Stories

Ferren Gipson, a passionate advocate for art-history degrees, has created *The Ultimate Art Museum*, a captivating book designed to bring the world’s greatest artworks to children aged eight to 14. With 18 galleries and 129 rooms, this imaginative museum journey spans from ancient cave paintings to contemporary installations, featuring interactive elements like puzzles and color-coded maps to engage young visitors. Drawing inspiration from her own childhood museum experiences and famous institutions like The Met and The Louvre, Gipson crafts an inclusive space showcasing diverse artists—including many women—across cultures and time. Through her work, she encourages children and parents alike to explore art openly, sharing thoughts and emotions without fear of “wrong” opinions. This unique museum experience offers an inspiring, accessible way to discover art’s rich and varied history from the comfort of home.

Lawrence Weiner, a pioneering American Conceptual artist who passed away at 79, revolutionized art with his radical approach that emphasized process, language, and the fluid relationship between artist and audience. Beginning with his explosive Cratering Pieces in 1960, Weiner challenged traditional notions of creation and ownership by making art that existed as events or ideas rather than physical objects. His 1968 Declaration of Intent further dismantled the conventional art object, empowering the “receiver” to realize the work in their imagination. Throughout his career, Weiner employed language as a sculptural material, crafting text-based works that provoke thought on existence, perception, and time—from stenciled statements in public spaces to reflective, enigmatic pieces like *I am not something I am someone* and *UNDER GROUND*. His art demands intellectual engagement and personal reflection, inviting viewers to continually reinterpret meaning in a language as robust and flexible as marble and clay, ultimately capturing the ephemeral nature of life and art itself.

Mickalene Thomas’s work is a vibrant fusion of personal history, Black radical tradition, and a visionary queer utopia that redefines contemporary art. Drawing on diverse influences—from 19th-century French masters to mid-century decor and African-American cultural icons—her art is both deeply autobiographical and boldly forward-looking. Born in Camden, New Jersey, and shaped by early artistic exposure and key moments of self-discovery, Thomas creates richly layered collage prints that celebrate Black identity, resilience, and beauty. Her newest editions, Jet Blue #11 and Left Behind, showcase her signature style blending hand-cut prints, silk fragments, and acrylic pochoir, all presented in luxurious, handcrafted packaging. Rooted in history yet brimming with hope, Thomas’s work invites us to envision a world beyond present limitations, embodying strength and genuine character inspired by her mother’s Buddhist teachings.

Barry Schwabsky, renowned critic, editor, and poet, embodies a rare blend of intellectual rigor and passionate engagement with contemporary art. His influential teaching career spans prestigious institutions like Yale and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, while his writings have enriched major art publications and Phaidon titles. Schwabsky’s deep appreciation for art began with childhood encounters like Van Gogh’s sunflowers and matured during formative museum visits where Rothko became a favorite. His personal collection reflects this journey, featuring works by friends and influential artists such as Cora Cohen, Suzanne McClelland, and Rafael Vega, alongside treasured pieces like a self-portrait by his daughter. Notably, Schwabsky has actively challenged institutional decisions in the art world, exemplified by his 2020 open letter defending Philip Guston’s controversial exhibition. Beyond the walls of galleries, he even finds artistry in everyday objects—like a Karim Rashid-designed wastebasket—highlighting his embracing view that art need not be perfect, just compelling.

Australian-born, Sweden-based artist Tillie Burden transforms glass into enigmatic, surreal sculptures that challenge perceptions of this traditionally transparent material. Drawing inspiration from surrealists like René Magritte and symbolists such as Meret Oppenheim, Burden infuses everyday objects with layered psychological meaning and playful twists, crafting pieces that are both bold and contemplative. Her meticulous process combines hot glassblowing techniques with thoughtful planning, resulting in works that invite viewers to reconsider the familiar through unexpected forms, from cake topped with a cigarette to a banana in a slinky condom. With a background spanning Australia and Europe, Burden’s dynamic and tactile approach to glassmaking showcases both technical mastery and imaginative storytelling, bringing a fresh perspective to the craft.

Monica Nelson, a celebrated book designer and art director with a passion for both art and nature, brings these worlds together in her new book, *Edible Flowers*. This captivating work explores the cultural history, uses, and beauty of edible flowers through stunning original photography, simple recipes, and insightful essays by chefs, artists, and writers. Alongside her creative endeavors—including collaborations with renowned photographers and artists—Nelson shares a curated selection of artworks that inspire her, from poetic still lifes and evocative assemblages to intimate, deeply personal images, revealing how her love for the natural world profoundly shapes her artistic vision and personal tastes.

Swiss painter Nicolas Party made history at Christie’s 21st Century Evening Sale by setting a new auction record with his pastel on linen work, *Landscape*, which sold for an impressive $3,270,000—more than doubling his previous high. The sale, part of the *Unquestioning Love* auction benefiting the New York City AIDS Memorial, also featured stellar performances from artists like Rashid Johnson and Dana Schutz, driving the total sales to over $219 million. Party’s *Landscape* captures his signature blend of bold colors and fantastical yet grounded imagery, embodying a longing for paradise with playful precision. Beyond breaking records, the proceeds from Party’s sale will help preserve the NYC AIDS Memorial and fund its vibrant cultural and educational programs, honoring the legacy of artists lost to AIDS and supporting the community’s future.

Embrace the timeless wisdom of William Morris this holiday season by choosing gifts that are both beautiful and useful, elevating your festive table with artful design and thoughtful craftsmanship. From Diesel Living’s Cosmic Diner porcelain plates evoking the mysteries of space, to the playful and surreal coffee sets by Seletti and Toiletpaper, there’s a perfect piece for every aesthetic. Celebrate the influential spirit of the 80s with Limoges porcelain plates featuring iconic art by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, or honor feminism with Judy Chicago’s Goddess Trio, capturing powerful female motifs in exquisite collectibles. For lovers of innovative design, Frank Gehry’s bone china rock tumblers, crafted in collaboration with Tiffany & Co., offer sculptural elegance and a touch of architectural flair. These carefully curated gifts blend function with creativity, making every holiday gathering a celebration of art, beauty, and purpose.

Artists have long blurred the lines between fine art and functional party objects, turning everyday items into playful statements. From Daniel Allen Cohen’s clever tequila and mezcal coasters that mimic the periodic table of elements, to Nir Hod’s velvet-backed acrylic coasters evoking edgy nightlife textures, these artful gifts inject contemporary cool into any gathering. Adrian Olabuenga’s limited-edition MoCA snowdome offers a glittering twist on a classic festive icon, while Zvezdin’s Workshop captivates with hand-painted porcelain candlesticks inspired by the Garden of Eden and crafted through meticulous traditional techniques. For design aficionados, Andrea Branzi’s rare 15-piece GIOTTO tea set embodies the spirit of Italian Radical Architecture, combining history and craft in an exquisite collectible. These curated pieces elevate the art of entertaining, making every sip and candlelit moment a celebration of creativity.

Discover the joy of playful love this holiday season with a curated selection of artist-inspired gifts that celebrate creativity and connection. From the intricate Jean-Michel Basquiat puzzle challenging you with his iconic 1983 artwork, to Yoshitomo Nara’s whimsical drumming girl figurines rich in Japanese pop culture, these pieces invite you to embrace fun and imagination. Explore Mickalene Thomas’s vibrant Le Déjeuner puzzle reimagining female portraiture, Catherine Opie’s provocative Dyke Deck that humorously redefines a classic card set, and KAWS’s beloved Sesame Street character Elmo in a distinctive designer plush. Plus, add a bold splash of color to your game nights with Nina Chanel Abney’s artistic UNO deck. These unique gifts blend art and playfulness, perfect for sparking joy and creativity with loved ones all season long.

Socializing and fine art have long intertwined, from Andy Warhol’s belief that “everybody should like everybody” to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s legendary New York loft gatherings. Today, artists like Rirkrit Tiravanija and Tino Sehgal redefine this blend through immersive social art experiences. This holiday season, Artspace offers a curated selection of exquisite gifts that bring this spirit into the home—luxurious lambswool blankets by Brian Calvin, velour rugs by Patrick Church, striking cushions by Mickalene Thomas, handcrafted wooden armchairs from Odami, and boldly graphic pieces from Barbara Kruger. Each item not only transforms living spaces into contemporary, artful social hubs but also carries the authenticity and narrative of its renowned creator, making them perfect presents for the art lover eager to celebrate the season with style and meaning.

As the festive season approaches, why not channel a touch of Roaring Twenties glamour with Artspace’s curated gift guide celebrating artful adornment? From a neo-expressionist trench coat featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat’s vivid artwork to Iris Apfel’s bold owl pin—a nod to the iconic centenarian style legend—each piece tells a unique story. Julio le Parc’s dynamic green pendant captures light and movement with geometric precision, while the surreal Toiletpaper mirror adds a splash of eccentric whimsy to any space. Alexandra Grant’s elegant 18k gold necklace spells out love in shimmering script, supporting artists through her foundation, and Genevieve Flynn’s handcrafted silver ginkgo leaf earrings blend exquisite nature-inspired artistry with timeless craftsmanship. These distinctive gifts turn everyday objects into wearable art and statement decor, perfect for those who cherish creativity, history, and style this holiday season.

Salman Toor’s paintings poignantly explore the lives of gentle, introspective queer Asian men navigating feelings of isolation and resilience. Born in Lahore and now based in New York, Toor draws from his own experiences in a conservative environment to create works brimming with nostalgia, humor, and vulnerability. His piece "Blonde and Brunette," featured in the upcoming Christie’s sale benefiting the New York City AIDS Memorial, reflects on friendship as an empowering form of resistance. Toor connects the art and the cause through references to iconic works that evoke the chaos and tenderness of the AIDS crisis, highlighting his thoughtful engagement with both personal and collective histories.

Lisa Yuskavage, renowned for her lush and vibrant paintings, shares a poignant personal experience from the height of the AIDS crisis, reflecting on her deep friendship with fellow artist Jesse Murry. Despite the brightness and sensuality in her art, Yuskavage was profoundly shaped by the illness and loss she witnessed, particularly during her years supporting Murry through his final days at St. Luke’s Roosevelt’s AIDS ward. She recalls a moving night helping Jesse provide comfort to another patient, capturing a moment of extraordinary love and tenderness amid tragedy. Yuskavage's story highlights the human connections that underpinned her early career and her ongoing commitment, including her participation in the Unquestioning Love auction benefiting the New York City AIDS Memorial.

The Haas Brothers, known for their otherworldly, anthropomorphic sculptures blending materials like bronze, porcelain, and faux fur, explore themes of freedom, identity, and self-expression in their striking Beasts series. Though born after the height of the AIDS crisis, twins Nikolai and Simon Haas have personally felt the lingering stigma and social challenges surrounding the epidemic, particularly through Simon’s experience growing up gay in Texas. Their poignant piece, Biggy Stardust, carries a bittersweet nostalgia, reflecting a moment of transition amid the pandemic. As artists with works in prestigious museums, the brothers see their involvement in the Unquestioning Love auction at Christie’s—a fundraiser for the New York City AIDS Memorial—as a vital way to give back and honor the lives and legacies affected by AIDS, inspired by figures like Keith Haring and Freddie Mercury whose creative potential was tragically cut short.

Sarah Sze’s work intricately explores our relationships with everyday objects, creating installations that blur the line between present-day art and remnants of civilization. Known for her nuanced and introspective creations, Sze contributed her 2021 painting *Fast Forward* to the *Unquestioning Love* auction benefiting the New York City AIDS Memorial. Reflecting on the devastating impact of the AIDS crisis and its ongoing global significance, she emphasizes art’s power to preserve memory and inspire justice. Having visited the memorial, located near the historic St. Vincent’s Hospital, she speaks to the importance of remembering both past and present struggles through public space. Influenced by poets like Paul Monette and Emily Dickinson, and inspired by artists such as Félix González-Torres, Sze’s work and words honor the deep resonance of loss, activism, and resilience within the artistic community and beyond.

Trevor Paglen, known for his exploration of state control and technology's role in power dynamics, reflects deeply on the AIDS crisis that shaped a generation of artists before him. Contributing his evocative photograph of a discarded Soviet rocket body to the Unquestioning Love auction at Christie’s, Paglen connects the vastness of the night sky with humanity’s search for meaning, while honoring the enduring impact of the epidemic. Drawing from personal memories and the mentorship of those lost, he emphasizes the responsibility artists have in memorializing this pivotal chapter. The New York City AIDS Memorial, with its powerful installations and reflections, remains a daily reminder of the crisis and the resilience of those it touched.

Elmgreen & Dragset powerfully confront the legacy of the AIDS crisis through their evocative artwork, notably their 2015 piece Side Effects, No. 14, which features delicate glass jars filled with pastel pigments used in modern HIV medications. These seemingly innocent colors belie the serious and toxic nature of the pills, symbolizing the complex realities of living with the disease. Their work is part of a broader commitment to remembering the impact of AIDS, from art installations to memorials, highlighting the ongoing need for awareness and compassion. Donating to the Unquestioning Love sale at Christie’s, Elmgreen & Dragset emphasize the importance of honoring those lost to this epidemic and the continuing fight for access to life-saving treatments, reflecting a poignant blend of personal experience and social activism.

