker Vanessa Fabbre illuminate the often overlooked experiences of aging within the transgender and gender non-conforming community through a powerful, five-year project capturing stories across the United States. Their work, showcased in the upcoming exhibition "To Survive on This Shore," presents intimate portraits and interviews that delve into the complex intersections of gender identity, age, race, and lived reality. From resilient seniors like Gloria, who credits her survival to family love and grace, to individuals like Tony, who embraced his true self later in life with boundless enthusiasm, these narratives reveal the struggles, triumphs, and authenticity of aging trans lives. The project highlights not only personal journeys but also communal challenges like finding inclusive long-term care, ultimately offering a poignant reflection on resilience, identity, and the enduring quest to live genuinely against the odds.

At the New York Academy of Art in Tribeca, a unique blend of traditional painting techniques and critical discourse shapes emerging artists who continue to explore the rich dialogue between materiality and meaning in contemporary art. Curated by photorealist painter Damian Loeb, an engaging online exhibition showcases the work of talented alumni who share diverse inspirations—from the intimate study of the human figure and the interplay of light and shadow in everyday scenes, to the evocative power of natural landscapes and personal narratives. Each artist reveals their creative process and thematic focus, whether through vibrant gestures, layered textures, or meditative portraits, offering viewers a captivating glimpse into how classical methods harmonize with modern sensibilities to create compelling, thought-provoking art.

Mark Mann’s recent solo exhibition, “O Uncolored People,” showcased at Owen James Gallery in New York, captures hauntingly nostalgic images from mid-20th century America—blurry, sunburnt figures that evoke a time when white, middle-class Americans were at ease as domestic tourists. His work pays homage to Ed Ruscha’s exploration of everyday American culture, blending evocative paintings with fragile white plaster cacti sculptures symbolizing endurance and fragility. With a growing reputation and collections in major museums like LACMA and the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Mann’s art offers a compelling glimpse into a fading era, blending memory, culture, and subtle critique through a distinctive lens.

Snarkitecture, the innovative design studio founded by Daniel Arsham and Alex Mustonen, is redefining the boundaries between art and architecture with immersive, playful installations that invite interaction and exploration. Known for their collaborative, making-driven approach that blends craft with conceptual rigor, they transform everyday objects and architectural spaces into surprising experiences, as seen in projects like the foam excavation “Dig” and inflatable sphere performances at the New Museum. From humble beginnings in a shared studio to large-scale public commissions, Snarkitecture’s work challenges expectations by combining precision with whimsy, turning the familiar upside down and creating spaces that feel both tactile and otherworldly. Their upcoming “Fun House” exhibition at the National Building Museum promises to further showcase their unique vision, celebrating the joy of discovery and the art of making.

As summer kicks off, the art world is buzzing with powerful moments and dramatic stories: Jay-Z and Beyoncé captivate audiences with their groundbreaking “Apeshit” video filmed in the Louvre, challenging the Eurocentric art canon by centering Black excellence; meanwhile, a family feud erupts over a Basquiat painting, sparking a $100 million lawsuit tied to a disappointing auction sale. New York City takes a bold step toward gender equity in public art with a $10 million initiative to commission monuments honoring women, addressing the long-standing male dominance in city statues. However, the arts community also faced tragedy when a gang-related shooting at Trenton’s Art All Night festival left one dead and many injured, a somber reminder of the challenges local artists confront. Adding perspective on the artist’s struggle, a recent Creative Independent survey reveals the harsh financial realities faced by many, especially women, non-binary individuals, and people of color, underscoring that making a living through art remains a steep uphill climb.

Piero Fornasetti, the renowned Italian artist, left behind a remarkable legacy of over 11,000 distinctive works, many featuring the enigmatic black-and-white face of opera singer Lina Cavalieri, which became his signature motif. Celebrated for his inventive designs, Fornasetti famously created the Zodiac Suite for the ill-fated Andrea Doria ocean liner, an iconic symbol of Italian pride that tragically sank in 1956. His artistic vision extended beyond objects to theatrical productions, with his striking sets and props enhancing Mozart’s Don Giovanni in Milan and Florence. Today, Fornasetti’s timeless pieces continue to captivate collectors and art lovers alike, blending whimsy, elegance, and a touch of mystery.

Kameelah Janan Rasheed’s installation at the New Museum invites visitors into a deeply reflective exploration of Black education, history, and radical pedagogy through interactive materials, archival texts, and a thoughtful reimagining of learning spaces. Alongside The Black School’s innovative classroom prototype, the exhibition challenges traditional educational models shaped by systemic racism and advocates for self-determined, community-based learning as a form of social justice and resistance. Through intimate dialogues and dynamic workshops, the artists emphasize the importance of creating spaces that nurture critical thinking, cultural affirmation, and collective empowerment, while honoring the complexity and subtlety of Black experiences and knowledge production. This project sparks vital conversations about the past, present, and future of educational equity, underscoring the power of radical curiosity, strategic opacity, and collaborative action in redefining what learning can be.

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the National Gallery, Royal Academy, and National Portrait Gallery unite to showcase Tacita Dean’s evocative exploration of still life, portraits, and landscapes across their halls. Known for her atmospheric and nostalgic films created on discontinued 16-mm film, Dean delves into history and human experience, blurring fact and fiction. Her seminal work *Disappearance at Sea* recounts the tragic tale of yachtsman Donald Crowhurst, weaving themes of time, deception, and the vast unknown of the ocean, all framed by the intimate scale of lighthouses. Throughout her career, Dean’s fascination with sound, memory, and storytelling shines in pieces like *Foley Artist*, where she reveals the artifice behind cinematic soundscapes, and her sonic homage to Robert Smithson’s *Spiral Jetty*. With a unique blend of historical inquiry and meditative narrative, Dean invites viewers to reflect on human frailty, nature, and the elusive boundary between reality and imagination.

Inspired by a newly published collection, *You Had Better Make Some Noise: Words to Change the World* gathers 100 powerful quotes from historical figures, activists, artists, and visionaries who remind us that the fight for justice connects us across time and place. This unique book encourages readers to engage daily with its perforated pages, perfect for tearing out and sharing messages that still resonate today. From Ai Weiwei’s call to “act” to Barbara Kruger’s reflection on the urgency of our times, these words from artists like Jenny Holzer, Andy Warhol, and Nadia Tolokonnikova emphasize that art and activism are intertwined forces for change, urging us all to make our voices heard and create meaningful political moments.

Artspace Magazine revisits some of its standout "Artists to Watch" alumni, highlighting their impressive trajectories and accessible works perfect for collectors. Beverly Semmes captivates with her feminist-inspired installations transforming provocative imagery, while Brooklyn sculptor Elizabeth Jaeger evolves from playful figurative pieces to elegant ceramic forms. Wael Shawky’s deeply researched, politically charged prints offer a compelling narrative on history and conflict. Photographer Paul Mpagi Sepuya explores intimate queer social spaces through his performative portraits, now recognized at major galleries and fairs. Laura Owens redefines contemporary painting, blending figuration and digital influences, with works fetching millions. Rising artist Morgan Mandalay, known for his emotionally intense large canvases shown internationally, offers powerful original paintings at remarkable prices. This curated selection reflects an exciting moment in contemporary art, blending emerging voices and established innovators ideal for collectors seeking fresh, meaningful additions.

Yesterday's tragic shooting at YouTube's Northern California headquarters left three injured and ended with the shooter, Nasim Najafi Aghdam, taking her own life. Aghdam, who harbored deep grievances against YouTube's policies that she felt stifled her income, managed four channels featuring English, Turkish, Farsi, and hand art content—now all removed. Her videos, which echoed the style of video art, tackled themes like veganism, animal rights, consumerism, and societal critique through parodies of pop icons such as Nicki Minaj and Taylor Swift. Despite a modest cult following with substantial monthly views, her work reflected the troubled mind behind the violence, and while some might interpret her content artistically, it ultimately expressed the pain of a deeply disturbed individual. Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families in the wake of this heartbreaking event.

Rose Wylie, a British artist born in 1934, has gained late recognition with her bold and fearless paintings, currently showcased in her solo exhibition "Quack Quack" at The Serpentine. Celebrated for her unique approach to painting, Wylie draws inspiration from diverse sources such as Quentin Tarantino's "Kill Bill," soccer games, and her own daily experiences, creating works that resonate with vibrant spontaneity. Her exhibition has sparked engaging programming, including a conversation with renowned curator Hans Ulrich Obrist and contributions from notable artists, highlighting her influential role in contemporary art. As The Guardian praises, Wylie's fearless creativity offers a fresh, inspiring direction for painting in the 21st century.

Peter Doig’s evocative landscape paintings, described as "abstractions of memories," draw deeply from film, place, and personal history to create mysterious narratives that feel both intimate and expansive. In this revealing interview, Doig reflects on his artistic journey from early influences in Canada and London to his evolving palette and techniques, emphasizing a continual effort to escape repetition and mannerism. His work often humanizes landscapes through modest architecture and figures, blending memory and imagination in fluid surfaces that capture weathered atmospheres and fleeting moments. Influenced by his travels and residencies—including a meaningful return to Trinidad—Doig’s art resists nostalgia while exploring themes of place, time, and presence. Balancing solitude with engagement in the contemporary art world, and inspired by music as much as imagery, he crafts paintings that invite viewers into richly textured, layered worlds where reality and dream intertwine.

William Wegman, renowned for his iconic photographs of Weimaraner dogs dressed like humans, began his career as a conceptual artist whose work has gained a fresh spotlight in the exhibition "Before/On/After: William Wegman and California Conceptualism" at The Met. Known for his short, witty videos made with early portable equipment, Wegman's art melds humor and accessibility, standing apart from the more austere conceptual works of his peers. His collaboration with his dog Man Ray, whose unique personality profoundly influenced his creative output, transformed what began as experimental video into beloved mainstream media appearances on shows like Sesame Street and Saturday Night Live. Reflecting on his journey from experimental artist to popular culture figure, Wegman shares candid insights on his desire for connection with audiences, the evolution of his art across formats, and the freedom found in embracing both the art world’s "white cube" and the broader public stage.

This past fall marked a milestone in the career of Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang, whose explosive, site-specific work—most famously using gunpowder—bridges his Chinese heritage and global perspectives. From dazzling public installations like the lantern-lit pedicabs in Philadelphia to solo shows at prestigious museums in Moscow and Madrid, Guo-Qiang’s art explores cultural identity, power, and transformation. His journey from China to Japan and ultimately to New York profoundly shaped his creative evolution, reflecting a shift from cosmic themes toward deeper cultural and humanistic concerns. Through landmark pieces such as Century with Mushroom Clouds and Cry Dragon/Cry Wolf, he challenges political narratives and cultural stereotypes, weaving history and contemporary global tensions into his visual storytelling. Works like Cultural Melting Bath create immersive experiences that highlight the complexities of multiculturalism and social interaction, adapting fluidly to their surroundings in Asia, Europe, and America. Throughout, Guo-Qiang embodies the pendulum swing between East and West, past and present, tradition and innovation—continuously reimagining what it means to create art in a world of shifting boundaries.