Remastered is an online auction celebrating contemporary artists who reinterpret the timeless brilliance of the Old Masters, blending tradition with fresh, modern perspectives. Featuring works by Tracey Emin, Vik Muniz, Shepard Fairey, Ai Weiwei, and more, the collection explores themes of figuration, portraiture, light, and perspective through diverse media. From Kiki Smith’s visceral study of the human form echoing Renaissance anatomical realism, to John Reuss’ textured contrasts channeling existential depth, and Lawrence Valenza’s ethereal, panel-hinged paintings reminiscent of 15th-century techniques, each piece bridges past and present. Virgil Abloh reimagines Leonardo’s iconic Mona Lisa with contemporary light and steel, while Brian Bress’s video art challenges the role of the artist and the canvas itself. This auction invites us to appreciate the enduring mysteries of creativity and the evolving dialogue between history and innovation.

Cosimo Cavallaro is a visionary artist and filmmaker known for his provocative and tactile works created from perishable materials like cheese, ham, and chocolate. Drawing on his Italian heritage and childhood memories tied to food, he transforms everyday edible items into immersive art experiences that explore themes of identity, time, and the ephemeral nature of life. From covering hotel rooms in melted cheese to constructing a cheese wall near the US-Mexico border as social commentary, Cavallaro challenges perceptions and invites audiences to engage with art beyond the visual, evoking both playfulness and reflection. His work has sparked conversation internationally and is now accessible to art lovers through bronze-cast sculptures inspired by his cheese creations, blending the transient with the eternal.

Lewis Miller, a renowned floral designer known for his vibrant outdoor installations, gained widespread acclaim with his spontaneous "Flower Flash" at the John Lennon Memorial in Central Park during the 2016 presidential election. Since then, Miller has created over ninety of these bold, imaginative floral surprises, blending unexpected flowers in playful, larger-than-life displays that bring joy to New Yorkers and flower enthusiasts alike. While celebrated for his public art, Miller remains deeply connected to interior floral design, treating art and environment design as intertwined disciplines. Influenced by Flemish painters, Rothko, and Picasso, his work embodies a vibrant, dynamic energy, mixing color, texture, and space with a keen eye for harmony and statement pieces. In this reflective interview accompanying the release of his new book, *Flower Flash*, and his debut limited-edition print, Miller shares his artistic inspirations and his distinctive approach to living with and choosing art that enlivens and transforms everyday spaces.

Lewis Miller, a celebrated floral designer rooted in California’s agricultural landscapes, has made a remarkable impact with his vibrant, large-scale public floral installations known as Flower Flashes. Since 2016, Miller and his team have transformed everyday urban spaces—trash cans, bus stops, construction sites—into bursts of joyful, colorful blooms, delighting passersby and offering moments of unexpected beauty amidst the city’s hustle. His latest book, *Flower Flash*, chronicles this inspiring journey with stunning photos, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and fan contributions, capturing the essence of Miller’s spontaneous creative acts. To celebrate this work, Miller has partnered with Artspace to release his first-ever edition print, featuring a striking installation outside Casa Magazines in Manhattan that fuses lush tropical foliage and bright flowers within an iconic New York City waste bin. This bold, contrasting piece embodies both urban grit and floral softness, making it a captivating addition to any art collection.

Laura Currie, co-founder of Prospect, champions art that breaks boundaries by collaborating with renowned artists like Enoc Perez and Judy Chicago to create unique, tactile design objects that elevate everyday items into extraordinary art pieces. From vibrant cocktail straws by Misha Kahn to the evocative Marble Goddess sculpture by Chicago, Prospect’s mission is to make contemporary art accessible, engaging, and infused with storytelling. Currie also highlights her admiration for influential artists such as Allan McCollum, Nan Goldin, and Virgil Abloh, connecting their work to moments of personal and cultural reflection. Whether celebrating playful whimsy with the Haas Brothers’ Animal Alphabet or the transformative power of nuanced, handcrafted objects, Prospect blends creativity with craftsmanship, making art a shared experience beyond the traditional gallery space.

In a heartfelt conversation with Donna McNeil, fine-art photographer Cig Harvey reveals her profound belief in art’s power to deepen our compassion and awaken our senses. Drawing from her upbringing on the Devon Moors and her rich two-decade career, Harvey’s luminous, nature-inspired images invite viewers to truly look and feel. Celebrated internationally and featured in top publications, Harvey also shares her eclectic approach to displaying art at home—maximalist, intuitive, and always evolving to create meaningful dialogues between works. She highlights artists like Ori Gersht, Katherine Bradford, Laura Letinsky, Matt Eich, and Jenny Holzer, whose pieces resonate through their exploration of time, beauty, humanity, and everyday life. Her latest book, *Blue Violet*, beautifully intertwines poetry, botany, and sensory experience, encouraging readers to celebrate the magic in the ordinary and reconnect with the natural world.

Shawn Henderson, a celebrated Manhattan-based interior designer and Rochester Institute of Technology graduate, has built a career transforming interiors into deeply personal, art-infused spaces for clients like Glenn Close and Will Ferrell. His new book, *Shawn Henderson: Interiors in Context*, showcases a range of his projects—from urban townhouses to serene country retreats—highlighting how he integrates custom and vintage furniture with carefully selected contemporary art to create warm, harmonious environments. Henderson emphasizes the importance of art that resonates emotionally rather than simply matching decor, often collaborating closely with clients to curate pieces that add personality and depth. In celebration of his book, he shares some favorite contemporary artworks that reflect his affinity for texture, mood, and storytelling, revealing how art becomes an essential layer in his design philosophy and the unique atmosphere of each home.

In the wake of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara experienced a profound artistic rebirth, reflecting on the loss and helplessness felt across Japan. Returning to his roots, Nara engaged with the community through workshops and, upon his return to the studio, created *Miss Spring*, a monumental portrait rich in texture and color that embodies themes of growth, promise, and emotional complexity. This evocative work, blending vibrant hues and delicate details, invites viewers into an intimate, contemplative space that mirrors Nara’s own journey of reevaluating the role of art in times of tragedy. *Miss Spring* is now available as a limited edition print, supporting both the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR through the prestigious TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Gala, symbolizing hope and renewal through creativity and philanthropy.

On October 23, Texan philanthropists Cindy and Howard Rachofsky will host the 22nd annual TWO x TWO for AIDS and Art Gala and Auction at their stunning Richard Meier-designed home in Dallas. This celebrated event supports both the Dallas Museum of Art and amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research, blending philanthropy with the vibrant contemporary art world. Honoring Japanese artist Yoshitomo Nara this year, the gala features a special fundraising print of his evocative work, *Miss Spring* (2012/2021), alongside a night of art viewing, live auction, and entertainment by Rita Ora. Cindy reflects on the event’s enduring impact over two decades, the close-knit community it has fostered, and the meaningful role art and philanthropy play in driving cultural and healthcare initiatives forward.

“Unquestioning Love,” inspired by Jenny Holzer’s iconic Truisms series, is a remarkable contemporary art sale hosted by Christie’s in November 2021 to benefit the New York City AIDS Memorial. Featuring a stellar lineup of artists including Elmgreen & Dragset, Sam Gilliam, Jim Hodges, Dana Schutz, Nicolas Party, and works from the estates of Robert Mapplethorpe and Keith Haring, the sale presents powerful works dedicated to honoring those lost to the AIDS epidemic. With estimates exceeding $2 million, proceeds will secure the memorial’s future through preservation, educational programs, and community engagement, ensuring the stories and history of this pivotal struggle remain alive and impactful. This extraordinary fusion of artistry and activism celebrates memory, hope, and the unyielding spirit of those forever changed by the epidemic.

This year’s Frieze Art Fair returns to Hyde Park with the evocative theme of ‘Unworlding,’ exploring the breakdown and hopeful rebirth of our world amidst societal upheaval. Artistic director Eva Lagret highlights a powerful lineup of artists confronting destruction and regeneration, featuring solo presentations from Issy Wood, Sabine Moritz, Deborah Roberts, and Garrett Bradley alongside works by Yinka Shonibare, Georg Baselitz, and Frank Bowling. The fair’s Sculpture Park showcases giants like Daniel Arsham, Anthony Caro, and Rose Wylie, while galleries such as Stevenson spotlight contemporary African painters including Serge Alain Nitegeka and Moshekwa Langa. Photography by Robert Mapplethorpe and new works by Oscar Murillo, Carol Bove, and Yayoi Kusama enrich the event, complemented by female-focused exhibitions from Pippy Houldsworth and Galerie Lelong. Diverse media and provocative sculptures at Sprüth Magers, alongside historical reflections at Frieze Masters with William Kentridge and mid-century photorealism, ensure a dynamic and thought-provoking art experience reflecting our complex, transforming world.

Founded in 1983 in Mexico City's Roma district, OMR has become a pioneering force in contemporary Mexican art, showcasing internationally acclaimed artists and nurturing emerging talents. Now led by Ana Paula de Haro and the founders’ son Cristobal Riestra, the gallery thrives in a dynamic brutalist space that’s central to the city’s vibrant arts and cultural scene. Highlighted are standout works from artists like Troika, whose “Irma Watched Over by Machines” explores the intersection of technology and human perception, and Gabriel Rico, whose playful yet profound sculptures engage with nature, consumerism, and craftsmanship. The gallery also champions powerful voices such as Pia Camil, Candida Höfer, SUPERFLEX, and Artur Lescher, each bringing unique perspectives that blend personal narratives, architectural beauty, and philosophical reflections. Through collaborations and exhibitions, OMR continues to set the pace for contemporary art in Mexico and beyond, creating art that resonates deeply while sparking curiosity and dialogue.

Over Artspace’s first decade, artists, curators, and creatives have shared powerful insights that challenge and deepen our understanding of art and its practice. Nathaniel Mary Quinn reflects on the struggle to recapture the fearless creativity of childhood in adult drawing, while Walter Robinson coins the term Zombie Formalism to describe a revival of reductive, modernist painting styles. Ajay Kurian critiques the unsettling nature of contemporary sculpture as a reflection of societal tensions, and Tiffany Zabludowicz celebrates the seductive complexity of emerging photographers like Sara Cwyner. Grace Coddington redefines modernity as a state of mind beyond trends, and Camille Henrot finds the messy contradictions of parenting fertile ground for artistic exploration. Lawrence Weiner embraces public walls as evolving canvases of collective memory, Pilar Corrias traces her feminist awakening to historical art, and Catherine Opie returns to street photography to explore democracy and citizenship. Finally, Catherine Bradford recalls the playful imagination of architect Philip Johnson, reminding us that scale and perspective can transform how we see the world. These voices together offer ten compelling perspectives that have transformed how we look at art today.

Durk Dehner’s journey began in 1976 when he discovered a captivating poster by Tom of Finland in a Manhattan motorcycle bar, sparking a lifelong dedication to preserving and promoting queer artistry. From founding the Tom of Finland Foundation to curating a diverse selection of works by influential queer artists like Jack Pierson, Catherine Opie, Mark Beard, Bruce LaBruce, and Keith Haring, Dehner celebrates the powerful intersection of sexuality, identity, and art. His selections showcase striking portraits, bold colors, and intimate narratives, honoring both historical influences and contemporary expressions, while also including timeless design pieces like Josef Hoffmann’s Art Deco coffee table. This collection is an evocative tribute to the vibrancy and resilience of queer culture through the lens of groundbreaking artistic visionaries.

Over the past decade, Artspace has presented a rich tapestry of interviews with collectors, artists, and artworld insiders who have offered fresh perspectives on contemporary art. From minimalist architect John Pawson’s unexpected love for playful ceramics to Valeria Napoleone’s intriguing spiritualist sculpture that once startled visitors, these conversations reveal the personal connections and surprising stories behind celebrated works. Artists like Jean Michel Othoniel and photographers such as Stuart Franklin and Roger Ballen share their unique inspirations, while gallerists and patrons highlight emerging talents like Petra Cortright and Katherine Bradford. Musician Adam Clayton reflects on the beauty of the male form through Robert Mapplethorpe’s lens, and visionary philanthropist Adrian Cheng bridges global cultures through art. This curated selection celebrates not only the art itself but the heartfelt passions that drive those who create, collect, and champion it.

Bill Claps is a New Jersey-born, New York-based artist whose work uniquely blends painting, photography, and printmaking, deeply influenced by his travels in East Asia and childhood fascination with martial arts. With a Harvard background and a global outlook, Claps explores universal cultural themes through innovative techniques like metallic foil application, which adds dynamic texture and light to his landscapes. His “Natural Abstractions” series reflects a spiritual connection to nature, inspired by Asian art traditions and the philosophy that humans are part of, not central to, the natural world. Claps draws on art history, language, and Morse code to create layered, intriguing visuals that evoke mystery and invite viewers into a deeper engagement. Throughout his career, he has evolved from figurative work to minimalistic monochromatic pieces, emphasizing texture and symbolism, all while maintaining a disciplined studio practice that fuels his ongoing creative breakthroughs.

Gemini G.E.L., founded in 1966 in Los Angeles, stands as one of America’s most prestigious publishers of limited edition prints, renowned for its meticulous collaboration with artists who directly craft their work on printing plates. Over the decades, Gemini has partnered with iconic figures such as Philip Guston, Ken Price, Robert Rauschenberg, Elizabeth Murray, Ed Ruscha, Richard Serra, and many others, producing prints that capture the boldness, whimsy, and unique visions of each artist. From Guston's intimate late-career lithographs created amid declining health to the vibrant and sculptural qualities of Serra’s etchings, Gemini’s editions embody creativity and innovation. Their archives celebrate a diverse legacy of artistic exploration, including John Baldessari’s playful abstractions, Allen Ginsberg’s multimedia collaborations, and Frank Gehry’s architectural puzzles, all underscoring Gemini’s role as a treasured partner in artmaking and preservation.

As Artspace celebrates its first decade, it reflects on invaluable wisdom from key artworld insiders who share insights on thriving as an artist, collector, and enthusiast. From Lydia Fenet’s advice to immerse yourself fully in the art scene, to Bill Arning’s surprising revelation about the enduring market for pet portraits, the perspectives highlight the importance of knowledge, presence, and boldness. Curator Naomi Beckwith emphasizes the power of art that balances history with originality, while artist Sanford Biggers encourages artists to become articulate advocates for their work. Wangechi Mutu champions self-worth and confidence in navigating the market, and gallerists like Darius Himes and Jeffrey Deitch stress the significance of personal connection and the growing inclusivity of the art audience. Interior designer Kishani Perera adds that thoughtful curation at home can transform spaces and conversations. Together, these voices create a vibrant mosaic of advice for anyone passionate about art’s evolving landscape.

Over the past decade, Artspace has proudly partnered with a diverse array of nonprofits and charitable causes, using art to drive positive social impact. From supporting Red Hot’s fight against AIDS through iconic works by David Wojnarowicz, to empowering gender equality with Promundo’s collaboration highlighting female artists, Artspace has championed meaningful causes across the spectrum. Their alliances extend to nurturing young creatives via Free Arts NYC, fostering artistic growth at Skowhegan’s renowned residency, and providing critical COVID-19 relief through initiatives like N95forNYC. They’ve also backed vital community organizations such as The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center and Public Art Fund, while addressing social justice with Paper Monuments’ work on monuments and history. Meanwhile, RxART transforms healthcare environments through contemporary art, easing patient experiences. Each collaboration reflects Artspace’s commitment to blending art with advocacy, creativity with compassion, and culture with lasting change.

As Artspace celebrates its first decade, it reflects on a decade of exclusive print editions from some of today’s most compelling fine artists. From Adam Pendleton’s haunting black-and-white mask imagery to Marcel Dzama’s escape into drawing through harsh winters and personal loss, each artist shares intimate insights into their work. Christina Quarles explores identity and perception, Jonas Wood recounts the pivotal role of his Los Angeles studio, while Cecily Brown draws inspiration from 19th-century erotica for her provocative Black Paintings. Eric Fischl captures a nuanced middle-class American reality, and Awol Erizku channels Bauhaus influences in his vibrant color play. Sarah Morris delves into the dreamlike allure of luxury, Genesis Tramaine communes with spiritual visions, and Tomi Ungerer reflects on using shock in protest art shaped by his wartime experiences. Renowned sculptor Sarah Sze celebrates drawing as a primal, potent form. Together, these stories offer a rich tapestry of artistic vision and creative process, inviting art lovers to discover more exclusive editions from many other remarkable artists on Artspace.

Universal Design Studio has spent two decades transforming how we experience spaces, blending architecture with art to create environments that resonate deeply with people. With offices across New York, London, and Shanghai, the studio collaborates with top-tier clients like Google and Stella McCartney, emphasizing a human-centered design approach that prioritizes interaction and emotional connection. Their projects, such as the art-infused At Six Hotel in Stockholm and the ceramic-adorned 100 Liverpool Street in London, exemplify a seamless dialogue between architecture and artwork. Co-director Paul Gulati also highlights influential artists like Carlos Cruz-Diez and Daido Moriyama, whose participatory and immersive pieces inspire their design philosophy. The studio’s debut monograph, *Universal Design Studio: Inside Out*, showcases this visionary ethos, inviting readers to explore the intricate relationship between people, space, and art.

Jim Hodges' artistic journey is a captivating exploration beyond traditional painting, driven by his quest to access new forms of image and experience through diverse materials. From his early days in a dimly lit basement studio, manipulating everyday objects like tape, fabric, and found items, Hodges has developed a rich practice that embraces memory, loss, and love. His latest work, *rearranged for Bill* (2021), is a sculptural book edition inspired by his earlier *Arranged* (1996), where floral still lifes and photography blend into an interactive piece inviting viewers to bend and fold pages to complete the artwork. Hodges’ deep engagement with materials—especially paper—reveals an intimacy with the creative process, reflecting his belief that art unfolds naturally from its medium. This new edition also supports Art Resources Transfer, a nonprofit reflecting his late friend Bill Bartman’s vision. Hodges encourages a thoughtful, patient encounter with art, reminding us that its true success lies in the shared connection between the work and its audience, and above all, in finding love in the creative act.

Author Helen Thompson and photographer Casey Dunn’s latest collaboration, *Santa Fe Modern*, completes their “Modern” trilogy, showcasing homes that blend authentic lived-in warmth with the bold, abstract forms of modernist design shaped by the New Mexican landscape. Rejecting overly styled interiors, their images reveal spaces that reflect homeowners’ true personalities and the unique spirit of Santa Fe, deeply influenced by iconic artists like Georgia O’Keeffe and Agnes Martin. Through a curated selection of artworks and architecture, the book celebrates a dynamic fusion of traditional materials such as adobe with sleek steel and glass, illustrating how modernism harmonizes with the high desert’s natural beauty. This compelling exploration captures the intimate dialogue between art, architecture, and environment in a way that is both accessible and inspiring.

French-Algerian photographer Serge Hamad blends powerful human rights activism with a keen artistic vision, capturing both the harsh realities of the world and the sublime beauty found in nature. From his early heartbreak over a butterfly's death, he embraced photography as a means to observe and express. His acclaimed series like "Temporal Perception" explore fleeting illusions through vibrant colors and geometric forms, while his “Relax” series offers serene beachscapes born from moments of escape and reflection. Whether documenting resilience in New York before Hurricane Sandy or seeking organic lines in chaotic nature, Hamad’s work reveals a profound dialogue between light, time, and human experience. His journey from visual storytelling to fine art is marked by a dedication to sharing vision with authenticity, making his photos both a political statement and a celebration of fleeting beauty.

James Crump, a distinguished writer, curator, and filmmaker with a deep scholarly and personal engagement in postwar art, shares his refined aesthetic sensibility through a selection of five works by artists he closely follows. Drawing on his extensive experience and relationships within the art world, Crump highlights pieces by Tom Burr, Maurizio Cattelan, Oliver Mosset, Hiroshi Sugimoto, and Wade Guyton, each chosen for their dialogue with midcentury modern architecture and minimalist environments. His new book, *Breuer’s Bohemia: The Architect, His Circle, and Midcentury Houses in New England*, explores the lesser-known residential projects of iconic architect Marcel Breuer, revealing a vibrant cultural network of architects, artists, and writers who shaped American design and culture in the mid-20th century. Richly illustrated and accompanied by a documentary, Crump’s work offers a unique insight into this dynamic intersection of art, architecture, and intellectual life.

Spanish fine art photographer Sandra Platas Hernández transforms the fleeting beauty of flowers into timeless, dreamlike images that capture the delicate cycle of life. Rooted in her early passions for ceramics and painting, Sandra’s work combines meticulous still life composition with a spontaneous creative process, often inspired by the natural world she cherishes, especially during the pandemic when her garden blossomed anew. Her floral studies, like those in her ongoing “Flores de mi jardín” series, evoke deep emotions and invite viewers to find meaning beyond mere aesthetics—celebrating nature’s transience and our profound connection to it. Through vivid colors, painterly textures, and thoughtful lighting, Sandra’s photographs freeze moments of sublime uniqueness, turning ordinary blooms into powerful symbols of mood, memory, and the passage of time.

Michael and Taylor Putnam, founders of the acclaimed floral design agency Putnam & Putnam, blur the boundary between art and nature by drawing inspiration from masterpieces at renowned museums like the Guggenheim and MoMA. Their Phaidon book, *Flower Color Theory*, reveals how they translate the color fields and schemes found in fine art into stunning floral arrangements, a style that has attracted clients such as Sofia Coppola, Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, and Martha Stewart. Now, with a new series of six photographic editions for Artspace, the Putnams transform their floral artistry into captivating visual works themselves, echoing the ethereal qualities of artists like Fischli and Weiss or Helen Frankenthaler, and offering these exclusive prints framed elegantly for collectors and admirers alike.

Indian artist S.K. Sahni’s artistic journey spans over seven decades, marked by a steadfast dedication to abstract, non-figurative exploration through straight lines and geometric shapes. Beginning in the 1950s and evolving through various stylistic phases and mediums—from paper to canvas and innovative collage techniques—Sahni’s works, often titled with the word "space," invite viewers to experience movement, depth, and a unique visual language without preconceived notions. His creative process embraces freedom and change, encouraging an intuitive engagement that awakens one’s aesthetic sensibility. Emerging from humble beginnings in a signboard painter’s workshop, Sahni has exhibited widely, held curatorial roles, and continues to inspire collectors and art lovers worldwide by sharing his vision directly through modern platforms.

Drew Doggett is a celebrated American photographer and filmmaker whose journey from the high-fashion studios to the wild, remote corners of the world has shaped a powerful storytelling style through his camera. With a career that started alongside legends like Annie Leibovitz and Mark Seliger, Doggett has since devoted himself to capturing the extraordinary beauty of people, wildlife, and landscapes—from the super tusk elephants of East Africa to the wild horses of Sable Island. His work is a blend of meticulous planning and embracing nature's unpredictability, with a focus on conservation and humanity’s shared connection across species. Whether it’s the intimate portraits of chimpanzee alpha males or the haunting stillness of white horses in mythic settings, Doggett’s images invite us to slow down, reflect, and appreciate the wonder of our world. His photographs and films have garnered over 100 awards, permanent collections, and collaborations with major brands, and are now available to collectors through Artspace, offering a rare glimpse into the lives and landscapes that inspire him.

Argentinian artist Alberto González Vivo crafts mesmerizing optical art that draws inspiration from pioneers like Victor Vasarely as well as everyday observations of light, movement, and nature. His creative process begins with meticulous sketches and digital compositions, carefully balancing geometry, color, and light to evoke visual sensations that captivate and sometimes challenge viewers. Having transitioned from a career in technology to fully embrace his childhood passion for painting, González Vivo’s work explores evolving series that play with shape, shadow, and movement to create illusions of depth and motion. His pieces, celebrated across the Americas and available on Artspace, invite viewers to experience joy and subtle visual surprise, reflecting his belief that art should stir genuine, shared emotional responses.

Celeste Dupuy-Spencer’s dynamic paintings navigate the complexities of the American experience through vivid, layered imagery that blends history, society, and personal narrative. In her latest Artspace edition, she unpacks a rich tableau featuring a tense Manhattan loft scene charged with themes of power, violence, and legacy. Her work is deeply informed by art history, with references ranging from Lady Butler’s war scenes to Rubens and Géricault, creating a poignant dialogue on humanity’s cycles of brutality and survival. Dupuy-Spencer reflects on the inherited nature of privilege, empathy for her conflicted characters, and the subtle symbols woven throughout her compositions—from a child’s ghost embodying lost innocence to a haunting peace sign and coded wine bottles. Highlighting collaborative artistry and rejecting capitalist conventions, she invites viewers into a multifaceted meditation on societal collapse, legacy, and the fraught nature of freedom.

Lindsay August-Salazar’s vibrant and dynamic art is deeply rooted in her background as a dancer and her Los Angeles upbringing, where she developed a keen awareness of cultural production and consciousness. Blending movement, language, and modernist influences, her work creates an alternative visual lexicon—the Abstract Character Copy (ACC) Lexicon—that challenges hegemonic power structures and invites viewers into a space for reflection and empowerment. Her creative process draws from philosophy, neuroscience, and choreographic practice, resulting in multi-dimensional paintings and performances that explore identity, systems of power, and the intersections of language and movement. Through her art, August-Salazar not only critiques societal norms but also envisions new paradigms of thought, embodying a deeply cerebral yet visceral approach to human expression and political imagination.

Colleen Blackard transforms the humble ballpoint pen into a cosmic tool, creating mesmerizing artworks that explore natural and celestial themes through light, memory, and transformation. Dividing her time between Texas and New York, Blackard’s signature circular mark-making technique brings stars, storms, and abandoned barns to life, inviting viewers into immersive worlds that balance vast universes with intimate personal stories. Her work, recognized by the Pollock-Krasner Foundation and featured internationally, captures the ethereal beauty of the infinite and the emotional depths of human experience, encouraging a profound sense of wonder and connection.

Italian artist Bepi Ghiotti, whose work spans photography, video, painting, and installation, explores the fluid and elusive nature of time as his chosen medium. Inspired early on by watching his father splice home movies, Ghiotti views art as a continual practice of presence and interaction with the environment rather than a fixed form. His acclaimed projects, including the poignant series "Sources," document not just locations like river sources but the journeys and moments of grace leading to their capture, embodying a deep phenomenological approach that distills essence by stripping away superfluity. Ghiotti’s methodology emphasizes purity, exactness, and the ongoing movement within still images—suggesting that artworks never truly rest but evolve through their exchange with viewers and contexts. His reflective process and long engagements, such as his intimate documentation of artist Carol Rama, resonate with a sensitivity to time’s dilation and the dynamic tensions between nature, human intervention, and perception.