Brooklyn-based artist Mike Perry, known for his vibrant and psychedelic style, has brought his unique creative vision to Comedy Central’s hit show *Broad City*, designing animated opening titles and crafting a visual language that evolved over four years into forty distinct variations. Initially new to animation, Perry embraced the challenge with the support of the show’s creators, Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer, producing memorable work that even translated into a groundbreaking eight-and-a-half-minute animated sequence for a special episode. Balancing commercial projects with his fine art practice, Perry explores themes of the human figure, self-discovery, and the creative journey, blending intricate, colorful imagery with personal and communal narratives. As he prepares to launch a new gallery in Crown Heights and embark on a trip to Japan, Perry continues to push boundaries, melding art, animation, and life into a vibrant, evolving practice.

Art history often shifts in unexpected ways, and the work of American painter Robert Ryman exemplifies this ebb and flow. Once overshadowed by trends favoring figuration and deconstructive art, Ryman's abstract, materially focused paintings are now experiencing a resurgence. Art historian Vittorio Colaizzi highlights how Ryman’s work challenges traditional notions of painting by emphasizing the physicality of paint and surface, urging viewers to see his pieces more like sculptures—objects defined by texture, form, and presence rather than imagery. Ryman’s dedication to exploring painting as an open-ended, performative act reflects a rejection of irony and embraces complexity and critical engagement. Despite early obscurity, his innovative approach has inspired contemporary abstract painters and continues to reveal fresh perspectives on what painting can be.

Artists Who Make Books, co-edited by Claire Lehmann, Andrew Ross, and Philip Aarons, celebrates the unique and democratic medium of artists' books, which continue to flourish despite the rise of digital media. These books offer artists complete creative control, providing a tangible, intimate experience that stands apart from the ephemeral nature of online content and the exclusivity of the traditional art market. Aarons highlights how artists like Tauba Auerbach and Paul Chan use books to reach a broad audience beyond wealthy collectors, embracing affordability and accessibility. The book captures the essence of these works through exquisite photography, showcasing a diverse range of artists who see bookmaking as a vital extension of their practice. From vibrant art fairs to dedicated collectors and readers, artists' books nurture a vibrant community that values both the aesthetic and democratic spirit of art in book form.

Trevor Paglen’s photograph, *The Counting Station / Cynthia (Numbers Station near Egelsbach, Germany)*, captures enigmatic radio towers believed to transmit secret coded messages, revealing the unseen mechanisms of surveillance shaping our world. Featured in the landmark "Electronic Superhighway (2016-1966)" exhibition at London’s Whitechapel Gallery, Paglen’s work bridges art and technology, exploring the impact of digital culture since the 1960s. This season marks a major moment for the artist, with exhibitions at Metro Pictures, a satellite sculpture launch with SpaceX, and a Smithsonian mid-career survey, making this powerful piece available for collectors seeking both conceptual depth and visual intrigue.

Artist Trevor Paglen’s exhibition "A Study of Invisible Images" at Metro Pictures reveals a fascinating and unsettling shift in how images are created and perceived in the age of artificial intelligence. Rather than being made for human eyes, the majority of today’s images are generated by machines for use by other machines—whether it’s self-driving cars navigating streets, police logging license plates, or social media algorithms scrutinizing faces. Paglen explores this new realm of “invisible images,” where autonomous vision systems wield power for corporations and governments, raising profound questions about surveillance, bias, and the nature of seeing itself. Through his work, he offers a poetic and critical reflection on how machine-made images, which often escape human understanding, shape contemporary society and challenge our historical conceptions of art, identity, and control.

Yayoi Kusama’s groundbreaking exhibition “Infinity Rooms” at the Seattle Art Museum draws massive crowds eager to experience her mesmerizing installations, marking a special homecoming for the artist who first lived in Seattle upon arriving in the U.S. in 1957. The show highlights the deep connections between Kusama’s work and the Pacific Northwest’s artistic history while presenting a vibrant spectrum of her art—from her latest colorful sculptures and paintings to early drawings and iconic infinity net paintings. Visitors are captivated by immersive environments like the lantern-lit Aftermath of Obliteration of Eternity, the glowing polka-dotted pumpkin patch, and the interactive Obliteration Room where guests place dots to transform the space collectively. The exhibition celebrates Kusama not only as a pioneering historical figure but also as a vital contemporary artist whose visionary, participatory works continue to enchant and inspire across generations.

Los Angeles-based artist Chris Johanson, known for his raw, doodle-like paintings, reflects on his evolution from creating confrontational, angst-filled work to producing simple, peaceful art. Emerging from San Francisco’s Mission School movement, Johanson’s early pieces challenged traditional notions of beauty and authority, often infused with anger and political critique, such as his provocative rainbow swastika painting commenting on American imperialism. Over time, however, he developed a conscious relationship with his art, striving to balance the heaviness of his early work with compassion and positivity. For Johanson, art is a deeply personal practice—an honest, daily meditation that channels his authentic emotions, aiming to foster transformation both within himself and his audience.

Lauren Greenfield’s photo-book *Generation Wealth* offers a compelling, unflinching examination of society’s obsession with wealth, fame, and appearance. Through intimate portraits and stories, Greenfield explores the influence of affluence on culture, revealing how the pursuit of flashy lifestyles, celebrity worship, and material success has morphed into a widespread addiction that fosters insecurity, commodification of bodies—especially women’s—and a loss of traditional values. Drawing on decades of work, she connects these themes to broader social shifts, including the media’s role in shaping desires and the shrinking promise of social mobility. Far from mere voyeurism, *Generation Wealth* invites readers to recognize themselves within this cycle, urging reflection on a culture driven by surface rather than substance—one that, as Greenfield shows, ultimately leaves many trapped in an endless, unsustainable rat race.

Californian artist Raymond Pettibon, known for creating up to twenty thousand drawings since 1978, is celebrated in the New Museum's largest-ever retrospective, "Raymond Pettibon: A Pen of All Work." His intricate works blend hand-lettered texts from literary giants like John Dryden with evocative imagery that challenges viewers to engage deeply and uncover meaning over time. Pettibon’s art intertwines themes of American culture, spirituality, personal memoir, and pop iconography—from Superman to Vavoom—elevating these figures beyond nostalgia to symbols of deeper societal traumas and histories. Understanding Pettibon’s work requires patience and active interpretation, revealing a rich, multifaceted exploration of identity, culture, and storytelling.

Susan and Michael Hort, renowned New York art patrons and philanthropists, share their standout picks from Art Los Angeles Contemporary and the Rema Hort Mann Foundation benefit at Mihai Nicodim Gallery. They highlight a dynamic range of artists, from Claire Tabouret’s hauntingly beautiful paintings at Lyles & King to Jesse Willenbring’s masterful use of color at Bernard Ceysson Gallery. They praise Jane Corrigan’s engaging figurative works at Marinaro Gallery and Alex Kroll’s unique abstract paintings at Praz-Delallade, noting his charming family moments. Karl Haendel’s photo-realistic and increasingly political drawings, Matthais Dornfeld’s vivid, Halloween-inspired masks, and Brendan Fowler’s evolving embroidered portraits also catch their eye. Michael Bauer’s abstract pieces reveal hidden figuration, while Lionel Sabatté’s innovative sculptures from unconventional materials offer a fresh voice gaining recognition beyond Europe. Through their personal insights, the Horts illuminate a vibrant and evolving art scene full of creativity and depth.

Renowned architect Peter Marino, celebrated for his visionary work with luxury brands and art institutions, has unveiled a compelling new chapter as an artist crafting sculptural bronze boxes. Drawing inspiration from ancient bronzes recovered from a 350 BC shipwreck and his lifelong passion for bronze, Marino creates timeless objets d’art that bridge historic grandeur and contemporary style. Cast at the prestigious Atelier Saint Jacques—the same foundry used by Rodin—these functional yet imposing pieces embody Marino’s eclectic aesthetic, seamlessly fitting into settings from Versailles to modern lofts. Through his evolving series, each deeply personal and meticulously crafted, Marino challenges the modern divide between art and architecture, embracing a Renaissance-like versatility to craft works designed to endure beyond his architectural legacy.

Stephen Shore, acclaimed for his trailblazing use of color photography to reveal the beauty in everyday American life, shares intimate memories of his youth and his unexpected artistic relationship with Andy Warhol. At just 17, Shore gained rare access to Warhol’s iconic Factory, capturing the eccentric personalities and spontaneous creativity that defined the space. Through candid anecdotes and reflections, he reveals how Warhol’s casual yet deliberate aesthetic choices and open-minded approach to art deeply influenced his own perspective and career. Shore’s essay offers a vivid glimpse into a pivotal cultural moment, blending heartfelt recollections with a behind-the-scenes look at the swirling energy and artistic innovation of Warhol’s world.

At this year’s Frieze Art Fair, alongside renowned masterpieces, a vibrant wave of emerging artists captured attention with bold, fresh approaches. Anne Speier challenged the primacy of sight in art appreciation by enticing viewers to “taste” her lingual sculptures and kitchen-themed paintings. Aaron Garber-Maikovska’s playful Stonehenge-like installations and enigmatic performance videos revealed a deeper, theatrical dimension beneath his abstract paintings. The exuberant Brazilian collective Opavivará! brought joyous interaction to the fair with their lively mini bar carts serving caipirinhas, blending art with celebration. Donna Huanca captivated audiences with her provocative fusion of performance and painting, transforming bodies into living canvases and redefining figure and abstraction. Meanwhile, Jesse Darling’s anthropomorphic sculptures and thought-provoking explorations of identity and the body added a uniquely tender and inventive presence. These five artists are undeniably ones to watch as they redefine contemporary art’s boundaries with energy and imagination.

This year’s Frieze Art Fair in London offers a feast for collectors driven by passion and a keen eye, showcasing a strikingly strong lineup that outshines recent editions. Highlights include Latifa Echakhch’s evocative paintings exploring memory and the passage of time, Bjarne Melgaard’s provocative bronze self-portrait embroiled in a saga of artistic rights, and Christoph Schlingensief’s inspiring Opera Village Africa project bringing global attention to West African artists. William Kentridge transforms his soulful drawings into stunning steel sculptures, while Louise Lawler’s meta photographic vinyl wallpaper playfully critiques art’s relationship with commerce. Emerging alongside established names, Eddie Martinez’s fresh sculptures nod to art history while John Baldessari innovates with digitally enhanced collages. The fair also revisits the ‘90s spirit with Wolfgang Tillmans’s iconic early works and highlights poignant conceptual pieces by Mladen Stilinović and Rita Ackermann. Together, these works celebrate art’s enduring power to challenge, reflect, and connect across time and culture.

Etel Adnan’s art and life are inseparable, reflecting a rich cosmopolitan heritage and a lifetime of engagement with politics, beauty, and nature. Raised in Beirut and educated across continents, Adnan's captivating journey spans roles as painter, poet, and educator. Her art emerged as a response to both the brutal realities of war and the serene landscapes of California, blending political urgency with an intense love of nature. Gaining recognition late in life, her vibrant, semi-abstract landscapes and public murals have since captivated the art world, embodying a poetic language that transcends mere visuals. Adnan’s reflections reveal her belief in art’s power to humanize society, foster community, and bring beauty and hope into even the harshest environments, making her work a profound lesson in creativity, resilience, and the enduring place of art in our lives.