Catherine Opie’s photography offers a compelling and intimate exploration of America’s diverse communities, capturing moments that blend personal experience with political statement. Her evocative work includes portraits of marginalized individuals and vibrant public protests, such as her striking 2017 photograph of the Women’s March in Los Angeles. In this candid interview, Opie reflects on the powerful energy of that day, the challenges of documenting emotionally charged events, and her evolving approach to photographing demonstrations—from capturing the marchers to witnessing the complexities of police presence and protest dynamics. Through her lens, Opie not only records pivotal social movements but also invites viewers to engage deeply with the ongoing dialogue about democracy, identity, and resistance.

Rey Zorro, the Brazilian-born multimedia artist and co-founder of Manhattan’s iconic Liquid Sky boutique, artfully blends ‘90s rave culture with her lifelong fascination with extraterrestrials. From her early inspirations reading Erich von Däniken's theories to her boundary-pushing work across painting, collage, fashion, and digital media, Zorro continuously challenges artistic norms while celebrating the surreal and the otherworldly. Her provocative installations and series—from haunting food paintings born of personal hunger and studio searches to UFO-inspired works reflecting London’s mysterious Royal Docks—invite viewers into a universe where art, language, and pop culture collide. Balancing her legacy in New York’s legendary club scene with fresh explorations in film, NFTs, and collaborations like the upcoming art book with acid house pioneer Adamski, Zorro remains an fearless creator who thrives on stepping beyond comfort zones while honoring her roots.

Launched during the pandemic by Ashlyn Davis Burns and Shane Lavalette, Assembly is a dynamic gallery, agency, and creative studio that redefines artist representation by fostering deep, collaborative relationships. With roots in photography and a commitment to multidisciplinary practices, Assembly champions artists whose work engages with personal, social, and cultural narratives, offering support that goes far beyond traditional galleries. Drawing on their extensive nonprofit experience, the founders prioritize meaningful conversations and tailored guidance, empowering artists through exhibitions, publications, and commissions. Celebrated for connecting collectors with conceptually rich, research-driven art, Assembly is already making waves by placing works in significant collections and nurturing innovative projects, including limited-edition books and upcoming exhibitions that highlight the evolving power of photographic and image-based art.

As a founding member of U2, Adam Clayton’s passion for contemporary art goes beyond mere collecting; he sees himself as an enthusiast driven by curiosity and connection rather than acquisition. His eclectic taste, influenced by his global upbringing and life in New York, embraces everything from Brazilian ceramics to innovative photography and sculpture. Clayton cherishes the relationships he forms with artists and the stories their work tells, favoring pieces that resonate emotionally and culturally, such as those by Louise Bourgeois, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Wilhelm Sasnal. His collection reflects a deep engagement with figurative art and the human condition, serving as both a personal dialogue and a nurturing presence in his home. For Clayton, art is a vital cultural exchange that fuels his creativity and offers profound insights into vulnerability, identity, and humanity.

This June, Artspace proudly presents The Center Benefit Auction in support of The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City, featuring works by artists including Garrett Chingery. Known for his deeply layered representational paintings that explore the psyche and the self, Chingery contributes an enchanting new piece titled Night Faeries, depicting mysterious, winged silhouettes radiating ethereal energy. Reflecting on his artistic journey from adolescence, Chingery shares how painting serves as his lens on the world and highlights the vital role The Center plays as a safe, affirming space for the LGBTQ community. Alongside this auction contribution, he eagerly anticipates launching THE ARK, a captivating series of animal portraits available affordably to collectors. This event supports a historic institution that continues to empower and nurture the LGBTQ community through vital services and cultural programs.

This June, Artspace celebrates The Center Benefit Auction in support of New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, featuring works by a diverse group of artists including Jerry Torre, known as Jerry The Marble Faun. Famous for his connection to the iconic Grey Gardens documentary, Torre has transformed his early life struggles—including battling addiction and living with HIV—into powerful stone and ceramic sculptures that speak from the soul. In this intimate interview, he reflects on the inspiration drawn from compassion, kindness, and the enduring support of The Center, which helped him find sobriety and a new path of light. His featured piece, "Blu," a glazed ceramic horse head inspired by a steadfast desert companion, embodies strength and survival, mirroring Torre’s own resilience and ongoing journey as an artist and community advocate.

This June, Artspace proudly presents The Center Benefit Auction in support of New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, featuring works by acclaimed multimedia artist Anthony Goicolea. Known for his evocative explorations of identity, personal history, and adolescence—often using himself as the model—Goicolea offers two unique “blue-print” diptychs, merging photography and hand-drawn elements on translucent Mylar. Reflecting on his deep connections with NYC’s LGBTQ community and his admiration for the Center’s vital support services, he highlights his passion for artistic metamorphosis and the power of transitional moments. From his formative years near the Christopher Street Piers to his celebrated public monuments, Goicolea’s art remains a dynamic, intimate dialogue. This Pride Month, support this essential institution by bidding on extraordinary works that embody resilience, community, and transformation.

This June, Artspace proudly presents The Center Benefit Auction in support of New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, featuring a diverse array of artists including acclaimed painter TM Davy. Known for his dreamy pastel and gouache works that capture intimate moments on Fire Island, Davy’s piece "West" perfectly exemplifies his vibrant, fluid style praised by The New Yorker. With a distinguished career highlighted by exhibitions at the Whitney Biennial and MoMA, Davy’s contribution celebrates love and nature, embodying a tender yet dynamic artistic vision. Established in 1983, The Center continues to empower the LGBTQ community with vital virtual services, making this event an inspiring opportunity to support an essential institution while enjoying exceptional contemporary art.

In celebration of Pride Month, Artspace presents The Center Benefit Auction supporting New York City’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center, featuring works from a diverse group of artists including Buenos Aires-born, New York-based William Eric Brown. Known for his layered photographic works that blend images of airports, pathways, and derelict buildings, Brown’s art captures a life in motion and a depth of experience reminiscent of iconic photographers and painters. In an illuminating interview, Brown shares his unique creative process of layering, obscuring, and revealing images to evoke mood and narrative, describing his auction piece *In The Middle* (2020) as a shifting self-portrait—sometimes hopeful, sometimes ominous. Through this auction, Brown expresses his commitment to contributing to community and culture, inviting viewers to engage with art that resonates with memory, dream, and identity.

American artist Celeste Dupuy-Spencer creates powerful, visionary paintings that delve into personal fears, social and political tensions, and the complexities of the human condition. Her work, celebrated in major institutions like the Whitney and Hammer Museum, blends real and imagined iconography to confront themes of wealth, addiction, and existential struggle. Drawing on a Marxist upbringing and her own queer and autistic identity, Dupuy-Spencer’s paintings challenge viewers to reflect on their complicity and emotional engagement with the world. Her new limited edition, "When you’ve eaten everything below you, you’ll devour yourself/except in dreams you’re never really free," embodies this tension between material possession and spiritual unraveling, offering a haunting meditation on the fall of civilization and the search for meaning amidst chaos.

Phaidon’s fall 2021 art and photography list offers a captivating journey through diverse creative realms, from Africa’s vibrant contemporary art scene showcased in "African Artists: From 1882 to Now," to the intimate exploration of American artist Lorna Simpson’s impactful career. The collection includes Martin Parr’s vivid and often humorous snapshots of global tennis culture in "Match Point," as well as the serene minimalism of Agnes Martin’s reflective paintings. Highlighting cutting-edge talent, the New Museum Triennial’s catalog "Soft Water Hard Stone" presents artists challenging traditional paradigms. Fashion lovers can immerse themselves in Annie Leibovitz’s stunning "Wonderland," while David Doubilet’s "Two Worlds" unveils the mesmerizing intersection of oceanic life above and below water. This extraordinary selection promises inspiration for art enthusiasts eager to experience the rich spectrum of today’s visual culture.

Catherine Opie’s latest work, showcased in Phaidon's new collector’s edition, explores the profound interplay between friendship, identity, and landscape through two striking prints. Celebrated for her ability to capture both intimate human stories and expansive, almost abstract environments, Opie reflects on her decades-long friendship with her subject Pigpen, revealing how the body tells stories of change, activism, and enduring love. Contrasting this is her near-baroque interpretation of America’s natural landmarks, inviting viewers to pause and deeply engage beyond the surface snapshots so common in the age of smartphones. Through these works, Opie challenges us to reconsider how we experience and preserve both personal connections and the natural world in a rapidly changing society.

During the lockdown, Klaus Biesenbach, Director of MOCA LA, transformed challenges into opportunities by pioneering a vibrant online art experience through Zoom studio visits with prominent artists like Huma Bhabha and Camille Henrot. These intimate virtual sessions, which captured artists’ processes, motivations, and visions, inspired a unique collaboration resulting in limited edition prints that extend the accessibility of these creative dialogues beyond the screen. Biesenbach’s innovative approach, coupled with MOCA’s expanded programs including free admissions and major upcoming exhibitions, reflects his belief in art as a force for hope, community, and the creation of a better future. Through his curatorial vision and deep commitment to artists, he continues to shape MOCA into a dynamic space where art not only survives but thrives amid adversity.

Liz Hopfan, Founder and Executive Director of Free Arts NYC, shares her passion for empowering underserved youth through art and mentorship. Drawing from her childhood experiences exploring New York City's vibrant cultural scene and her background as a second-grade teacher, Hopfan highlights how creativity can build confidence, bridge disparities, and open doors to educational and professional opportunities. Amid the challenges of the pandemic, Free Arts NYC has adapted with resilient programs supporting thousands of young people, especially those in shelters, while addressing digital divides and budget cuts. Collaborations with artists like Devin Troy Strother—whose vibrant Grateful Dead Afro Cat Show print release supports the cause—demonstrate the powerful community spirit behind their work. Hopfan invites supporters to join the mission, emphasizing art’s transformative role in inspiring the next generation.

Devin Troy Strother, a California-born painter and sculptor, infuses his work with a bold blend of humor, social critique, and vibrant materiality, tackling themes of racial prejudice and black stereotypes with a playful, cartoon-like approach that softens complex and often painful subject matter. Celebrated globally and held in major museums, Strother’s practice embraces African American cultural icons and stereotypes, transforming them into dynamic visual narratives that celebrate black identity with wit and nuance. His latest edition, *Grateful Dead Afro Cat Show* (2021), features hand-embellished prints spotlighting his signature style and supports Free Arts NYC, a nonprofit empowering underserved youth through creative mentorship. Strother’s artistry reflects his unique vantage point as a black artist navigating humor, cultural codes, and social realities, all while maintaining an approachable, irreverent spirit that challenges and invites viewers alike.

Pakistani-American artist Huma Bhabha masterfully bridges the ancient and the futuristic, crafting haunting sculptures and prints that evoke both classical antiquity and sci-fi monstrosities. With a background enriched by early influences from Greek statuary and contemporary horror cinema, Bhabha’s work explores the grotesque as something sophisticated and beautiful. Her new 2021 Artspace print, created to support MOCA, reflects her ongoing fascination with layering and collage, offering a complex, intense portrait that blurs boundaries between abstraction and figuration. Rooted in a diverse array of inspirations—from early Modernist experimenters to practical skills gained as a taxidermist—Bhabha continues to push artistic limits, creating characters with strong, evocative personalities that resonate deeply within contemporary art.

Jade Montserrat uses drawing as a powerful tool to explore personal and historical narratives, intertwining art with activism to confront deep-rooted racism and social inequalities. Inspired by Josephine Baker's vision of a post-racial ‘Rainbow Tribe,’ Montserrat critically examines these ideals through her own ongoing project, blending academic research with visual expression to reevaluate the representation of Black and women’s bodies in society. Drawing, for Montserrat, is both a meditative practice and a form of ethical engagement that connects her to her heritage and fuels her commitment to anti-racist praxis. Despite challenges like limited resources and societal undervaluing of the arts, she remains dedicated to making drawing accessible and reflective of care, observation, and resistance, emphasizing its immediacy, inclusivity, and transformative potential.

Christie’s recent 21st Century Evening Sale dazzled with over $210 million in bids, setting new records for artists like Nina Chanel Abney and Jonas Wood, whose vibrant painting Two Tables with Floral Pattern soared past its estimate to $6.5 million. Los Angeles-based Wood has captivated the art world with his playful geometrics and rich colors that explore memory and domestic life, earning acclaim at top museums and collectors worldwide. Reflecting on his creative process in an interview, Wood emphasized the importance of the journey behind his art, revealing how printmaking, drawing, and tracing form the blueprint of his striking compositions. His latest project, an etching titled Bball Studio, revisits nostalgic themes from his earlier work and accompanies a new monograph, offering fans a rare glimpse into the evolution of his unique visual language.

Parisian artist Camille Henrot’s new edition, *Mother Tongue*, challenges conventional notions of motherhood through a rich and unsettling image that intertwines tenderness, exhaustion, and ambiguity. Drawing from her own experiences as a parent and her fascination with childhood development, gender, and language, Henrot explores the complex, often messy realities of parenting and the deep imprint of early life on identity. Her work resists unidirectional interpretation, inviting viewers to navigate the fluidity of attachment, exploration, and the cultural constructions surrounding motherhood. Bridging mediums from sculpture to drawing to film, Henrot reflects on care, societal norms, and the evolving nature of relationships, especially in a post-pandemic world, while likening her artistic process to a disciplined, almost athletic practice. Her *Mother Tongue* series is a provocative meditation on family, gender, and the unspoken experiences that shape us all.

For 75 years, the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture has been a sanctuary for emerging artists, offering an immersive nine-week summer residency on a sprawling Maine farm where creativity thrives free from commercial pressures. Founded in 1946 and still artist-governed, Skowhegan has evolved to meet the needs of its diverse community, from post-WWII veterans to contemporary creators seeking a supportive space to develop authentic voices. This anniversary year celebrates its rich legacy with community workshops, international artist engagement through Zoom, alumni residencies, and special editions like Christina Quarles’ “Magic Hour.” Skowhegan remains a vibrant hub where artists from around the world connect deeply, learn from difference, and find the courage to redefine their practices, sustaining an artistic ecosystem that enriches the broader art world with courage, diversity, and innovation.

Christina Quarles’s new edition, *Magic Hour* (2016/2021), captures the vibrant essence of a golden summer dusk while illuminating her rising star in contemporary art. Created during her transformative residency at Skowhegan School of Painting & Sculpture, this edition reimagines a now-lost fresco that marked a turning point in Quarles’s use of color and technique. Known for her dynamic, contorted figures that explore themes of identity, fluidity, and self-perception, Quarles delves into the tension between legibility and ambiguity, portraying bodies in flux to challenge conventional notions of coherence and self-understanding. The pandemic further influenced her work, as shifting light and digital landscapes inspired new explorations of pattern, gradient, and space. Through a process that balances spontaneity and control, Quarles’s paintings invite viewers into intimate, disorganized bodily experiences that reflect both vulnerability and agency. This exclusive print, launched in partnership with Skowhegan’s 75th anniversary, offers a compelling glimpse into an artist who continues to chase that elusive “golden hour” of creativity and expression.

Cecily Brown’s Black Paintings, a striking series begun in 2002, blend abstraction and figuration to explore themes of the female form, sexuality, and art history through a moody palette dominated by black. Drawing inspiration from 19th-century erotica and masters like Bosch, Goya, and Dutch still life painters, Brown creates canvases that are both intimate and enigmatic, where figures lie recumbent beneath dark, dreamlike skies. Reflecting on these works, Brown reveals how they embody a paradox of clarity and mystery, expressing a personal yet archetypal female experience. Now collaborating with Phaidon and Artspace to produce limited edition prints, she offers collectors not just a piece of art but a continuation of her creative dialogue—inviting us to place these evocative “bedroom paintings” into our own lives with a sense of intimacy and ease.

John Pawson, renowned for his minimalist architectural spaces that evoke spiritual simplicity, shares his nuanced relationship with art—both as an influence and as a challenge within his serene homes. Despite finding art disruptive to his minimal designs, he has carefully acquired pieces with deep personal and familial connections, favoring multiples by artists like Dan Flavin and Donald Judd that complement his ascetic surroundings. Pawson reflects on his artistic upbringing, memorable encounters with iconic works, and the stories behind his varied collection, which he approaches not as a traditional collector but as a custodian. Balancing seriousness with subtle playfulness, his selections reveal layers of craftsmanship and meaning, while his evolving perspective suggests a preference for spaces free of adornment, leaving his cherished pieces to be treasured by future generations.

Emily Bills, an expert in urban image-making and author of the monograph *Wayne Thom: Photographing the Late Modern*, explores the intersection of photography, architecture, and interior design through her personal admiration of influential artists like Carrie Mae Weems, Agnes Martin, Catherine Opie, Candida Höfer, and James Welling. She reflects on how Weems’ empathetic storytelling and thoughtful staging in the *Kitchen Table Series* shaped her own artistic path, while Agnes Martin’s minimalist work reveals new depths when thoughtfully curated in architectural space. Bills praises Opie’s vivid portrayal of everyday urban life and Welling’s imaginative reinterpretation of Philip Johnson’s Glass House, highlighting their unique abilities to blend person, place, and perception. She also celebrates Höfer’s mastery of one-point perspective and the quiet histories embedded in grand, empty spaces. Through her insights, Bills invites readers to reconsider the dialogue between art, space, and social narratives in the urban environment.

Emma Talbot’s art emerges from deeply personal experiences of love and loss, transforming intimate reflections into a unique visual language marked by stylized figures, rhythmic patterns, and expressive calligraphy. Her work, rooted in drawing as a spontaneous, exploratory act, has evolved from small, emotionally charged pieces into large-scale installations and multimedia projects that tackle universal themes like humanity’s future, nature, and digital addiction. Embracing immediacy and honesty, Talbot’s drawings reveal subconscious thoughts and invite viewers to connect with her narratives on identity and survival in a complex world. Featured in the new survey Vitamin D3: Today's Best in Contemporary Drawing, Talbot shares her process and insights, illustrating how drawing remains a vital, inventive tool for articulating inner and outer realities.

Deanna Petherbridge, renowned for her monochromatic pen and ink drawings, has spent over fifty years exploring the interplay of industrial and architectural forms to capture the complex, ever-shifting nature of urban landscapes. Her large-format works defy gravity, presenting cities through a lens of fragmented perspectives that reflect the scars of conflict, migration, and the pandemic. Through powerful visual metaphors—railways, cranes, and skeletal ruins—she addresses urgent global crises such as forced displacement, environmental degradation, and social upheaval. Petherbridge’s art challenges conventional ideas of drawing by melding meticulous detail with cinematic ambition, asserting drawing’s vital role in shaping cultural narratives and responding to the pressing challenges of our time.

Pennsylvania-born, Brooklyn-based artist Kyle Thurman explores complex notions of masculinity through his drawing series Suggested Occupation, which began in 2015. By reimagining images of soldiers and athletes outside their usual contexts, Thurman challenges traditional male stereotypes and highlights the tender, vulnerable, and sometimes ambiguous dynamics between men. His near-daily practice captures fleeting moments that blur lines between toughness and intimacy, masculinity and homoeroticism, with works often rendered on unexpected surfaces like bubble-gum pink paper. Featured in Phaidon's Vitamin D3: Today's Best in Contemporary Drawing, Thurman reflects on drawing as a form of writing and memory, emphasizing its immediacy and archival qualities while continuously questioning institutional structures and the evolving role of art in society.

Valeria Napoleone, a passionate Italian-born collector based in London and New York, is redefining the art world by championing female artists and expanding art history beyond its traditional, narrow confines. Driven by her feminist conviction to elevate unheard female voices, she has built a vibrant collection featuring both established and emerging talents, including Lisa Yuskavage, Anne Imhof, and Carol Shadford. Her collection is thoughtfully integrated into her seven-story London home, where art and architecture converse seamlessly. Napoleone’s journey began in New York’s underground art scene, fueled by a desire to engage directly with living artists and challenge the male-dominated art canon. Her commitment extends beyond collecting—through philanthropy and gallery support, she nurtures diversity and bold artistic expression. Valeria’s keen eye, generous spirit, and dedication to fostering equal opportunity have made her a courageous and influential force dedicated to transforming the contemporary art landscape.

Charmaine Watkiss’s artistic journey is a compelling blend of diverse creative experiences, culminating in her powerful life-sized drawings that explore themes of diaspora, ancestry, and memory within the African Caribbean experience. Drawing from her Jamaican heritage and the complex legacies of history, her work transforms personal and communal narratives into rich, symbolic stories that challenge viewers to consider the deep connections between identity and history. Watkiss embraces the intimate, immediate nature of drawing to convey layered ideas with precision and emotional depth, while navigating the technical and conceptual challenges of representing the human figure. Her practice, rooted in mindfulness and ritual, speaks to the enduring relevance and evolving possibilities of contemporary drawing as a vibrant mode of storytelling and cultural expression.

Matthew Patrick Smyth, an acclaimed Elle Décor A List designer, shares his expert insights on integrating art into interior design in his new book, *Through a Designer's Eye: A Focus on Interiors*. Renowned for his elegant and sophisticated spaces, Smyth explores the delicate balance between art and environment, emphasizing the importance of scale, placement, and the surprising joy that art brings when it arrives last. Through his curated selection of contemporary works—from hauntingly beautiful photographs by Sebastião Salgado to vibrant pieces by Jay Heikes and playful illustrations by Maira Kalman—he reveals how art can transform a home, telling a unique story and setting the tone for any space. Smyth’s thoughtful approach encourages flexibility, respect for rules, and an embrace of the unexpected, offering both art lovers and design enthusiasts invaluable advice on making art truly come alive on the walls.

John Wood and Paul Harrison’s creative practice is deeply intertwined with their drawing, which serves as a vital tool for exploring ideas across various media including performance and video. Their work, infused with dry wit and influenced by slapstick comedy, playfully challenges artistic egos and the logic of language, often blending simplicity with subtle conceptual humor. Drawing is both a literal and metaphorical foundation for their process—an external memory and a means of navigating their creative dialogue. Over decades, they have embraced the uncertainties of art-making, valuing mistakes and the evolving nature of ideas. For Wood and Harrison, drawing is everywhere—a gesture woven into daily life and artistic labor alike—reflecting a philosophical yet approachable view of what it means to create. Their reflections reveal a refreshing perspective on the artist’s role, emphasizing the blend of fun, frustration, and persistence that fuels genuine creativity.

Martin Wilner uniquely bridges the worlds of psychoanalysis and contemporary art, using drawing not only as creative expression but as a direct, immediate exploration of the mind. Inspired by childhood comic books and the work of Art Spiegelman, Wilner’s self-taught artistry transforms psychiatric insights into visual narratives, notably in his ongoing series ‘The Case Histories,’ where daily drawings map intimate psychological profiles over time. Amid the constraints of the pandemic, he highlights drawing’s power as an accessible, ancient form of expression that thrives in minimal conditions. For Wilner, drawing is a form of thinking, learning, and authentic discovery—a delicate, spontaneous dance between hand and mind that channels the raw curiosity and immediacy of childhood while embodying a profound, sustained creative effort.

As China celebrates the New Year, contemporary Chinese art offers a fascinating lens through which to witness the convergence of Eastern and Western artistic experiences. Once worlds apart, today’s Chinese artists draw inspiration from global icons like Andy Warhol and Gerhard Richter while honoring rich indigenous traditions and history. Figures such as Ai Weiwei revisit lost cultural treasures with innovative reinterpretations, Zhang Xiaogang explores identity and trauma rooted in the Cultural Revolution, and Xu Zhen provocatively critiques China’s modern industrial and spiritual paradoxes. Meanwhile, artists like Yun-Fei Ji and Yin Zhaoyang blend classical techniques with urgent social and emotional themes, reflecting China’s complex past and present. Together, these artists illuminate a dynamic cultural dialogue where heritage, modernity, and global influence intertwine.

Christina Quarles offers a compelling exploration of identity through her art, navigating the intersections of gender, race, and sexuality with a conceptual and deeply personal approach. As a queer, cisgender woman of mixed Black and white heritage, her work challenges perceptions of physical appearance and embraces the fluidity of personal identity. Drawing is fundamental to Quarles’s practice, serving as an immediate, thoughtful extension of her mind, while painting allows her to express the gestural qualities of her drawing in new dimensions. She reflects on the intimate nature of drawing—its accessibility, spontaneity, and capacity to capture the subconscious flow of thought—especially poignant during times of isolation like the pandemic. Through her fluid lines and porous compositions, Quarles redefines the boundaries between body and form, creating art that invites viewers into a nuanced contemplation of human presence and perception.

Nathaniel Mary Quinn’s art captures the emotional essence of people from his memories through fragmented, visceral portraits that challenge traditional representation. His striking work, like *Big Rabbit, Little Rabbit* (2017), explores his complex relationship with family, identity, and survival amidst hardship, drawing inspiration from his father’s resilience and his mother’s support. Quinn views drawing as a liberating force, a precise and spiritual practice that balances vulnerability with relentless dedication. Despite battling deep insecurities, he embraces the immediacy of drawing as a direct, emotional expression that transcends intellectual barriers. Working daily in his home studio, Quinn’s process is both disciplined and intimate, driven by passion and the pursuit of mastery. Featured in *Vitamin D3: Today’s Best in Contemporary Drawing*, his work invites us to reconsider the power and skill behind drawing as a profound means of personal and artistic expression.

Mauro Giaconi, an Argentine visual artist and former architecture student, explores the dynamic interplay between presence and absence through his drawing and performative works. His 2017 exhibition ‘Felicidad’ showcased a visceral engagement with materials—shattering graphite-coated concrete cubes to reveal hidden patterns—inviting audiences to experience drawing as both a physical and conceptual act. Drawing for Giaconi is more than a technique; it is a lifelong strategy intertwined with exploration, play, and cultural militancy, bridging personal expression and collective collaboration. Challenging the notion of immediacy often attributed to drawing, his complex, multi-layered images reveal new details upon closer viewing, emphasizing scale and embodiment. Reflecting on drawing’s enduring relevance, Giaconi sees it as a ubiquitous, democratic form of communication rooted in everyday life across diverse cultures and histories. As one of over a hundred artists featured in Phaidon’s *Vitamin D3: Today's Best in Contemporary Drawing*, he continues to push the boundaries of the discipline, balancing meticulous repetition with openness to failure and audience interpretation, all while navigating the shifting rhythms of life and artistic production.