Though punk as a distinct genre and youth subculture may have faded, its rebellious spirit indelibly shaped music, fashion, art, and culture from the late 1970s onward. “Oh So Pretty: Punk in Print 1976-80” captures this era through rare and striking ephemera—fanzines like Mark Perry’s DIY Sniffin’ Glue, iconic posters from the Sex Pistols and Rock Against Racism, and vivid imagery reflecting the political and social turmoil of the time. Punk’s raw energy and anti-establishment ethos come alive in these visual artifacts, revealing a movement fueled by underground creativity, fierce opposition to racism and inequality, and a do-it-yourself ethos that challenged mainstream norms while influencing generations to come.

EXPO Chicago continues to shine as the Midwest’s premier art fair, unveiling a stunning array of groundbreaking artists this year. Highlights include Nate Young, whose symbolic, quasi-religious sculptures delve into spirituality and semiotics, and Kim Dingle, a figurative painter making a powerful comeback with politically charged works portraying complex narratives. James Crosby impresses with his thought-provoking sculptures inspired by African-American inventor Garrett Morgan, while Yukultji Napangati brings the rich traditions of Australian Aboriginal art to the forefront through vibrant, ancestral paintings. Finally, Blair Thurman captivates with his high-octane automotive-inspired pieces that echo America’s car culture, reflecting a thrilling resurgence in his dynamic career. This edition of EXPO Chicago promises a remarkable journey through diverse artistic voices and visions.

Danish artist duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset have forged a remarkable creative partnership marked by unexpected, provocative, and theatrical works that blur the boundaries between disciplines such as sculpture, architecture, theater, and performance. Since their meeting in 1995, they have crafted iconic installations like the eerie Venice Biennale collectors’ house and the surreal Prada Marfa store in the Texas desert, challenging power structures and inviting intimate, open-ended audience experiences. Their work often explores themes of social power, oppression, and identity, exemplified by their poignant Memorial to Homosexuals Persecuted Under Nazism in Berlin. As they prepare to curate the 2017 Istanbul Biennial, Elmgreen & Dragset emphasize fostering spaces where artists can shine without rigid thematic constraints, promoting dialogue and coexistence amid complex political landscapes. Through their visionary projects, they continue to redefine art's role in society, blending humor, pathos, and critical reflection to create immersive spectacles that provoke thought and emotional resonance.

Nan Goldin, one of the most influential and provocative photographers of the 20th century, revolutionized photography with her unflinching, intimate portrayal of life on society’s fringes. Her groundbreaking series, "The Ballad of Sexual Dependency," captures the raw and vibrant underground scene of 1980s New York—filled with drag queens, addicts, and artists—offering a candid glimpse into a world marked by love, loss, and resilience during the AIDS crisis. Rejecting polished aesthetics, Goldin’s snapshot style and emotionally charged images forge a cinematic narrative that reflects honesty over perfection, challenging conventions and inspiring generations of artists. Currently featured at the Modern Museum of Art, her work continues to resonate as a powerful, unvarnished chronicle of marginalized communities and the human spirit.

In a politically charged and polarized climate, For Freedoms—a groundbreaking artist-run super PAC founded by Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman—uses art to spark fresh critical discourse around the 2016 presidential election. Grounded in Norman Rockwell’s iconic “Four Freedoms” imagery, the project brings together over 48 artists and collectives to challenge and expand the meaning of freedom in today’s America. Through exhibitions, public talks, voter registration efforts, and billboard campaigns, For Freedoms embraces diverse and sometimes conflicting voices, underscoring art’s unique power to provoke dialogue beyond traditional political rhetoric. Rather than offering answers, it invites audiences to reconsider freedom’s complexities and engage with political discourse in innovative, inclusive ways that transcend partisan divides.

Chris Levine transcends traditional photography by working directly with light to create serene, meditative portraits of iconic figures like Queen Elizabeth II and the Dalai Lama. Drawing from his own mindfulness practice and a fascination with cutting-edge technology such as lasers, holograms, and 3D scanning, Levine captures moments of profound calm and dimensionality in his work. His recent portrait of the Dalai Lama, made using advanced lenticular imaging for the leader’s 80th birthday, exemplifies this blend of spirituality and innovation. Levine’s immersive approach invites viewers into a deeper, almost tactile experience of his subjects, while his upcoming projects, including a laser tribute to David Bowie at Glastonbury, promise to push the boundaries of light-based art even further.

Amid the historic Brexit vote fueled by fears of immigration, British-Ghanaian filmmaker John Akomfrah presents his first major U.S. exhibition at Lisson Gallery, exploring enduring themes of migration, displacement, and national identity. Through his two new films, *Auto da Fé* and *The Airport*, Akomfrah meditates on forced migrations over centuries and Greece’s recent economic crisis, using evocative imagery and sound to unpack complex political and social histories. As an artist deeply engaged with avant-garde and activist cinema, he reflects on the rise of far-right movements, the illusion of political sovereignty, and the ongoing consequences of Western interventions abroad. For Akomfrah, art’s power lies not in predicting political change but in its ability to resonate, challenge narratives, and offer hope by connecting past struggles with present realities. With a call to young artists to embrace mistakes as unique signatures, his work embodies a hopeful, utopian impulse amid turbulent times.

Paul McCarthy, a provocative force in the Los Angeles art scene since the late 1960s, captivates with his visceral performances and installations that blur boundaries between reality and representation. In a revealing interview from Phaidon’s new monograph, McCarthy discusses his experimental use of video and performance—often involving repetition, intuitive actions, and raw materials like motor oil and ketchup—as metaphors for latent violence, trauma, and the body’s interior. His work unfolds within architectural spaces—rooms, doors, tables—invoking a theater of the primal and the cultural, where objects transform and meanings fluctuate, suspending belief and challenging viewers to engage with what is felt but never fully expressed. Through hypnotic, often unsettling actions, McCarthy invites a complex interplay of humor, horror, and empathy, decoding the hidden orders that govern both his art and the human condition.

Japanese erotic art, deeply rooted in the tradition of ukiyo-e or the Floating World, offers a vibrant celebration of fleeting earthly pleasures that contrasts sharply with Western attitudes towards the nude and sexuality. From the Heian aristocracy to the bustling urban middle class, these evocative paintings and prints have evolved over centuries but maintain a shared reverence for sensuality. Guided by Phaidon's compendium *Poem of the Pillow and Other Stories*, we explore ten captivating works that capture the rich, intimate scenes of traditional pleasure quarters, showcasing masters like Hishikawa Moronobu, Kitagawa Utamaro, and Katsushika Hokusai in a timeless dance of beauty, desire, and artistic expression.

Nestled in the 16th-century Palazzo Rospigliosi just outside Rome, Granpalazzo offers a refreshingly intimate and art-centric alternative to traditional bustling fairs. Founded by Roman dealers Paola Capata and Federica Schiavo, this carefully curated event prioritizes genuine connections over sales frenzy, inviting a close-knit circle of galleries and artists to present site-specific works in a serene, countryside setting. Far from the commercial grind of global art fairs, Granpalazzo fosters meaningful networking among collectors, curators, and dealers, with thoughtful hospitality that feels more like a cultural retreat than a trade show. Emphasizing quality over quantity, it celebrates the slow-building appreciation of art, particularly spotlighting the richness and complexity of Italy’s contemporary scene, which thrives on experimentation and thoughtful maturation rather than flashy trends. This unique fair embodies a distinctly Italian blend of relaxed elegance and passionate artistry, offering a sanctuary for both artists and collectors to engage deeply and authentically.

The annual Seven on Seven conference brings together seven visionary artists and technologists to create fresh, boundary-pushing projects that explore the intersection of emotion, technology, and human connection. This year’s event, hosted by Rhizome and the New Museum, showcased a range of innovative collaborations—from a fantastical retelling of Internet infrastructure and a brain-wiping wearable to foster authentic encounters, to a satirical mathematical model for infinite detention under Trump’s policies. Other highlights included a theatrical AI workplace play probing gender and power dynamics, an emotional mirror that magnifies human expressions, and a reimagining of virtual reality’s embodied possibilities beyond headsets. Perhaps most moving was a poignant social media-inspired prose poem that cast everyday digital oversharing as a tender act of human connection. Throughout, the conference underscored a shared yearning to reclaim meaningful emotional experiences amid a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Berlin-based artist Ólafur Elíasson, renowned for his immersive installations like The Weather Project at Tate Modern, has transformed the cafeteria lunch at his ninety-person studio into a daily, family-style, farm-to-table dining experience that nourishes both body and creative spirit. Designed as the heart of his light-filled studio, the communal kitchen brings together a diverse international team who share simple, wholesome meals prepared by skilled chefs, fostering a vibrant ecosystem of collaboration and inspiration. Echoing the principles behind Alice Waters’ Edible Schoolyard and the Rome Sustainable Food Project, Eliasson’s kitchen exemplifies how food can transcend sustenance to become an artistic catalyst, nurturing dialogue, friendship, and cross-disciplinary innovation in a space where art and life seamlessly intertwine.

The inaugural Artspace Fairgoer Awards celebrate the most captivating booths at this year's NADA New York, as chosen by the visitors themselves. Leading the pack is Kunstraum, a Clinton Hill gallery and co-working studio space known for its nostalgic "VIDEO SHOP" booth—a clever homage to old-school movie rental stores featuring $75 DVDs showcasing both original video art and classic bootlegs. Honored alongside Kunstraum are nine other standout galleries from around the world, highlighting a vibrant mix of local and international talent that made this edition of the fair truly memorable.

Collectors and philanthropists Susan and Michael Hort share their vibrant impressions from New York’s bustling art scene, highlighting standout works from Frieze, NADA, and local galleries. Their keen eye brings attention to artists like Gina Beavers, whose textured acrylic cubes mesmerize with their three-dimensional illusion, and Peter Linde Busk, whose loose figuration invites viewer participation. They celebrate bold evolution in artists like Alex Olson and Benjamin Senior, and explore Naama Tsabar’s innovative felt wall pieces that double as musical instruments. From Sadie Benning’s puzzle-like painted wood to Nicole Eisenman’s politically charged figurative work at the New Museum, the Horts showcase an exciting range of contemporary art, underscoring their passion for diverse, boundary-pushing creativity across mediums and styles.

Gerard O’Brien, a Los Angeles design dealer known for blurring the lines between postwar California furniture and fine art, has transformed his gallery experience by integrating provocative contemporary and historical artworks alongside classic design pieces. Initially met with slow sales, his commitment to this blended approach led to the opening of a dedicated 3,000-square-foot art space, directed by Sam Parker. Their innovative program fosters a dynamic dialogue between past and present, showcased in standout works like Peter Saul and Clayton Bailey’s 1974 ceramic collaboration, Jennie Jieun Lee’s captivating sculptures, and a politically charged centerpiece by Sally Saul that vividly captures the turbulence of American politics. This fresh vision is redefining how art and design coexist in Los Angeles today.

Mexican artist Pia Camil combines sustainability, fashion, and participatory art in her latest Artspace Edition collaboration with designer Erin Lewis, offering one-of-a-kind wearable pieces made from unwanted factory fabrics sourced from Mexico City. Known for her audience-engaging installations and textile-based works that explore capitalist production, Camil presents two unique shirt designs—a functional work shirt with an attached multipurpose bag and a stylish party shirt with a versatile strap—each a statement piece that blurs the line between art and apparel while supporting the New Museum.