Rachel Goodyear’s drawings invite viewers into a mysterious and intimate world where solitary female figures engage in enigmatic, often surreal actions that blur the lines between the subconscious and reality. Her delicate, small-scale works explore themes of psychological states, nature, and the human condition with a balance of playfulness and macabre undertones. Goodyear describes drawing as a meditative, instinctive process that captures fleeting moments and fragments of thought, allowing her to navigate ambiguity and emotional complexity. Featured in Phaidon’s *Vitamin D3: Today’s Best in Contemporary Drawing*, her work emphasizes the unique power of drawing to hold both what is seen and what is left unfinished, inviting the imagination beyond the edges of the page.

White is far more than a neutral backdrop; it is a powerful, complex color laden with cultural and emotional significance, from sacred rites to life’s milestones and artistic expression. This article explores how six contemporary artists harness white’s dual nature—its capacity to conceal and reveal, erase and create—to challenge perceptions and evoke profound themes such as structural racism, creative block, memory, and transformation. From John Baldessari’s playful obfuscation of imagery to Angela de la Cruz’s meditation on artistic frustration, from Dread Scott’s provocative critique of race and art to Jan Yoors’s poignant portrayal of a bride’s threshold moment, each work invites us to reconsider white not as emptiness but as a vibrant presence. Thomas Bangsted’s snow-blanketed ruins and Max Bill’s geometric abstractions further reveal white’s haunting beauty and metaphysical depth, making this collection a compelling testament to white’s power to both illuminate and unsettle.

Vitamin D3: Today's Best in Contemporary Drawing celebrates the enduring power and evolving relevance of drawing as an artistic medium in the 21st century. Showcasing 100 outstanding contemporary artists selected by over 70 global experts, this vibrant survey captures a wide range of styles and themes—from the intimate reflections inspired by the pandemic to urgent social and ecological commentaries. Featuring artists like Christina Quarles, Rashid Johnson, and Deniz Aktas, the book offers insightful analysis alongside stunning visuals, making it an essential resource for art professionals, students, and enthusiasts alike who wish to explore the dynamic and timeless world of contemporary drawing.

As 2020 draws to a close, Artspace reflects on a year marked by profound artistic insights and resilient creativity amid unprecedented global challenges. Through interviews with leading contemporary artists, museum directors, and cultural visionaries, voices emerged sharing reflections on fatherhood, environmentalism, social movements like Black Lives Matter and Occupy, and the transformative power of art during the pandemic. From Rob Pruitt’s thoughtful panda narratives to Genesis Tramaine’s expansive spirituality, Eric Fischl’s vivid memories of 1980s New York, and Marcel Dzama’s enchanting cast of characters, the year’s conversations offer a rich tapestry of personal experience and social consciousness. Amid themes of hope, change, and collaboration, artists and curators alike underscore the vital role of creativity in navigating our shared human experience, inspiring us to pause, reflect, and look forward to a future shaped by renewed optimism and connection.

During lockdown, artist Colby Mugrabi found unexpected inspiration on a beach walk that sparked her creative new series, Consumerism Ashore, where she hand-paints iconic brand logos onto seashells. Blending natural beauty with bold graphic design, her work explores the fascinating contrast between the organic and the manufactured, evoking nostalgia with beloved logos from IKEA to Blockbuster. Using vibrant acrylics and carefully selected shells, Colby has crafted over 200 unique pieces, each one a playful yet thoughtful reflection on consumer culture, color, and memory. With endless ideas flowing—from sports teams to candy brands—this innovative fusion of art and nature is just getting started, inviting fans to connect with everyday brands in a fresh, whimsical way.

Humor in art, far from being mere frivolity, plays a vital role in challenging societal norms and exploring complex themes like alienation, power, and identity. This curated collection showcases six contemporary artists whose works use wit and satire to engage with difficult topics ranging from body taboos and racial histories to the absurdities of the art world and the enigmatic nature of communication. From David Shrigley’s playful yet provocative takes on nudity and authority to Nari Ward’s poignant reflection on racial legacy through “canned smiles,” and from Amy Sillman’s sharp critique of art world clichés to Nan Goldin’s intimate, joyous self-portrait, each piece invites us to consider laughter not just as a release but as a form of resistance and freedom. Jake and Dinos Chapman’s “The Banality of Evil” and Mariana García’s humorous yet thought-provoking photograph of a seemingly smiling horse further underscore humor’s power to provoke reflection on conformity, language, and the limits of understanding, reminding us that jokes—and the laughter they provoke—are as complex and varied as life itself.

During the lockdown, Spring Studios sparked a creative movement inviting photographers to capture inspiring images from home, fostering hope and solidarity during challenging times. Drawing inspiration from André Kertész’s intimate still lifes taken from his apartment, the initiative #shotathome showcased powerful works from acclaimed artists like Craig McDean, Camilla Akrans, and Mark Seliger, revealing how creativity persists beyond industry constraints. Now presented in an immersive virtual gallery, this collection not only celebrates resilience and artistic vision but also supports the British Fashion Council’s Covid Crisis fund, helping sustain creative fashion businesses through the pandemic. The exhibition offers a unique 360-degree experience, blending art and technology, while featuring personal stories from photographers like Paolo Zerbini, who reflect on their quarantine journeys and renewed creative processes.

Adam Pendleton is a contemporary artist deeply engaged with history and transformation, using art to explore identity through abstraction and layering. His latest limited-edition silkscreen, Untitled (Mask), 2020, reinterprets a Dan mask from Liberia, capturing the mask’s power to distract and transfigure identity. Pendleton’s work, including his influential Black Dada series, blends text and image to challenge historical narratives and civil rights discourse, emphasizing a fluid and ongoing conversation between past and future. Known for his striking monochrome palette and experimental approach, he brings a haunting, elusive presence to his art that invites viewers into a space of continual becoming. Pendleton’s upcoming MoMA exhibition, Who is Queen, responds to movements like Occupy and Black Lives Matter, reflecting on collectivity and social change through a multimedia experience. Beyond his art, he is also committed to preserving cultural history, exemplified by his role in saving Nina Simone’s childhood home. Throughout his practice, Pendleton embraces complexity, ambiguity, and the power of abstraction to challenge perception and provoke thought.

Exploring the multifaceted nature of giving, this article presents six compelling artworks that delve into the themes of generosity, sacrifice, love, and gratitude. From Lydia Blakeley’s poignant portrayal of sisterhood and support in “Charities” to Marc Chagall’s tender and vulnerable depiction of love in “The Birthday,” each piece invites reflection on what it truly means to give. Nir Hod’s striking “Soldiers” confronts the ultimate sacrifice of life in war, while Jeremy Deller’s “Thank God for Immigrants” celebrates the invaluable contributions of immigrants during crises, challenging societal prejudices. Trenton Doyle Hancock’s “Give Me My Flowers While I Yet Live” urges us to express appreciation before it’s too late, and Lawrence Weiner’s conceptual “Give & Get” provokes thought on the complexities of exchange and understanding. Together, these works offer a rich meditation on how acts of giving shape human connection and meaning beyond material gifts.

Thirty years ago, John Carlin, an East Village art critic turned entertainment lawyer, co-founded Red Hot, a groundbreaking nonprofit that transformed AIDS activism through multimedia projects, music, and art. Driven by personal loss and a passion for digital culture, Carlin collaborated with avant-garde artists like David Wojnarowicz and Keith Haring, creating iconic campaigns such as the Red Hot + Blue albums and influential T-shirt lines by renowned designers and visual artists. Today, to mark the 30th anniversary, limited edition T-shirts and tote bags featuring Wojnarowicz’s and Jenny Holzer’s powerful designs are reissued, with all proceeds supporting the New York City AIDS Memorial. Reflecting on the painful yet proud legacy of Red Hot, Carlin draws a poignant parallel between past and present public health challenges, reminding us that activism and community protection remain as vital today as ever.

Derrick Adams’ vibrant Floater series, featuring joyful depictions of African American figures lounging on whimsical pool floats, has inspired a unique collaboration with luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin. What began as a casual studio wish quickly became reality when Vilebrequin reached out to bring Adams’ striking imagery to life on swim trunks and tote bags, making his art more accessible beyond galleries and museums. Described as “capturing the essence of black joy,” the series challenges traditional narratives by presenting leisure as a radical act, inviting viewers to reflect on cultural representation. Now concluding the Floater series, Adams looks forward to exploring new creative chapters, but continues to celebrate moments of reflection and community—where better than floating peacefully by the water with family in Sag Harbor after the pandemic? This collaboration is a vibrant fusion of art, culture, and swimwear that extends Adams’ mission to normalize diverse black experiences while making bold, wearable art statements.

Marcel Proust famously described adolescence as a chaotic time driven not by reason but by spontaneity and self-discovery, a sentiment echoed through art and literature across centuries. This rich period of life, full of raw emotion, physical beauty, and burgeoning identity, has long captivated artists, from Degas and Diane Arbus to contemporary creators. Highlighting six works that capture the essence of youth, the article explores iconic representations—from Larry Clark’s gritty American teenagers immersed in counterculture, to Keith Farquhar’s modern hoodie symbolizing evolving youth subcultures, to Magdalena Wosinska’s sun-soaked, playful snapshots of youthful exuberance. It also delves into Rami Maymon’s classical and erotic interplay, Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen’s intimate ghostly portraits of working-class young couples grappling with hardship, and Collier Schorr’s contemplative portrayal of a young cowboy wrestling with inherited ideals of masculinity. Together, these works celebrate the fleeting brilliance and turbulent complexities of adolescence, embodying both nostalgia and the unvarnished truths of growing up.

Literature and art have long explored the multifaceted figure of the mother, weaving archetypes from the nurturing to the troubled, the divine to the deeply human. This article delves into contemporary artistic interpretations that embody motherhood as both sanctuary and source of pain, moving beyond stereotypes to embrace complexity. Featuring works by renowned artists such as Louise Bourgeois and Tracey Emin’s haunting collaboration, Yoko Ono’s intimate portraits, and Peter Blake’s pop-infused Madonna, each piece challenges and redefines maternal imagery. From Joan Snyder’s raw confrontation of maternal anger to Marcel Dzama’s enigmatic maternal authority, and Mamma Andersson’s evocative homage to ancient mother goddesses, these artworks place mothers center stage, celebrating their enduring yet evolving presence in culture and consciousness.

Exploring the profound impact of color on the human psyche, this article delves into how artists across mediums harness vibrant hues to evoke emotion, light, and meaning. From Popel Coumou’s luminous analogue photography capturing abstract, hyper-real scenes to Serge Hamad’s deeply personal, abstracted horizons born from childhood curiosity, color becomes a vessel for memory and perception. Jo Bradford’s meticulous cameraless photography tames nature’s wild light into prismatic intensity, while Angela Bulloch’s innovative use of light and form creates dynamic, shifting color experiences that bridge math and aesthetics. Meanwhile, Ross Bleckner’s evocative patterns reflect biological realities, and Meredith Allen’s vivid, nostalgic images immortalize fleeting moments colored by optimism. Together, these works invite us to brighten the darker months with the transformative power of color as art and soul converge.

Winter holds a unique power to transform the world, blanketing it in snow, stilling rivers, and enveloping us in cold and darkness, evoking both awe and reflection. Across history, winter has inspired festivals, art, and literature—capturing its stark beauty, isolation, and fleeting moments of warmth. This collection celebrates winter through diverse contemporary works: from Matt Eich’s evocative thawing road hinting at uncertain returns, to Silke Otto-Knapp’s delicate frost flowers woven into cozy textiles; from David Hockney’s vibrant iPad scenes illuminating crisp December mornings to Adam Ekberg’s striking image of a sparkler blazing on a frozen lake, symbolizing fragile hope amid cold vastness. Sculpture and print art deepen the exploration, with Donald Baechler’s somber bronze tree embodying winter’s quiet restraint, while Kenny Scharf’s exuberant skier revels in the season’s joyous escape. Together, these pieces invite us to embrace the beauty, transience, and moods of winter’s captivating embrace.

From the ethereal swirls of Van Gogh’s Starry Night to the sublime dissolving horizons of JMW Turner, the sky has long inspired artists to capture its transcendent beauty and meaning. Contemporary creatives continue this tradition with evocative works that explore the interplay of light, nature, and atmosphere. Brazilian photographer Marcos Vilas Boas’s long-exposure seascapes distill shifting weather into moments of serene stillness, while Japanese artist Rinko Kawauchi captures fleeting natural phenomena with delicate reverence. Tomás Saraceno’s visionary installations reimagine human habitation among the clouds, blending art, science, and environmentalism. Hiroji Kubota’s historic photographs reveal quiet grace amid global upheavals, and Ralf Peters’s bold, abstracted landscapes evoke romantic yearnings for nature’s vibrant, elusive spirit. Together, these artists celebrate the sky as a source of light, mystery, and profound connection to our world.

Red, the first color mastered and manipulated by humans, holds a powerful place throughout history and art, symbolizing everything from love and passion to danger and death. Michel Pastoureau’s study traces its vibrant journey from prehistoric cave paintings to modern canvases, illustrating red’s deep cultural resonance. Across time, red has adorned revolutionary flags, religious robes, and iconic sports uniforms, while inspiring artists such as Alex Katz, General Idea, and Nan Goldin to explore its complexity. Whether in Katz’s delicate, thornless roses suggesting the bittersweet nature of love, or General Idea’s skull-adorned red banner confronting mortality and political paradoxes, red pulses with emotional and symbolic intensity. Photographers like Moyra Davey and Wolfgang Tillmans capture its intimate, life-affirming presence, while Mary Heilmann’s depiction evokes red’s auspicious power in Eastern tradition. Together, these works reveal red as a color that transcends mere pigment—embodying desire, danger, vitality, and fortune in every shade.