As Silicon Valley-style disruption transforms the art world with new digital platforms and calls for transparency, collector Megan Green draws fascinating parallels between the evolution of art and music industries. With deep roots in both, Green highlights how curation—whether via algorithms or human touch—has become central to discovery in both fields. Her music-themed collection reflects this intersection, featuring works like Christian Marclay’s record-cover collage and Alex Da Corte’s dark homage to Nirvana, exploring themes of cultural history and rebellion. Green’s perspective bridges the communal, physical experience of music with the increasingly interdisciplinary and accessible art scene, underscoring how festivals and fairs today create shared spaces that marry commerce and personal connection in both worlds.

Richard Tuttle, a pioneering figure in Postminimalist art since the 1960s, has continually challenged conventions with his delicate sculptures and textile assemblages made from humble materials. Despite initially facing harsh criticism and controversy, including a turbulent 1975 Whitney Museum show, Tuttle’s influence has deeply permeated contemporary art, inspiring younger generations. For Tuttle, art is a democratic and spiritual endeavor meant to elevate society’s consciousness and help people transcend suffering. Rejecting elitism, he envisions art as accessible and integral to everyday life, a creative force that frees individuals from their limitations. Through his long career and upcoming retrospective in New York, Tuttle advocates for creativity as a universal human attribute and insists on art’s vital role in society’s emotional and spiritual well-being.

New York collectors Susan and Michael Hort recently explored Europe’s vibrant art scene, culminating in a memorable visit to Art Brussels amid a city still healing from recent turmoil. Their journey included a surprising encounter in Molenbeek, revealing local realities beyond headlines. At the fair, they discovered striking works from artists like Jannis Varelas, Chris Hood, Marco Cingolani, and Claire Tabouret, praising the toughness and emotional depth of the pieces. From bold gestural paintings by Russell Tyler to luminous installations by Kristof Kintera and James Clar, the Horts shared their admiration for fresh, expressive voices shaping contemporary art. Their reflections also highlight promising talents showcased in Brussels galleries, affirming the city as an essential hub for collectors eager to engage with evolving artistic narratives.

Jack Hanley’s remarkable journey from Grateful Dead roadie to influential New York art dealer reveals a vibrant fusion of music, art, and community. Operating his gallery from a basement office stacked with memorabilia, Hanley’s eclectic background—touring with legendary bands, studying painting under icons like Joan Brown, and running galleries across Austin, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York—shapes his unique approach to art. Known for championing groundbreaking artists like Tauba Auerbach and embracing the evolving role of technology and social media, Hanley views art fairs much like musical tours, vibrant gatherings fueled by connection and experimentation. His story radiates an engaging blend of personal anecdotes, from unforgettable fair experiences infused with love potions to navigating the digital age’s impact on art, painting a portrait of a dealer who thrives at the crossroads of culture, creativity, and authenticity.

Cultural theorist Timotheus Vermeulen, known for pioneering the concept of metamodernism, offers a compelling exploration of contemporary art through his reflections on works presented at NADA + Art Cologne. From Andrea Büttner’s thought-provoking rearrangement of aesthetic and social hierarchies to Karsten Fodinger’s evocative rocket sculpture built from heavy materials, Vermeulen delves into art that challenges perception and meaning. He highlights Sofia Hulten’s subtle yet powerful duplication of reality, Yamini Nayar’s richly layered photograph blending multiple artistic discourses, and Hayley Aviva Silverman’s enigmatic sculptural collage that invites deep engagement and curiosity. Through these diverse creations, Vermeulen captures the restless, multifaceted spirit of modern artistic inquiry.

Tbilisi-born, Berlin-based sculptor Thea Djordjadze captivates with her fragile, enigmatic forms that blur the lines between materiality and gesture, tradition and modernity. Her works—crafted from plaster, clay, and papier-mâché—evoke a haunting presence, resembling fossilized artifacts or ritualistic props suspended between past and future. By disrupting Modernist ideals of perfection and functionality, Djordjadze infuses geometric rigor with raw human imperfection, grounding her sculptures physically and conceptually to the earth. Her innovative approach extends to the presentation of her pieces, where pedestals merge with the artwork itself, challenging the viewer’s perception and hierarchy of form in ways reminiscent of Brancusi’s radical plinths. This evolving dialogue between object and base, autonomy and context, marks Djordjadze as a vital voice reshaping contemporary sculpture today.

Sandro Botticelli's masterful Early Renaissance works, famed for their rich religious iconography and timeless beauty, continue to resonate deeply within contemporary art. Drawing from Phaidon's updated Botticelli monograph and the Artspace archives, a compelling collection pairs Botticelli’s iconic pieces—like The Virgin, Madonna and Child, Nativity, Annunciation, Crucifixion, and Pietà—with modern interpretations by artists such as Walter & Zoniel, Steven Lyon, AES+F, Ilya Kabakov, and Julian Schnabel. These striking juxtapositions not only celebrate Botticelli's enduring influence but also highlight how his spiritual narratives and visual motifs remain powerfully relevant, inspiring new generations to explore faith, humanity, and artistic expression through a contemporary lens.

For a decade, Henry Taylor balanced his role as a psychiatric technician at Camarillo State Mental Hospital with his passion for art, creating deeply empathetic and surreal portraits of patients living with schizophrenia. His intimate sketches and paintings capture the raw humanity, struggles, and resilience of individuals often overlooked by society, revealing moments of quiet confinement, vivid emotions, and the complex realities of mental illness. These early works, now showcased in his Los Angeles project space, highlight how Taylor’s experiences shaped his sensitive, psychologically charged approach to portraiture, embracing the imperfect and unseen with patience and profound understanding. Through his art, Taylor invites us to see the dignity and stories of those society frequently ignores, forging a powerful connection between artist, subject, and viewer.

Rottet Studios, renowned for their work with global clients like Rolex and Sony, draws inspiration from the Light and Space movement to transform interiors into expansive, emotionally engaging environments through art. Founding Principle Lauren Rottet and her team reveal how carefully chosen artworks—ranging from immersive photographs by Andrew Moore to vibrant pieces by Candida Höfer—can visually extend small spaces and create dynamic atmospheres. Whether calming with soothing imagery like Thomas Ruff’s serene waters or energizing with abstract compositions by Judy Ledgerwood, their expert advice shows how strategic art placement can redefine your home’s dimensions and mood without structural changes, inviting you to travel far without ever leaving your living room.

As San Francisco faces an escalating crisis where soaring real estate driven by tech wealth threatens to displace its longstanding artistic community, Andy and Deborah Rappaport have launched the Minnesota Street Project—a groundbreaking mixed-use arts complex offering affordable, purpose-built studios, galleries, and nonprofit spaces designed to nurture and sustain the city's creative ecosystem. Drawing from their unique vantage point bridging Silicon Valley and the art world, the Rappaports aim to create an inclusive cultural hub that fosters connection between artists, galleries, tech entrepreneurs, and the broader public. Emphasizing shared resources, accessibility, and community engagement rather than pandering to tech trends, their visionary approach addresses the real estate challenge while reimagining art patronage for the modern era. With a vibrant public space, dynamic programming, and a commitment to preserving San Francisco’s artistic heritage, the Minnesota Street Project aspires to keep artists rooted in the city, elevate its cultural standing, and build lasting bridges between creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing landscape.

Edgar Degas, often seen as a 19th-century artist, emerges in MoMA’s exhibition “Edgar Degas: A Strange New Beauty” as a visionary who anticipated 20th-century art through his late bursts of innovative printmaking. Embracing process art, repetition, and abstraction, Degas transformed monotypes into dynamic mixtures of painting, drawing, photography, and film. His unconventional depictions of the female form—defiantly non-seductive and rooted in privacy—challenge traditional representations, while his experimental landscapes and urban scenes pulse with modern life’s energy. Through bold compositions and novel techniques, Degas not only captured the fleeting rhythms of the city but also redefined the artist’s role as a restless flâneur on the cusp of modernity.

Germany’s vibrant art scene extends beyond Berlin’s famed cultural buzz, with cities like Cologne standing out as dynamic hubs for emerging contemporary artists. Vancouver native Natalia Hug has embraced Cologne’s rich artistic heritage and supportive community through her eponymous gallery, which champions precision-driven works by early-career artists, many connected to the prestigious Düsseldorf Art Academy. Hug highlights Cologne’s discerning, well-informed collectors and the region’s unique ecosystem, where patient cultivation and intellectual engagement shape both artists and audiences. She contrasts Cologne’s thoughtful, steady art market with Berlin’s overheated, crowded atmosphere, celebrating the Rhineland’s stability and depth, exemplified by the city’s committed galleries and the significant platform of Art Cologne. Through focused exhibitions and careful curation, Hug is building a vibrant, evolving program that reflects the region’s sophisticated taste and nurturing spirit.

The Whitechapel Gallery’s "Electronic Superhighway" exhibition explores the evolution of digital and pre-digital art from the 1960s to today, showcasing 100 works by 70 artists who have shaped the intersection of technology and creativity. Highlights include Nam June Paik’s groundbreaking 1983 “Good Morning, Mr. Orwell,” a vibrant precursor to internet culture; Lynn Hershman Leeson’s unsettling “Lorna,” which anticipates virtual reality’s immersive power; and Cory Arcangel’s playful “Snowbunny/Lakes,” blending early computer aesthetics with pop art. Oliver Laric’s “Versions (Missile Variations)” cleverly interrogates authenticity in the digital age through viral imagery, while Jacolby Satterwhite’s mesmerizing 3D-animated tableau “En Plein Air” offers a hypnotic vision of the internet’s chaotic, dreamlike landscape. Together, these works trace a fascinating continuum of media art’s ever-accelerating dialogue with technology.

Barkley L. Hendricks’s latest exhibition at Jack Shainman Gallery powerfully captures figures who are both fashionably striking and deeply emblematic of contemporary cultural dynamics. From his iconic 1969 portrait of Bobby Seale to new works addressing Black Lives Matter symbolism, Hendricks blends sartorial flair with complex social narratives, as seen in pieces like *In the Crosshairs of the States*, depicting a young black man framed by confederate imagery and gun crosshairs. Yet Hendricks resists reducing his work to politics alone, emphasizing instead a multifaceted approach that combines personal history, fashion, and innovative painting techniques across oil and acrylic mediums. His portraits range from intensely symbolic to playful and timeless, reflecting the breadth of his vision beyond racial and political categories, while pushing figurative painting into fresh terrain with bold compositional experiments and a renewed focus on the materiality of paint. Throughout, Hendricks challenges viewers and critics alike to see his art in full context, as a dynamic dialogue between style, identity, and artistic expression.

Jonas Wood stands out as one of today’s most compelling and sought-after artists, captivating collectors and dealers alike with his dynamic and enduring work. Drawing inspiration from an eclectic mix of influences—from Matisse and Bonnard to Pop art and ’90s animation—Wood creates vibrant compositions that blend interiors, still lifes, and landscapes with a unique, unmistakable style. His plant-and-vase still lifes, inspired by his partnership with ceramic artist Shio Kusaka, are especially prized and have consistently exceeded estimates at auction. Unlike many artists known for a single style, Wood’s diverse series demonstrate his remarkable ability to evolve while maintaining a powerful and cohesive artistic voice.