From ancient cave paintings venerating trees to contemporary art installations bursting with lush botanicals, plants have long inspired artists across centuries and styles. This article explores the evolving relationship between nature and art, highlighting key figures like Picasso, whose minimalist yet bold plant-themed linocuts from the 1960s contrast with the intricate geometric forms of Marianne Hendriks and the layered, tranquil floral visions of Ed Baynard. It also celebrates Elisabeth Condon’s futuristic botanical landscapes and the immersive, multi-sensory plant worlds created by Florentine & Alexandre Lamarche-Ovize, showing how greenery continues to captivate and heal in our modern, concrete-filled existence.

Throughout history, the moon has captivated human imagination as a symbol of mystery, ambition, and beauty, inspiring worship, folklore, and artistic expression across cultures. This article explores how contemporary artists engage with the moon’s enigmatic presence in diverse ways—from Spencer Finch’s hidden photographic shadow capturing fleeting moments of memory, to Hernan Bas’s evocative portrait of an albino youth bathed in silvery lunar light challenging societal norms. It highlights Thomas Broadbent’s whimsical lunar landscape commemorating the Apollo landing, Poppy de Villeneuve’s exploration of artificial moonlight in urban spaces, and Susan Hiller’s haunting collage of stormy seas illustrating the moon’s powerful tidal influence. Finally, Betina Samaia’s nocturnal desert scene ponders humanity’s place in the cosmos as Joshua trees reach toward the moonlit sky, weaving together themes of reverence, conquest, and the sublime allure of Earth’s nearest celestial neighbor.

In the wake of the devastating Beirut explosion on August 4, the city's vibrant art community has rallied to rebuild lives and preserve its rich cultural heritage. Photographer Tarek Moukaddem, whose haunting images capture Beirut’s underground nightlife, shares his personal ordeal of losing his home and studio amid the chaos. Alongside four other women in the creative sector, he helped launch the "Dear Beirut" benefit auction on Artspace, featuring nearly 70 artworks by international and Lebanese artists. Proceeds support Offrejoie, a local NGO dedicated to rehabilitating neighborhoods hardest hit by the blast, where marginalized communities and artists have suffered immense loss. Despite the ongoing financial crisis and lack of government support, this resilient artistic movement channels grief into action, urging the world to stand with Beirut through art, solidarity, and sustained advocacy.

New York-based artist Iman Raad blends influences from Persian and Mughal painting, South-Asian Truck art, and internet image culture to create vibrant, mural-like installations that pulsate with color, altered perspectives, and glitch-like repetitions. His work, often dreamlike and layered with mythologies, navigates the anxieties of existence and fractured communication shaped by his hybrid identity and migration experience. Raad’s contribution to the Dear Beirut auction—a color reduction woodcut print titled *At This Table We Breach*—reflects his deep empathy for communities affected by the Beirut explosion, using bright, primary colors inspired by traditional crafts and vernacular art. Through his art, he seeks to connect people during times of catastrophe, embodying collective feelings and offering a sense of unity beyond words, while the watchful eyes in his paintings challenge viewers with a gaze that evokes existential reflection.

In the wake of Beirut’s devastating explosion, a group of five women from diverse creative backgrounds have united to launch the "Dear Beirut" online auction, featuring nearly 70 compelling works from artists around the world including Kiki Smith, Christine Sun Kim, and eL Seed. This heartfelt initiative, in partnership with Jobs For Lebanon and Lebanese NGO Offrejoie, aims to raise vital funds to rehabilitate marginalized neighborhoods shattered by the blast—homes to artists, activists, and vulnerable communities. The auction showcases a powerful range of mediums, from fine jewelry crafted with shattered glass to evocative photography and calligraffiti, embodying global solidarity and compassion. Beyond bidding, the organizers encourage ongoing support for Lebanon through purchasing Lebanese art and goods and donating to local NGOs, fueling a collective effort to heal and rebuild a city—and its spirit—rich in resilience and creativity.

Exploring the supernatural through the lens of contemporary art, this article delves into how artists reinterpret ghostly and eerie themes to reflect deep cultural anxieties and the human psyche. From James Rielly’s haunting depiction of childhood fears in “Ghosts working with fears and inhibitions” to Rachel Whiteread’s ghostly plaster cast of a Victorian room encapsulating the lingering presence of past inhabitants, the works challenge our notions of the unseen. Cindy Sherman’s unsettling portrait of the witch probes identity and societal fears, while Albert Oehlen’s provocative print satirizes religious hypocrisy with a demonic infant. Monster Chetwynd’s “Bat Opera” dramatizes misunderstood creatures of the night, and Peter Blake’s “Day of the Skeletons” resurrects ancient ancestors beneath modern London, blending history and myth with contemporary concerns. Together, these pieces reveal how the supernatural continues to inspire reflection on identity, belief, and the shadows within us all.

Psychedelia, while often associated with the vibrant, boundary-dissolving art of the 1960s, draws on a rich, diverse lineage from visionary artists like William Blake to movements such as Surrealism and Op-Art. The genre’s vivid colors, warped perspectives, and surreal imagery first coalesced in the psychedelic rock culture of the West Coast, with trailblazers like Wes Wilson and Victor Moscoso defining an era through album art and posters. Today, psychedelia’s influence thrives across contemporary art and fashion, from Dries Van Noten’s immersive shows to Gucci’s retro-inspired collections. Featured artists like Christopher Moss, Kenny Scharf, Marc Quinn, Thomas Ruff, Takashi Murakami, and Carlos Cruz-Diez each bring their unique lens to the genre, pushing its boundaries with cartoonish absurdity, intricate patterns, surreal distortions, and avant-garde techniques—inviting viewers to experience the mind-bending, kaleidoscopic world of psychedelia anew.

Simone Leigh has broken through many barriers to become a pioneering force in contemporary art, famously blending African, African-American, and Caribbean cultural signifiers in her powerful sculptures and installations. Without formal art school training, Leigh’s work centers on the experiences and histories of Black women, drawing on feminist and post-colonial theory to create deeply resonant pieces that challenge racial stereotypes and celebrate strength and beauty. From her monumental bronze sculpture Brick House on the High Line to her upcoming presentation at the 2022 Venice Art Biennale—where she is the first Black woman to represent the USA—Leigh’s art offers a vibrant, auto-ethnographic narrative that intertwines past traumas with visions of an empowered future.

Canadian artist Marcel Dzama masterfully blends folk vernacular, art history, and contemporary influences to create a surreal universe filled with whimsical, otherworldly characters and dreamlike narratives. Drawing inspiration from Inuit art, nature, and his experiences growing up in Winnipeg, Dzama’s intricately detailed ink drawings explore the blurry line between reality and the subconscious. Recently, he released a limited-edition print, *The Illumination of the sisters of paradise*, conceived during quarantine as a visual escape to distant lands and a reimagined Garden of Eden. This work supports RxART, a nonprofit that uses visual art to help children heal. Throughout his career, Dzama has embraced various media, including film and stage design, while maintaining his signature ink drawings that pulse with humor, mystery, and a deep emotional resonance. His work continues to evolve, reflecting personal experiences, political undercurrents, and a lifelong passion for storytelling that captivates both art lovers and musicians alike.

RxART, founded by Diane Brown two decades ago, transforms sterile hospital environments into vibrant, inspiring spaces by collaborating with renowned contemporary artists like KAWS, Jonas Wood, and Marcel Dzama. This non-profit has completed over 50 projects across nearly 40 hospitals in 21 U.S. cities, using art to make hospital visits less intimidating and more uplifting for children, families, and staff alike. By integrating artworks into departments such as radiology and emergency rooms, RxART creates comforting, imaginative escapes that ease anxiety and bring joy, as reflected in heartfelt testimonies from patients and healthcare workers. With each project produced at no cost to hospitals and deep artist engagement, RxART exemplifies how art can heal, inspire, and transform the clinical experience.

Collage, a versatile and dynamic art form rooted in early 20th-century techniques, continues to captivate audiences with its blend of raw accessibility and profound artistic expression. From its origins in deconstructed paper scraps to its modern resurgence in contemporary work, collage has evolved through diverse styles and cultural narratives, as seen in the striking creations of artists like Filippo Imbrighi, Charles Wilkin, Naomi Vona, Aaron Wexler, and Jamie Brunson. These artists use collage to tell compelling stories, explore human nature, and reinterpret reality through layered textures, bold colors, and innovative materials. Whether reflecting personal histories, societal commentary, or spiritual journeys, their works demonstrate how collage remains a powerful medium for visual storytelling and artistic experimentation today.

This article explores the complex and often contradictory nature of money through the lens of contemporary art, showcasing six provocative works that challenge our understanding of currency as both a commodity and a social construct. From Cildo Meireles’ “Zero Dollar,” a counterfeit banknote that questions the power and value of the US dollar, to Virginia Lee Montgomery’s “Glitch Coin,” a flawed penny symbolizing institutional glitches, the pieces delve into monetary symbolism and its societal implications. Sebastião Salgado’s haunting photograph of the Serra Pelada gold mine exposes the harsh labor behind gold’s allure, while Raymond Pettibon’s enigmatic lithograph hints at money’s role in shaping lives and moral ambiguity. Jenny Holzer’s “Money Creates Taste” critiques the art market and social aspirations tied to wealth, and Ryan Gander’s “Tremendous potential but limited opportunity” reimagines Monopoly pieces to highlight the gritty reality behind property development. Together, these works invite us to rethink money not just as economic value but as a potent reflection of power, culture, and human experience.

The history of photography is deeply intertwined with architectural imagery, capturing buildings not just as functional structures but as cultural symbols and works of art. Featured artists on Artspace highlight this dynamic relationship, from Andrew Prokos’s haunting night shots of Brasilia’s modernist cathedral, Reinhard Görner’s atmospheric library interiors that evoke a bygone era of knowledge and silence, to Denise Scott Brown’s vibrant visual studies of Las Vegas’s urban landscape. Mikkel Johnsen’s surreal collages challenge perceptions of industrial relics, while Wim Wenders brings a cinematic quality to urban solitude in Los Angeles. Francesco Romero’s exploration of Brutalist decay through the lens of music-inspired minimalism completes this diverse celebration of architecture as a source of storytelling, memory, and artistic innovation.

The history of art is deeply intertwined with images of monarchy, from ancient statues and royal portraits to contemporary reinterpretations by modern artists. While monarchy's prominence in visual culture has waned with the rise of democracy, artists continue to explore the complex humanity behind regal figures, revealing their vulnerabilities and private lives. This collection features works ranging from Marc Chagall’s intimate depiction of King David lost in music, to Richard Prince’s ironic Instagram portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, and David Nash’s enigmatic stenciled royals that blur past and future. Hung Liu’s haunting portrayal of China’s last emperor captures a life marked by exile and tragedy, while Jonas Mekas’ film of Elvis Presley frames pop royalty in a mythic light. Banksy’s subversive £10 note replaces the Queen with Princess Diana, commenting on media, image, and power. Together, these pieces reflect the enduring fascination with royalty—not as untouchable icons, but as deeply human figures caught in the tides of history, fame, and mortality.

Exploring the elusive nature of time, this article delves into how contemporary artists interpret its passage, challenging traditional notions of linearity and measurement. From Ugo Rondinone’s handless clock that syncs with natural light rather than standardized hours, to Jonathan Monk’s enigmatic banner promising a meeting “somewhere soon” in an unspecified future, the works prompt us to reconsider how time anchors our experience. Zoe Leonard’s photograph of a shuttered photo lab nostalgically reflects on obsolescence amid rapid technological change, while Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster’s extended calendar blurs seasonal and temporal boundaries, evoking a ghostly, spectral temporality. Sean Paul’s depiction of the Doomsday Clock reminds us of humanity’s precarious place in history, teetering on the edge of catastrophe. Finally, Rob Pruitt’s playful yet poignant print about giant pandas contrasts their slow, enduring existence with human urgency, questioning how we allocate our precious moments amid the distractions of modern life. Together, these works invite reflection on time as both a constructed framework and a lived, sensory reality.

Contemporary portraiture offers a unique way to bring a sense of everyday intimacy and human connection into your home while enriching your art collection. From Elizabeth Peyton’s tender portrayal of Timothée Chalamet’s Elio to Alex Katz’s graceful duos, these works capture both familiar and lesser-known faces with striking emotion and presence. Photographers like Nan Goldin and Micaiah Carter highlight raw, unfiltered moments that challenge stereotypes and celebrate individuality, while artists such as Mario Sorrenti and Jonathan Yeo reveal the vulnerability and fresh perspectives behind iconic figures. This collection is a vibrant mix of styles and stories, capturing fleeting intimacies and powerful relationships that invite viewers to experience the essence of human connection.