Kate Bonner’s innovative art blurs the lines between photography, sculpture, and painting to explore our fragmented relationship with images in the digital age. Using CNC routers and scanners, she manipulates photographs—folding, cutting, erasing, and repainting them—to create layered works that challenge how we perceive memory, reality, and the physicality of photos. Rooted in a deep appreciation for early photography and fueled by a playful yet intentional process, her work often incorporates colorful frames that both reveal and conceal. With upcoming exhibitions in Los Angeles and New York, Bonner continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art while reflecting on the emotional weight and evolving meaning of images in a world saturated by the camera lens.

Bernard Lumpkin and Carmine Boccuzzi are passionate collectors of contemporary African American art, driven by a deep personal connection and a commitment to fostering diversity within the art world. Their collection, rooted in Lumpkin’s family history in Los Angeles’ South Central and enriched by relationships with artists across generations, showcases emerging talents alongside established figures like Norman Lewis and Adrian Piper. Beyond acquiring art, they actively support artists through mentorship and partnerships with institutions such as the Studio Museum in Harlem, MoMA, and Yale. For them, collecting is not just about possession but about championing stories of identity, culture, and social justice, creating a vibrant dialogue that challenges perceptions and advocates for inclusivity and education in museums and beyond.

After graduating from New York University’s art program and facing the daunting costs of the city's art scene, artists Sydney Smith, Dennis Witkin, and Emma Hazen teamed up with Robert Grand to launch Kimberly-Klark, a gallery in Queens offering a rare affordable space for artistic experimentation. Named with a nod to industrial and fictitious dealer names, the gallery champions emerging artists by reducing commercial pressures and fostering creative freedom. At the 2016 Material Art Fair in Mexico City, Kimberly-Klark showcased compelling works including Libby Rothfeld’s cast-concrete tub lids adorned with pop culture and Jewish mysticism, and Quintessa Matranga’s provocative patches. The gallery’s presence at the fair marked both their debut in Mexico City and a growing buzz among art enthusiasts eager to embrace fresh and fearless voices.

Alexandra Warder and Lana Bountakidou, long-time friends and former art advisory colleagues in London, turned their shared dream of running a gallery into reality with Bosse & Baum, carving out a unique space in a former African church in Peckham. Since opening in 2014, their gallery has showcased immersive, large-scale solo exhibitions by predominantly female artists like Candida Powell-Williams and Robin von Einsiedel, blending performance, sculpture, and collaboration. Committed to engaging the local African community, they curate educational events and artist talks that delve into the concepts behind the artwork. At the 2016 Material Art Fair in Mexico City, they highlighted the vibrant, mixed-media works of Brazilian artist Cibelle Cavalli Bastos, reflecting the gallery’s deep connection to diverse cultural influences and distinctive programming.

Collectors and philanthropists Susan and Michael Hort share their latest discoveries from Art Los Angeles Contemporary, Paramount Ranch, and local galleries, highlighting bold statements and rising young talent. Their picks include Gina Beavers’ enigmatic paintings of hands, Lauren Luloff’s innovative bleach-painted fabric artworks, and Despina Stokou’s intriguing explorations of text and language. Stefania Batoeva’s subtle use of color, Kathleen Ryan’s sensual concrete sculptures, and Jannis Varelas’s Matisse-inspired cowboy paintings at Paramount Ranch also captivate with their unique expressions. From Los Angeles studios, Charles Mayton’s fusion of art history and consumer culture, Brian Belott’s impressive collages, Claire Anna Baker’s warm bursts of color, to Alex Kroll’s textured glass pieces, the Horts present a vibrant snapshot of contemporary art to watch.

Phillip March Jones’s journey into outsider art began as a teenager inspired by visionary artist Howard Finster, sparking a lifelong dedication to championing self-taught Southern artists and the broader outsider art community. As director of Andrew Edlin Gallery and former leader of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, Jones has navigated the complex world of artists who often create outside mainstream attention, broadcasting the profound cultural and aesthetic significance of their work—from Thornton Dial’s monumental paintings to the subtle roadside installations of Dinah Young. He reflects on the nuanced differences within outsider art, the challenges of presenting deeply personal, sometimes site-specific works in major museums, and the responsibility of dealers in advocating for artists who may not seek fame. With growing institutional recognition, accelerated by landmark exhibitions and auction sales, outsider art is experiencing an unprecedented renaissance—inviting collectors and curators alike to rethink artistic value and cultural history through the vital, often overlooked voices from the margins.

Video art has evolved over nearly fifty years as a dynamic space for artists to explore new aesthetic experiences, reflecting the expansion of media culture throughout the 20th century. From Rebecca Horn’s surreal, body-extending performances that transform personal vulnerability into spatial rituals, to the hypnotic and psychological explorations of twin artists Jane and Louise Wilson, video art challenges perception and consciousness. Paul McCarthy’s grotesque satire blends humor with raw bodily imagery, while Bruce Nauman’s repetitive hand-washing loops evoke psychological and physical reflexivity. Kan Xuan’s intimate portrayal of a spider’s journey across human bodies metaphorically captures modern loneliness, and Douglas Gordon’s wrestling selves confront internal psychological conflict with haunting impact. Pipilotti Rist’s immersive, kaleidoscopic work invites viewers into a meditative experience linking body and nature, using multisensory engagement to evoke calm and connection. These works, featured in Phaidon's *Body of Art*, showcase the rich diversity and power of video art to probe the human condition.

Phaidon’s new book *Do It Yourself* showcases fun and accessible projects from leading contemporary artists, including a whimsical tutorial by John Baldessari on carving a conceptual soap bar. With humor and a touch of irony, Baldessari invites us to rethink everyday objects and consumer culture by simply cutting a hole in a bar of soap—transforming it from a mundane item destined to dwindle into leftover soap to an amusing art piece. This playful project reflects Baldessari’s legacy as a pioneering conceptual artist known for breaking boundaries and challenging the seriousness of the art world, offering a lighthearted yet thought-provoking creative experience.

Performance art pushes the boundaries of the human body to challenge societal norms, explore endurance, and evoke deep emotional responses. From Hermann Nitsch’s visceral rituals drenched in animal blood to Shigeko Kubota’s provocative “Vagina Painting” subverting masculine creativity, these groundbreaking performances confront repression, identity, and power. Marina Abramović’s harrowing “Rhythm 0” invites audiences to wield control over her body, exposing the dark side of collective behavior, while Vito Acconci’s intimate exploration of sexuality blurs the lines between performer and viewer. Through acts of pain, endurance, and vulnerability—whether Sigalit Landau’s barbed wire hula hoop or Santiago Sierra’s commodification of human bodies—these artists dismantle conventional aesthetics to reveal uncomfortable truths about society, politics, and the human condition.

NADA Miami Beach is a vibrant, youthful art fair organized by the New Art Dealers Alliance, a nonprofit collective supporting emerging gallerists and artists through community and collaboration. Unlike exclusive, competitive fairs, NADA fosters an open, welcoming atmosphere where everyone—from top collectors and museum curators to art students and curious visitors—can explore cutting-edge contemporary art from over 100 international galleries. Known for its casual vibe and focus on fresh, trailblazing talent, NADA offers a dynamic experience that blends commerce, culture, and creativity against the sunny backdrop of Miami Beach.

Artissima, Turin’s premier contemporary art fair, recently celebrated its 22nd edition, blending the city’s rich aristocratic heritage with cutting-edge artistic innovation. Unlike other European art fairs, Artissima uniquely reflects Turin’s longstanding cultural institutions and royal legacy, creating a sophisticated backdrop for contemporary art. The fair showcases a vibrant mix of emerging international artists and established talents, with works ranging from colorful abstract landscapes to thought-provoking sculptures and installations that explore themes from memory to free will. Investment in VIP experiences and a diverse international gallery presence highlights the fair’s ambition to position Turin as a global art hub. With significant sales to collectors from across Europe and beyond, Artissima deftly balances local pride with international aspirations, making it a standout event in the European art calendar.

Colombian artist Oscar Murillo’s rapid rise in the art world has sparked both acclaim and controversy, with record-breaking auction sales and high-profile collectors fueling intense debate. Yet, beyond the market frenzy, Murillo’s latest show “binary function” at David Zwirner in London reveals a deeply personal exploration of cultural displacement and identity. Drawing on his experience emigrating from Colombia to the UK as a child, the exhibition features a mix of painting, sculpture, sound, and a poignant film set in his hometown that captures themes of nostalgia, globalization, and the complex interplay between his past and present. Through intimate references like the game of dominoes and evocative imagery of home life, Murillo challenges Western ideals while unfolding a narrative that is as much about self-discovery as it is about artistic ambition.

Frank Stella, a pioneer of post-painterly abstraction, reflects on his unique 1968 project of creating needlepoint pillows that echoed his signature stripe paintings, bridging the gap between painting and craft. Commissioned for Art in America's "The Mesh Canvas" portfolio, these pillows challenged traditional art boundaries by embracing the repetitive, tactile qualities of needlepoint—a medium often dismissed in avant-garde circles. Stella’s retrospective at the Whitney Museum celebrates this spirit of innovation and material exploration, tracing his evolution from minimalist canvases to cutting-edge sculptural works involving 3D printing, which he intriguingly describes as “like 3D needlepoint.” Through this show, Stella emphasizes the fluid definitions of art, celebrating the intersection of high art and everyday craft.

At art fairs, while artworks steal the spotlight, the design pieces—tables, chairs, and occasional couches—play essential supporting roles, carefully chosen by dealers to complement rather than compete with the art. The Paris fairs revealed a fascinating spectrum of furniture approaches: from chic, high-end pieces echoing gallery prestige to pragmatic knockoffs favored by younger exhibitors, and the quirky charm of well-traveled classics like Peter Freeman’s beloved Donald Judd desk. Whether it’s the self-built Italian Modernist table at Gallery 8+4 or the elegant Marcel Breuer chairs at Elvira Gonzalez, these choices reflect each gallery’s aesthetic and practical needs, blending functionality with style to create inviting, cohesive booth environments that amplify the artworks' impact without overshadowing them.

Massimiliano Gioni, the visionary curator behind exhibitions like “The Great Mother” at Milan’s Palazzo Reale, explores the enduring power and contemporary resurgence of figurative sculpture—a genre that bridges ancient traditions and modern innovation. Far from a simple return to representational art, Gioni reveals how these sculptures engage viewers on a visceral level, evoking the uncanny and bridging physical and emotional spaces. Drawing on influences from Catholic church statues to artists like Charles Ray and Mike Kelley, he discusses how figurative sculpture today serves as a therapeutic counterpoint to our technology-saturated lives, reconnecting us with our own bodies. “The Great Mother” offers a profound look at 20th-century maternal imagery, intertwining mythology, feminism, and avant-garde movements to illuminate how representations of the female form have shaped and challenged cultural narratives. Through this lens, Gioni invites us to reconsider the figure not just as visual form, but as a powerful, inclusive, and transformative force in art.

MoMA PS1’s fourth edition of Greater New York reveals a captivating shift in the city’s art scene, spotlighting a renewed fascination with figuration. While abstraction dominated recent years, this exhibition highlights how artists are bringing the human form back into focus—whether through floating body parts emerging from abstract canvases, distorted portraits, or sculptures and photographs that explore the body from unconventional angles. The show spans generations and mediums, blending fresh contemporary pieces with spirited historical works, and even weaving in New York’s vital fashion culture through the innovative creations of designers like Ekhaus Latta and Susan Cianciolo. This dynamic mélange provokes fresh discussions about urbanism, identity, and the enduring power of the figure amid evolving artistic trends.

In her latest show "Fight in an Elevator" at Petzel, Dana Schutz explores the tension and compression of figures confined within claustrophobic spaces, reflecting a restless energy both physical and psychological. Her characters push against the frames that contain them, embodying her philosophy of painting as frantic action in limited space. Drawing from personal experience—including the profound impact of motherhood—and cultural moments like viral elevator fights, Schutz infuses her work with a blend of abstraction, narrative complexity, and materiality. Through a dynamic process involving drawing directly into wet canvases and focusing on compositional structure, she challenges traditional figure representation, merging emotional intensity with formal experimentation. The show captures a zeitgeist of constrained struggle, inviting viewers to witness characters caught between containment and eruption, echoing broader social and intimate themes.

Martine Syms, who prefers the title “conceptual entrepreneur,” defies traditional artist labels through her multifaceted practice that spans video, net art, publishing, branding, and design. Her first New York solo show at Bridget Donahue gallery offers an immersive experience blending video, sculpture, photography, and a bookstore featuring her imprint Dominica, dedicated to blackness in visual culture. Central to the exhibition is the captivating performative video Notes on Gesture, featuring Diamond Stingily repeating small, deliberate actions with rhythmic, stuttered editing that echoes contemporary media’s fixation on dissecting gestures—especially those of women—in today’s micro-television landscape. This work highlights how society fragments full characters into fleeting moments, reflecting on the politics of representation and communication in the digital age.

Neïl Beloufa’s work challenges traditional notions of filmmaking and art by blurring the lines between fiction and reality, authority and rebellion, success and failure. Drawing inspiration from parables and playful subversion, his films and installations invite viewers to question the nature of interpretation, representation, and power. With a signature style that uses everyday materials and amateur actors, Beloufa creates immersive, layered environments where humor and political critique coexist. His approach embraces imperfection and the inevitability of failure as essential parts of the artistic process, reflecting a “romantic cynicism” that confronts the art world’s pretensions while fostering open-ended dialogue. Through these complex, often contradictory works, Beloufa provokes audiences to reconsider how meaning is constructed and who controls the narrative.

The 2015 Istanbul Biennial, curated by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev under the theme "Saltwater: A Theory of Thoughtforms," explores movement and exile through a complex and often contradictory lens. Highlighting historical displacements like Trotsky’s exile, the Armenian genocide, and the exodus of Turkey’s Greek population, the exhibition navigates the tensions between Turkey as both a refuge and a place of expulsion. While some works, such as William Kentridge’s and Adrian Villar Rojas’s installations, engage with these themes amidst striking settings, others are overwhelmed by the ambitious scale and intellectual rigor of the curatorial vision. Notable exceptions include Ed Atkins’s haunting video piece and Theaster Gates’s thoughtful integration of local culture. Yet, the Biennial’s focus on the past and abstraction of contemporary crises risks an orientalist and exclusionary tone, intensified by its sprawling format across Istanbul’s evocative venues. Ultimately, "Saltwater" is an intellectually dense but uneven journey that mirrors the complexities of movement, memory, and identity in a region marked by continual flux and exile.

In his 17-minute performance piece *September Spring* at the Kitchen, contemporary artist Sam Falls transforms dance into a vibrant and poignant tribute to his late friend Jamie Kanzler. Featuring dancers Jessie Gold and Elizabeth Hart, the work blends color, movement, and music to create abstract paintings with their feet on plush white carpets, evoking both joyous celebration and deep mourning. Illuminated by strobe lights and set to Kanzler’s own soundscape, the performance explores themes of loss and memory with a playful yet profound energy. Complemented by finished paintings that hang like vivid mementos, *September Spring* captivates with its delicate balance between ephemeral performance and enduring artistic expression.

Photographer Andrew Moore’s new book, *Dirt Meridian*, captures the profound transformation of America’s Great Plains, exploring the tension between a land shaped by generations of homesteaders and the rapid industrial incursion of fracking and pipelines. Through striking aerial and ground-level images taken over a decade, Moore reveals a landscape caught between natural beauty, historical legacy, and resource-driven upheaval. Drawing inspiration from literary giants and early photographers, he eschews Western clichés to tell the story through the land itself—its dirt, emptiness, and evolving ruins—highlighting the intricate relationship between humans, animals, and the environment amid change. The work offers a poignant meditation on ambition, resilience, and the fragile future of this often overlooked but vital American heartland.

EXPO CHICAGO spotlights a thrilling wave of young artists whose innovative work is capturing attention at accessible price points, making it an exciting event for collectors and art lovers alike. From Joshua Nathanson’s sleek, tech-infused interpretations of Los Angeles life, echoing Impressionist plein air traditions, to David Jien’s intricately detailed drawings blending graffiti with Persian miniatures, the fair pulses with diverse energy. Daniel Turner's industrial sculptures gleam with bold, chainsaw-carved intensity, while Victoria Fu’s neon installations celebrate our modern digital gestures. J.J. Peet’s multidisciplinary mastery earned him the Northern Trust Purchase Prize, showcasing lush paintings and ceramics that captivate, and Paul Heyer’s nostalgic nod to 1980s decadence adds vibrant flair. New York’s Sara Magenheimer transforms poetry into striking visual compositions, and the collective Regina Rex brings a dynamic, collaborative spirit that challenges conventions and embraces artistic experimentation. This lineup confirms EXPO CHICAGO as a fertile ground for discovering the cutting edge of contemporary art.

The Harvard Art Museums celebrate the vibrant and socially conscious Pop art of Sister Mary Corita Kent, a Roman Catholic nun whose bold, text-driven screenprints from the 1960s blend religious messages, political rhetoric, and corporate slogans with riotous colors and playful language. Her work, featured in the exhibition “Corita Kent and the Language of Pop,” is gaining fresh institutional spotlight alongside retrospectives like “Someday Is Now” in Pasadena, highlighting her unique voice within Pop art—a movement traditionally dominated by male artists. This renewed recognition also reflects a broader expansion of Pop’s narrative to include diverse female and global artists, positioning Kent’s jubilant, activism-infused prints alongside iconic contemporaries such as Warhol and Indiana, and affirming her lasting impact on art and culture.

EXPO CHICAGO’s fourth edition offers an exciting blend of top-tier contemporary art, featuring standout works from a diverse roster of artists. Rising star Dean Levin fascinates with his "Rendered Memory" paintings that blur architectural space and painterly illusion, while the legendary Wayne Thiebaud continues to enchant at 95 with lyrical, imaginative still-lifes. Mickalene Thomas revisits identity and self-representation, presenting evocative portraits from her early work at Yale. Christopher Rauschenberg captures evocative flea market still lifes, and Elizabeth Neel’s large-scale abstractions combine gestural power with precision. John Houck’s innovative cyanotypes invert classic Gothic cathedrals’ perspectives, and Richard Pettibone delights with his meticulous, small-scale homages to iconic modern works. Carol Bove’s tactile, yarn-layered canvases pay tribute to modernist pioneers, while Robert Gober’s poignant photo piece recalls early LGBTQ+ struggles with powerful historical resonance. Finally, Theaster Gates impresses with a new body of work merging pottery and tar, reflecting his deep engagement with tradition and materiality. This edition of EXPO CHICAGO is a rich and varied showcase that captures the vibrancy and depth of today’s art scene.

Trevor Paglen’s interdisciplinary art explores the hidden infrastructures of mass surveillance, from secret spy satellites to NSA-tapped undersea cables, revealing the invisible mechanisms shaping our world. Drawing on extensive research, including leaked Snowden files, scuba diving, and collaboration with activists, his work blends aesthetics with deep political inquiry, challenging notions of photographic truth and the limits of visibility. His exhibition at Metro Pictures pays homage to whistleblower Edward Snowden, featuring images and installations like the Autonomy Cube—a functional Tor router that reimagines institutional spaces as bastions of privacy and autonomy. Paglen’s art navigates the tension between small gestures and vast systems of control, offering a powerful, nuanced commentary on surveillance, technology, and the ethics embedded within them, while inspiring reflection on how we see and shape our historical moment.

Ajay Kurian’s foray into public art on Governors Island reveals the daunting challenges and unexpected heartbreaks behind creating outdoor sculptures. Tasked with crafting three kiddie pool-like totems layered with complex imagery and materials, Kurian faced a relentless battle against technical hurdles—from bubbling polyurethane coatings to chemical burns—and the effects of weather and time. Despite finally sealing the works, the sculptures endured swift and deliberate vandalism, raising profound questions about public engagement, the psychology of destruction, and the fraught relationship between art and community in American society. Kurian’s experience underscores the vulnerability of public art and the often unseen emotional and physical toll on artists committed to making their visions accessible outside traditional gallery walls.

Barnaby Furnas’s latest exhibition, “First Morning,” marks a striking evolution from his signature blood-red battle scenes to serene landscapes awash with calming blues and greens. Inspired by his young son’s playful use of Colorforms vinyl stickers, Furnas explores abstract, elemental forms that evoke prehistoric life and natural forces locked in a timeless battle. Employing a meticulous process of paint puddling on ridged canvases, he captures a delicate balance between control and chance, creating compositions that feel both mystical and intensely physical. Drawing on influences from Cézanne to Charles Burchfield, Furnas abandons narrative storytelling for a more expansive, meditative engagement with color, texture, and form—inviting viewers to witness landscapes that both look outward and reflect inward, embodying a new emotional palette rooted in tranquility and subtle tension.

Carole Server, a passionate collector and Bronx Museum trustee, shares her vibrant picks from EXPO CHICAGO, showcasing a dazzling array of emerging artists who captivate with their unique visions. From Chantal Joffe’s lush, sensitive portraits and Gianna Commito’s geometric gems to Leif Ritchey’s dreamy pastels with a bold twist, each artist brings something compelling to the table. Diana Al-Hadid’s riveting sculptures and panel works, Magalie Guerin’s dense, tactile paint application, and Guy Yanai’s intriguing pixelated figuratives further highlight the depth of talent. Iconic figures like Jonathan Lasker’s influential abstracts meet Jessica Jackson Hutchins’s evocative mixed-media assemblages, while Tomory Dodge’s evolving abstraction and Derrick Adams’s poignant collages blend art, culture, and identity, making this selection a thrilling glimpse into the contemporary art scene.

Amid the turmoil of the Russian Revolution, a daring group of avant-garde artists challenged centuries-old artistic traditions, giving rise to the groundbreaking movements of Suprematism and Constructivism. Suprematism, led by Kasimir Malevich, sought to distill art to pure forms and colors, conveying “non-objective sensation,” while Constructivism, championed by Vladimir Tatlin and Alexander Rodchenko, emphasized socially useful art, blending creativity with functionality. Though later overshadowed by Stalin’s Socialist Realism, these movements profoundly influenced global modern art, architecture, and design. From Malevich’s abstract color planes to Tatlin’s visionary unbuilt Monument to the Third International, and El Lissitzky’s architectural abstractions to Lyubov Popova’s integration of art and everyday life, this era reshaped artistic expression and left a lasting legacy on the visual language of the 20th century.

Brie Ruais creates compelling ceramic sculptures that fuse physicality, language, and conceptual art, using her own body weight as both a material measure and a point of departure. Her works, often named after verbs like "Push Up" or "Spreading Out," embody the performative gestures she physically enacts in her Sunset Park studio, translating movement and energy into vivid clay forms. Drawing inspiration from natural landscapes and Abstract Expressionism, Ruais applies colors and glazes intuitively to breathe life back into her pieces, which she views as living entities that capture time, space, and human touch. Her process is transparent and generous, inviting viewers into an exploration of interdependency, labor, and embodied experience while engaging with traditions of ceramics and sculpture. Amidst a resurgence of interest in ceramics within both art and design spheres, Ruais embraces the medium not as mere craft but as a dynamic material that continues to inspire contemporary sculptors seeking a direct, tactile connection to their work.

Marc Quinn’s latest exhibition, "The Toxic Sublime" at White Cube in London, marks a striking evolution from his earlier provocative works. Moving away from shock value, Quinn delves into profound existential themes with thoughtful artistry, presenting giant, heavily textured wall hangings inspired by sunrises that slowly reveal intricate details connecting nature and urban life. Complementing these are seven striking stainless steel and concrete sculptures modeled from sea shells, evoking the tension between natural erosion and human intervention. The show invites quiet reflection rather than spectacle, showcasing an artist in his fifties embracing gravitas and complexity in a visually compelling dialogue between the sublime forces of nature and the constructs of modernity.

Jessica Jackson Hutchins’s art weaves together a rich tapestry of materials and themes, blending delicate ceramics with everyday objects to explore intimacy, the body, and spirituality. After a dynamic chapter living between Portland and Berlin, Hutchins returns with vibrant, boisterous works that challenge traditional notions of painting and sculpture, creating spaces where furniture seemingly wears ceramics and paintings reveal their underlying structures. Her upcoming dual-venue Portland exhibition, “Confessions,” bridges public and private art worlds, reflecting her deep engagement with religious narratives and the everyday, all while embracing the imperfect beauty of domestic life. Through a playful yet earnest lens, Hutchins invites viewers into a contemplative dialogue about presence, vulnerability, and the sacred in the mundane.

New York artist Azikiwe Mohammed masterfully transforms the vibrant chaos of Internet culture into tangible art, weaving together memes, hip-hop icons, and everyday “bad” food into tapestries, commemorative plates, and photographs. Drawing inspiration from digital communities on platforms like Tumblr and Instagram, Mohammed captures the communal language formed through shared symbols and hashtags, such as the #FreeMaxB movement, framing them as modern heraldry. His work blurs the lines between online and offline worlds, celebrating figures like Gucci Mane with Southern-made commemorative plates and retracing photographer Stephen Shore’s journeys through roadside eateries, highlighting food as a cultural marker. Mohammed’s art not only reflects digital life’s language and belonging but physically enshrines the ephemeral spirit of internet communities in striking, tactile forms.

Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures, celebrated in the Tate Britain retrospective "Sculpture for a Modern World," reveal an artist deeply connected to nature and modernism, whose work captures the rhythms of the Cornish coast and the essence of human relationships. From her early “Doves” in 1927 to her final marble pieces in the 1970s, Hepworth’s art evolved through intimate experiences and personal challenges, including motherhood, grief, and the struggle against a male-dominated art world. Her sculptures embody organic forms, emotional tension, and a profound dialogue with landscape, culminating in works that evoke both timeless calm and inner strength.

From whimsical cotton candy skies in Marepe’s nostalgic photographs to Berndnaut Smilde’s ethereal indoor clouds that blur reality and illusion, this collection explores the multifaceted allure of clouds through diverse artistic lenses. Featuring evocative landscapes by April Gornik, conceptual installations by Tomás Saraceno, and surreal photo collages by Julião Sarmento, the works capture clouds as symbols of memory, emotion, and transformation. With each artist inviting viewers to contemplate the delicate boundary between nature and imagination, the exhibit reveals how these fleeting formations inspire reflections on place, identity, and the ephemeral beauty that hovers just beyond reach.

Sue Stoffel’s Upper West Side apartment is a vibrant hub where art, work, and hospitality beautifully intersect. As a seasoned collector and arts advisor, Stoffel curates a personal and professional space filled with meaningful contemporary works—from a Christo piece that anchors her collection to intricate sculptures by Ernesto Neto and thought-provoking paintings by Peter Dreher and Cynthia Daignault. Her home doubles as an office, gallery, and lively salon venue, fostering intimate connections between artists and collectors. Stoffel’s philosophy emphasizes the emotional and intellectual depth behind each piece, creating a sanctuary where art tells its own story and resonates deeply, all within a subtly elegant, unassuming setting perfect for both reflection and lively gatherings.

Art historian Noah Charney, an expert on art crimes and authenticity, shares his top ten favorite artworks on Artspace, offering fascinating insights into each piece. From Picasso’s frequently forged masterpieces and Richard Serra’s imposing sculptures, to Tracey Emin’s provocative drawings and the optical illusions in Elsie Ferguson’s plaster works, Charney highlights the unique qualities that make these pieces stand out. He explores the rarity and value in Thomas Ruff’s limited-edition photographs, the contested authenticity surrounding a Basquiat door, and the deep personal connection behind Marina Abramovic’s collaboration with Ulay. The list also delves into the mystical allure of George Widener’s magic squares, the striking aesthetics of Andy Warhol’s Red Lenin, and the captivating beauty of Yves Klein’s iconic blue pigment table—each artwork embodying a distinct narrative about art’s power to captivate, deceive, and inspire.

Sarah Morris navigates the complex intersections of architecture, power, and luxury in her vibrant paintings and evocative films, revealing the hidden dynamics behind major cultural and corporate structures. Her latest film, *Strange Magic*, commissioned by LVMH, offers an intimate look at the controversial Fondation Louis Vuitton museum and the mystique of luxury industries, blending behind-the-scenes factory footage with architecture and French cultural symbolism. Morris explores themes of ownership, control, and the elusive nature of taste, all while reflecting on her artistic process that intertwines film and painting as parallel modes of investigation. Drawing on her experiences with figures like Jeff Koons and her immersion in influential art and political theory, Morris crafts works that immerse viewers in systems larger than themselves, inviting contemplation on complicity and the continuous unfolding of creativity within entrenched power structures.

Lynda Benglis, a pioneering artist of the late 1960s, revolutionized sculpture and painting by merging liquid industrial materials like polyurethane and latex with the fluid dynamics of water, drawing inspiration from her childhood by the Louisiana waterways and scuba-diving experiences in California. Her groundbreaking Post-Minimalist works, now extended into gravity-defying fountains crafted from bronze, steel, and polyurethane, explore the interplay of natural forces and materiality, evoking everything from volcanic lava flows to nuclear explosions. Exhibited at Storm King Art Center, her fountains embody movement, buoyancy, and illusion, challenging traditional sculptural conventions with a vibrant palette that includes the striking “Pink Ladies.” Benglis’s bold embrace of gesture and form, alongside her provocative 1974 Artforum centerfold ad, reflect her fearless interrogation of gender, power, and artistic boundaries, all while maintaining a playful, irreverent spirit that continues to inspire.

Tate Modern’s Agnes Martin retrospective invites viewers to slow down and immerse themselves in the serene, meditative grids that define her work, tracing the evolution of this American abstract painter from her early influences in European modernism and New York’s avant-garde scene to her later, more vibrant compositions created in New Mexico. The exhibition reveals how Martin’s poetic vision and meticulous process—rooted in geometry, repetition, and a deep engagement with painting’s history—unfolded over decades, even as she battled personal challenges like schizophrenia. From delicate pencil grids evoking breath and stillness to bold, colorful canvases, Martin’s art embodies a remarkable journey of restraint, confidence, and quiet power.

The article explores the enduring influence of early 20th-century Viennese art movements like the Vienna Secession and Wiener Werkstätte on contemporary artists today. Highlighting the resurgence of interest sparked by cultural moments such as the film Woman in Gold and major exhibitions at the Neue Galerie, it profiles five innovative artists—Sarah Crowner, Josiah McElheny, Verena Dengler, Lucy McKenzie, and Hope Gangloff—who draw inspiration from Viennese aesthetics, architecture, and interdisciplinary creativity. From Crowner’s geometric fabric-inspired paintings to McElheny’s glass sculptures honoring Modernist visionaries, and Dengler’s multimedia homages to Vienna’s avant-garde women, these artists revive the collaborative, boundary-crossing spirit of Vienna circa 1900, blending historical reverence with vibrant contemporary expression.

Oliver Laric’s exhibition "Giving Away The Moulds Will Cause No Damage to His Majesty’s Casts" at the Austrian Cultural Forum in London invites visitors into a discreet, windowless space where ancient sculptures are reborn through 21st-century technology. Eschewing traditional labels, Laric presents a collection of 3-D scans from renowned museum pieces, transformed from marble to digital image and back into tangible, often plastic, forms that challenge the boundaries of authenticity and reproduction. His work probes the image economy, mining existing artworks and artifacts to create new interpretations that feel both familiar and unsettling—such as wafer-thin Greco-Roman figures highlighted with dyes that evoke both the delicate texture of old book covers and preserved anatomical specimens. Laric’s show is a thoughtful meditation on the journey of images and objects, blurring the line between original and copy in a space steeped in faded grandeur and historical resonance.

Lauren Seiden, a New York-based artist, redefines the medium of graphite on paper by transforming delicate sheets into sculptural forms that balance fragility and strength. Her labor-intensive, physical process involves molding wet paper around stretchers and layering graphite to create works that resemble metal or marble, complete with folds, tears, and textures that reveal the material’s vulnerability and resilience. Moving beyond traditional framed drawings, Seiden embraces chance and imperfection, allowing each piece to evolve organically. She emphasizes the bravery required to commit fully to her studio practice amid the pressures of the digital art world, advocating for deep engagement and slow, thoughtful creation over fleeting online trends. Her work challenges conventional boundaries between drawing and sculpture, inviting viewers into an intimate dialogue with materiality and form.

Ceramics have stepped out of the shadows and into the spotlight at Frieze New York, showcasing a vibrant spectrum of artistic innovation that challenges traditional views of the medium. From Milena Muzquiz’s floral-inspired vases that engage sight and scent to Kris Lemsalu’s surreal performance beneath a bejeweled ceramic turtle shell, the fair offers a diverse array of captivating works. The exhibit also pays homage to midcentury Italian masters like Lucio Fontana, while highlighting contemporary creators such as Zachary Leener, whose glossy, playful sculptures flirt with form and color. Polish artist Paulina Olowska brings historical caricatures to life in porcelain, blending rococo flair with bold storytelling, proving that ceramics are far more than functional objects—they’re powerful vessels of creativity and expression.

“Delirious Picasso,” an inventive new exhibition at the historic Academy Mansion on East 63rd Street, masterfully intertwines the genius of Pablo Picasso with the refined artistry of Japan’s Edo period. Curated by House of the Nobleman, this vibrant show features striking mashups by British artist Wolfe von Lenkiewicz, blending Picasso’s iconic works with the elegant styles of 19th-century Japanese masters like Kikugawa Eizan. Supplemented by playful takes from George Condo and Richard Prince, as well as original pieces by Picasso, the installation celebrates the artist’s complex relationship with Japanese art and broader art historical influences, offering a fresh perspective on how we compose our own histories. Opening in the wake of Picasso’s record-breaking auction sale, the exhibit not only honors the enduring impact of this modern master but also invites collectors to engage with works that range up to $1.5 million.

In the vibrant world of contemporary art, meaningful dialogue extends far beyond mere transactions, inviting collectors, artists, and curators into an ongoing conversation about the life and impact of artworks. Highlighting innovative practices from NADA New York, this article explores the dynamic interplay between traditional and non-traditional media through the works of Torben Ribe, Anders Holen, and Hayley Silverman, who blend materials and concepts to challenge perceptions of art’s past and future. Meanwhile, painters like Amy Feldman, Sadie Benning, Jackie Saccoccio, and Wendy White bring a muscular energy to the canvas, each revealing their process through powerful gestures and textures. Together, these artists and their works embody the rich, complex discourse that fuels the contemporary art scene beyond the art fair itself.

Since the 1990s, Puerto Rican collector and psychiatrist César Reyes and his wife Mimi have distinguished themselves with a keen eye for international art, building an impressive collection that includes works by Peter Doig, Abraham Cruzvillegas, and Elizabeth Peyton. In this year’s NADA New York art fair, Reyes highlights his favorite pieces, from Genieve Figgis’s eerie, emotionally charged portraits to Joan Jonas’s fluid and dynamic imagery. He admires Patrick Berran’s textured urban scenes, Jenny Monick’s transparent and minimal patterns, and Daniel Heidkamp’s serene compositions. Reyes also celebrates the surreal and abstract collages of 93-year-old Elisabeth Wild, Jackie Saccoccio’s vibrant explosions of color, and Lucas Ajemian’s provocative challenge to artistic authorship by “laundering” paintings. Lastly, he appreciates Elham Rokni’s nostalgic, ornament-rich works that captivate with their beauty and memory.

Kelly Taxter, assistant curator at the Jewish Museum and former co-founder of the renowned Taxter & Spengemann gallery, shares her top 10 picks from the NADA New York 2015 art fair, spotlighting diverse and compelling works that range from Sadie Benning’s evocative video art to Heather Bursch’s playful signature paint rollers. The selections traverse poetic landscapes by Benjamin Butler, vibrant textile collages by Lucky Debellevue, and haunting figurative paintings from Genieve Figgis. Taxter also highlights Jay Heikes’ enigmatic blend of abstraction and representation, Elizabeth Jaeger’s bold sculptures challenging social taboos, and Tatiana Kronberg’s mysterious sculptural photographs. Alongside these are Nancy Shaver’s joyous reflections on life and B. Wurtz’s minimalist poetry in everyday materials, showcasing a vibrant panorama of contemporary art that resonates with emotional depth and innovative spirit.

Architect Lee Skolnick is renowned for crafting homes that are masterpieces in themselves—designed specifically to showcase art in its best light. His latest project, a modern beach house on Long Island for a prominent collector couple, exemplifies this approach: the architecture not only embraces the natural environment of sea, sky, and sand but also actively guides the evolving art collection. Skolnick collaborates closely with clients and art advisors, using digital modeling to visualize artworks in the space and carefully balancing light, scale, and atmosphere to create a serene, gallery-like home where art truly takes center stage. With a refined taste leaning towards mid-to-late 20th-century abstraction and minimalism, the residence features thoughtfully placed pieces that engage viewers throughout the expansive and intimate spaces alike. Skolnick’s insider perspective also sheds light on the nuances of preserving and displaying art in private homes, the unique dynamics of artist collectors’ eclectic environments, and the art of harmonizing furniture and décor so the artwork shines unimpeded. Ultimately, his work is a celebration of creativity that integrates architecture and art into a singular, immersive experience.

In her London show "The Plastic Unit" at David Zwirner, sculptor Carol Bove presents a compelling evolution of her work, blending abstract glyphic forms with organic materials like petrified wood and concrete. Departing from her previous High Line installation’s weathered urban vibe, Bove crafts meticulously arranged sculptures that evoke both natural history and the Manhattan skyline. Embracing concrete as a quietly romantic medium and exploring intricate connections between materials, this exhibition marks a deeply personal statement, free of external references—an unfiltered expression of her artistic vision that invites viewers to discover subtle dialogues within each piece.

The Museum of Arts and Design’s landmark exhibition, “Richard Estes: Painting New York,” offers a deep dive into the photorealist painter’s meticulously crafted cityscapes, highlighting his unique blend of photographic precision and artistic vision. While the museum frames Estes’s work through the lens of craft, emphasizing his technical prowess, this perspective brings to light the longstanding tension between photorealism’s mechanical accuracy and its artistic depth. The show captures the evolving New York City landscape, from gritty mom-and-pop shops to sleek modern architecture, inviting viewers to consider how Estes’s selective use of photography and visual editing transforms ordinary scenes into vivid, almost cinematic experiences. Though the focus on craft may feel limiting in the broader context of contemporary art, the exhibition ultimately celebrates Estes’s contributions as both a consummate artisan and a nuanced realist.

In the latest Art & Tech spotlight, digital artist Rafaël Rozendaal unveils Abstract Browsing, a vibrant Google Chrome extension that transforms any webpage into a dynamic canvas of shifting Microsoft Paint colors. Known for his innovative “website-as-sellable-artwork” concept, Rozendaal’s newest creation playfully reimagines browsing by placing contrasting colored boxes around site elements that continuously change hues, offering an endlessly fresh visual experience. Building on his previous Text Free Browsing tool, this aesthetic experiment invites users to see the web through an artistic lens—no practical purpose, just pure, colorful fun. Download it for free and watch ordinary pages come to life in a kaleidoscope of digital art.

Anicka Yi’s groundbreaking installation "You Can Call Me F." at The Kitchen invites viewers into a sensory exploration that challenges the art world’s traditional dominance of the visual by focusing on smell and biology. Collaborating with synthetic biologists at MIT, Yi creates immersive environments featuring living bacterial cultures sourced from over 100 women, evoking themes of femininity, contagion, and societal anxieties around cleanliness and gender. Her work confronts the art world’s discomfort with the feminine and scent, juxtaposing the pungent, warm odors of human bacteria against the sterile, odorless atmosphere of elite spaces like the Gagosian Gallery. Through sculptural objects like quarantine tents and bowls filled with organic materials, Yi not only reclaims the neglected senses of smell and touch but also critiques power structures, gender dynamics, and our culture’s fear of intimacy and difference—ultimately crafting art that is as provocative as it is alive.

Alec Soth’s latest project, Songbook, merges the lyrical and poetic with the everyday realities of small-town America, inspired by his experiments with journalism and art photography through the Little Brown Mushroom Dispatches. Moving from large-format color to quick, evocative black-and-white images, Soth embraces a nostalgic yet practical approach to storytelling that blurs the line between reportage and fine art. Drawing on influences like Winesburg, Ohio and iconic documentary couples, he crafts a mythical, intimate portrait of American life that resonates beyond straightforward narrative. His embrace of Instagram and contemporary media adds a fresh, playful dimension to his work, revealing an artist navigating tradition and innovation with thoughtful creativity and a touch of humor.

Araya Rasdjarmrearnsook, a pioneering Thai artist and professor, transforms teaching into a profound art form by engaging with unconventional participants—including stray dogs, cadavers, and mental hospital patients—to explore spirituality, ethics, and human-animal relationships. Her deeply ritualistic and empathetic works challenge traditional art and academic boundaries, blending Buddhist beliefs with intimate, seminar-style dialogues that question life, death, and cultural norms. From sculpting alongside clay figures to lecturing to the dead, and from filming villagers’ candid reactions to Western art to caring for stray dogs, Rasdjarmrearnsook invites us to reconsider the meaning of connection, compassion, and the unexpected classrooms that shape our understanding of existence.

This year’s Art Basel Miami Beach dazzled with a blend of high-profile spectacle and groundbreaking art, from Miley Cyrus’s surprise pop performance to record-breaking sales fueled by fresh Latin American collectors. The fair showcased a rich tapestry of works, including Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus-inspired ballet masks, Hrair Sarkissian’s poignant videos reflecting on Syria’s turmoil, and Alex Hubbard’s inventive “Trash Paintings” made from ocean debris. Highlights ranged from Naomi Fisher’s playful ballet-themed murals and Sam Francis’s vibrant, Zen-influenced abstractions to Jeff Koons’s monumental, surreal sculptures that blur kitsch and ritual. Emerging voices like Nicolás Guagnini explored complex histories through striking ceramics, while Jack Early’s poignant comeback highlighted themes of identity and resilience. Together, these diverse offerings underscored Art Basel Miami Beach’s evolution into a dynamic, multifaceted celebration of contemporary creativity and cultural dialogue.

Art Basel Miami Beach has evolved into a mature and serious art fair, showcasing remarkable works that span generations and styles. Highlights include my grandfather Alexander Calder’s unique 1944 wooden "torso" sculpture, Agnes Martin’s rare nonlinear paintings from the mid-1950s with their delicate, ashen palettes, and David Hammonds’ dynamic piece blending modernist traditions with a spiritual weight. Jiro Takamatsu’s elegant "The Pole of Wave" intrigues with its illusionistic geometry, while Yves Tanguy’s 1943 painting offers a fresh, melancholic glimpse into surrealist mindscapes. Contemporary works like Joel Shapiro’s vibrant, suspended sculpture challenge expectations with its bold color and unexpected aggression, reflecting an artist embracing newfound freedom. This edition of Art Basel Miami Beach balances reverence with innovation, drawing visitors into a rich dialogue between past and present.

Alexander S.C. Rower, head of the Calder Foundation and grandson of the legendary Alexander Calder, shares his top five favorite works at Art Basel 2014, blending deep art historical insight with a collector’s keen eye. From Dorothy Norman’s hauntingly intimate photograph capturing the complex dynamics of Alfred Stieglitz and Georgia O’Keeffe, to the subtle originality of Alina Szapocznikow’s sculptural lamp recalling Duchamp, Rower’s selections celebrate both historical resonance and contemporary innovation. He reflects on Julio Gonzalez’s rare sheet metal reliefs that echo his grandfather’s volumetric wire sculptures, grapples with Magali Reus’s provocative post-functional objects that challenge traditional sculpture, and marvels at the powerful modernity of Thomas Houseago’s large-scale "Striding Figure II." Together, these pieces showcase a rich dialogue across time, highlighting Art Basel’s dynamic and evolving art landscape.

The annual Lucky Draw benefit at SculptureCenter in Long Island City is a thrilling fast-paced raffle-auction where every attendee is guaranteed to take home a unique artwork by some of New York's most exciting emerging artists. This year’s event features an eclectic mix of pieces—from Cara Benedetto’s enigmatic photo documents and A.K. Burns’s influential nonprofit collaborations to Stacy Fisher’s witty sculptures inspired by minimalism, and Ethan Greenbaum’s textured urban landscapes. Highlights include James Hoff’s conceptually rich umbrella handles, Park McArthur’s thought-provoking repurposed wheelchair ramp signs, and a rare Claes Oldenburg print of a playful monumental sculpture. Other standout works include Letha Wilson’s boundary-defying mixed media, B. Wurtz’s found-object sculptures challenging artistic norms, and David Berezin’s quirky “Babies in Baja,” a fun and unexpected conversation starter. Whether you're a seasoned collector or a newcomer, this event promises both artistic discovery and the thrill of the draw.