Optical art is experiencing a vibrant revival, blending historical influences with contemporary innovation. From Camille Walala’s bold urban interventions to gallery shows like Tornabuoni Art’s ‘Dynamic Visions’ revisiting Sixties Kinetic and Op Art, the movement continues to captivate. Celebrated figures like Bridget Riley and Victor Vasarely remain central, while newer voices such as Matt Neuman and Paul Amundarain bring fresh perspectives, often infusing political and cultural narratives into the hypnotic, illusionistic style. These artists explore perception, color, and pattern to evoke movement and depth, pushing viewers to reconsider the instability of reality and the optimism found in transformation. Whether through Riley’s iconic stripes or Amundarain’s multi-dimensional cityscapes, Op Art’s dynamic energy and powerful visual rhythms remain a compelling force in contemporary art.

Trevor Paglen’s new exhibition, Bloom, at Pace London, emerges as a timely reflection on the fragility of life, society, and technology in an era marked by isolation and surveillance. Created during quarantine, the show intertwines themes of mourning and natural resurgence with the pervasive impact of AI, facial recognition, and digital oversight, exploring how these technologies shape our world and perceptions. Paglen delves into the politicized nature of abstraction and data, revealing the compromised origins of machine learning datasets rooted in coercion and bias. Yet, amidst these unsettling realities, Bloom also gestures toward the potential for societal reckoning and transformation, underscoring a cautious hope sparked by collective efforts to envision a more just and equitable future.

Interest in suburban living has surged recently in cities like New York, London, and San Francisco, challenging the notion that suburbs lack the cultural depth of inner cities. Far from being mere residential sprawl, suburbs have historically been playgrounds for innovation and social experiments, shaped by diverse visionaries from Quakers to Bauhaus pioneers. Artists such as Lois Gross Smiley capture the natural essence of suburban landscapes, while photographers like Dru Hetrick and Alejandro Cartagena reveal the nuanced beauty and sometimes stark realities of suburban America and Mexico. Meanwhile, activists and creators like JR and Ben Sack explore the complex social fabric and architectural narratives of suburbs, blending realism with abstraction to redefine what these spaces mean today. These works celebrate the vibrant, often overlooked spirit of suburban life, inviting us to reconsider its place in the contemporary urban experience.

Cartoons, once dismissed as mere juvenile sketches, have a rich history rooted in utility and satire, evolving into a powerful global art form that shaped generations of artists and viewers alike. From the vibrant, politically charged works of Kenny Scharf and the layered pop culture explorations of Keith Young to the symbolic chaos in Canyon Castator’s figures, cartoons blend playful imagery with deep social and emotional resonance. Artists like Erik Hanson transform iconic characters like Bluto into meditations on forgiveness and complexity, while Raymond Pettibon’s punk-inspired drawings fuse pop culture with philosophical bite. Andy Warhol's 1981 "Myths" series further cements cartoon icons like Superman as enduring symbols of personal and cultural identity, proving that cartoons hold a lasting, dynamic place in the world of fine art.

Fashion weeks in New York and London may look different this year with more digital showcases and fewer physical events, but the excitement of fresh fashion remains alive. This article highlights a curated selection of fashion-themed artworks that celebrate style and creativity across decades. From Hormazd Narielwalla’s homage to Coco Chanel and Eddie Peake’s provocative reworking of Vogue pages, to Patrick Nagel’s iconic power-dressing illustrations and Andy Warhol’s pop-art inspired Souper Dress, each piece tells a story. The collection also features striking photography by Juergen Teller, Ellen von Unwerth’s empowering portraits, rare shots of Kate Moss by Mario Sorrenti, and Grace Coddington’s whimsical fashion drawings. Together, these works offer a vibrant and intimate look at fashion’s enduring influence and artistic expression.

Urban life pulses with a dynamic energy that transcends geography, yet every city tells its own unique story. From Saul Steinberg’s satirical New Yorker cover capturing Manhattan’s parochial gaze, to Peter Bialobrzeski’s haunting photograph of Shanghai’s “nail houses” resisting relentless modernization, these artistic visions explore the multifaceted nature of cities. Arthur Jafa’s LA HAZE I confronts invisibility and loss in South Los Angeles, while Scott King reimagines London’s Trafalgar Square as a space demanding a reckoning with history. Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s Wrapped Reichstag celebrates democracy’s fragile promise, and William Eggleston’s Atlanta snapshot finds beauty in everyday urban moments. Finally, Matthew Day Jackson’s apocalyptic maps remind us that cities bear the scars of history’s darkest events and the ominous potential of future destruction. Together, these works paint a vivid portrait of cities as ever-changing, contested, and deeply human landscapes.

As summer fades and autumn’s golden light begins to transform the landscape, artists find renewed inspiration in the shifting season’s rich colors and moods. From David Hockney’s glowing Yorkshire trees rendered through digital techniques to Douglas Coupland’s vibrant palette influenced by Japanese culture, the autumnal theme weaves through diverse artistic expressions. Mary Heilmann captures the rhythmic patterns and coastal journeys in her abstract works, while Salvador Dalí’s late lithographs reflect a poignant beauty amid fading life. Suzanne Caporael channels the dynamic forces of nature itself, depicting autumn’s celestial shifts with a fluid energy. Together, these artists celebrate autumn as a time of transition, creativity, and enduring wonder.

Women’s Equality Day commemorates the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment, which secured women’s right to vote in the United States. Marking its centenary amid a renewed reckoning with issues of identity, representation, and power, especially within the arts, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by institutions grappling with diversity and inclusion. This celebration also shines a light on influential contemporary artists like Mickalene Thomas, Lisa Corrine Davis, Carrie Mae Weems, Tatyana Fazlalizadeh, and Elizabeth Catlett, whose works explore themes of race, gender, resilience, and social justice through bold, innovative, and deeply personal visual narratives. Their art not only challenges historic inequities but also elevates voices and stories that have long been marginalized, underscoring the evolving dialogue around equality and creativity today.

The ocean, covering 70% of Earth’s surface and the cradle of life itself, continues to captivate artists with its vast mystery and elemental power. From Robert Longo’s striking print juxtaposing a stormy sea with a glowing chandelier, to Rachel Sussman’s evocative photograph of ancient Antarctic moss clinging to life for millennia, the sea serves as a profound symbol of time, endurance, and wonder. Nan Goldin’s intimate portrait of a figure floating in tropical waters evokes a tranquil return to our primordial origins, while Hiroshi Sugimoto’s long-exposure seascapes capture the timeless, boundary-less meeting of sky and ocean. Richard Phillips’ hyperrealist print of Lindsay Lohan merges fleeting celebrity with the eternal horizon, reflecting on fame and mortality. Finally, Jeremy Deller’s lithograph featuring an intelligent octopus reading about humanity’s flaws hints at the sea’s alien intelligence and our fraught relationship with this vast, ancient world. Together, these works reveal the ocean as a place of magic, memory, and relentless reflection on our place within nature.

Exploring beyond traditional art forms, Artspace’s New Media collection showcases innovative works that challenge conventional categories like prints and sculpture. From Doug Aitken’s transformative multi-channel video installations to Katja Loher’s organic video sculptures that blend technology with nature, this collection invites collectors to embrace bold, multimedia art experiences. Highlights include Rodarte’s collaboration with experimental punk band No Age in a unique vinyl release, Tracey Emin’s evocative text-based video narratives, Dana Levy’s poignant assemblages reflecting dualities of past and present, and Holly Blakey’s groundbreaking dance-video hybrids that redefine contemporary performance. Each piece reimagines artistic expression, offering engaging, impactful alternatives for those ready to expand their collection beyond the familiar.

Wolfgang Tillmans, the German photographer known for his unique blend of intimate club scenes, everyday moments, and abstract imagery, shares his journey from a teenager uninterested in photography to an influential contemporary artist. In this revealing interview, Tillmans discusses his early fascination with newspaper photos, his experimental approach using photocopiers, and the profound impact of club culture on his work. He reflects on the tension between control and impermanence in photography, the personal tragedy of losing his partner Jochen to AIDS, and the ethical dimensions that shape his art. With a distinct installation style that blurs the lines between high art and everyday media, Tillmans creates immersive environments that invite viewers to connect with their own experiences, making his work both deeply personal and widely accessible.

Mark Bradford’s art emerges from a deeply personal and communal history rooted in his mother’s beauty shop in Los Angeles, a space that was both a sanctuary and a stage for intimate stories of struggle, resilience, and identity in the Black community. From navigating the complexities of race, gender, and violence in his youth to exploring themes of policy, displacement, and social injustice through large-scale abstract works, Bradford channels life’s harsh realities with a powerful and emotive abstraction. His journey from the fringes—marked by experiences in nightclubs, the AIDS epidemic, and systemic inequalities—to prestigious platforms like the Venice Biennale and receiving the MacArthur “Genius Grant” underscores an unyielding commitment to presenting counter-narratives and pushing marginalized voices into the center of cultural conversation. Through his foundation Art + Practice, he bridges art and activism, creating safe spaces that empower foster youth and marginalized women, proving that art is not only an expression of truth but a catalyst for community transformation.

Paul McCarthy’s art defies easy categorization, blending elements of childhood imagery, pop culture, and visceral performance into a chaotic, nightmarish landscape reminiscent of a distorted theme park. His work explores the symbolic violence embedded in social conditioning, family dynamics, and media influence, often using repetition, grotesque humor, and disturbing materials like motor oil and ketchup to evoke latent trauma and aggression. Through performances and installations that frequently involve architectural spaces and persona-driven actions, McCarthy channels unconscious fears and absurdity, creating a tension between reality and fiction. His work critiques popular culture with a cynical yet ironic lens, while also probing themes of survival, existential dread, and the search for a deeper, often elusive, sense of beauty and truth within the chaos.

Art =, a groundbreaking new publication from The Metropolitan Museum of Art, redefines how we engage with art history by moving beyond traditional chronological and regional classifications. Organized thematically through keywords, the book features nearly 900 of the Met’s most viewed artworks, encouraging readers to explore surprising cross-cultural and cross-temporal connections, from ancient Chinese horses to surrealist works by Latin American women artists. Drawing from The Met’s acclaimed Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History, Art = invites both novices and experts to interpret art as a personal, evolving experience rather than a fixed narrative, making it a vibrant resource designed to inspire curiosity and creativity in every visitor and reader.

Genesis Tramaine’s journey as an artist is a powerful testament to creativity, spirituality, and identity. Raised in Brooklyn’s projects and shaped by the vibrant energy of church life, she learned to draw on anything she could find, transforming her surroundings into a canvas for expression. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, blending abstract portraits that challenge notions of gender, race, and social norms with a deep, sometimes complex relationship to her faith. Painting is a spiritual act for Tramaine—a surrender to divine inspiration that fuels her large, impactful canvases. Her latest edition, Black Woman University, honors the strength and wisdom of Black women and invites viewers into a space of spiritual reflection and empowerment. Celebrated for her vulnerability and intensity, Tramaine’s art resonates beyond familiar spiritual contexts, earning her comparisons to greats like Klimt and Basquiat. Through her work, she seeks to connect, uplift, and disrupt, hoping to inspire deeper understanding of love, faith, and selfhood within the art world and beyond.

In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, UNTITLED, ART has teamed up with Artland to launch the first-ever virtual reality art fair, offering an immersive and realistic experience that brings the vibrant Miami Beach venue to your screen. This groundbreaking online fair allows visitors to explore three-dimensional artworks, navigate familiar spaces, and even interact with details like seagull shadows atop the pavilion. While this inaugural edition prioritized cutting-edge technology over curatorial selection, future fairs will return to their hallmark curated approach. Highlighting the event is a special limited edition print by the rising artist Genesis Tramaine, created in collaboration with Artspace and Phaidon to support the NYFA. This innovative blend of art, technology, and philanthropy marks a bold new chapter for contemporary art fairs in the digital age.

Cecily Brown, a British-born painter who emerged outside the core Young British Artists scene, has carved out a powerful niche with her dynamic, sensual works that blend figuration and abstraction. Hailing from an artistic lineage—her mother a celebrated novelist and her father a renowned art critic—Brown studied at the Slade School before relocating to New York, where her bold paintings have garnered critical acclaim and stellar auction results. Influenced by Abstract Expressionists like de Kooning and Guston, as well as art luminaries such as Francis Bacon and pop culture icons including David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix, Brown’s vibrant canvases pulse with emotional and sexual vitality, inviting viewers to continuously discover new depths. Her pieces have graced prestigious exhibitions worldwide and even featured prominently at the Metropolitan Opera. For those seeking a compelling, evocative artist whose work defies simple categorization, Cecily Brown offers both provocative beauty and lasting intrigue.

This weekend marks the final chance to bid in the Together in Distance online benefit auction, featuring an extraordinary collection of artworks by renowned contemporary artists like Ai Weiwei, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Takashi Murakami. Hosted in partnership with N95forNYC, the auction raises funds for COVID-19 relief efforts, including PPE for underserved communities and support for artists and arts organizations impacted by the pandemic. Highlights include mesmerizing pieces by Wang Gongyi’s signature blue watercolor series, Fu Xiaotong’s meticulous hand-poked paper landscapes, James Miller’s innovative light-inspired acrylics, Giacinto Occhionero’s vibrant reverse-plexiglass paintings, and Lin Yan’s delicate Xuan paper installations. With over 100 artworks available, each bid not only offers a chance to acquire exceptional art but also serves as a lifeline to those in urgent need—don’t miss out!

Rob Pruitt, an artist known for his playful yet poignant approach to contemporary art, has created everything from charity eBay flea markets to glittery black-and-white panda canvases that evoke both whimsy and deeper social messages. His signature pandas have become iconic, representing themes like environmental fragility and human connection, culminating in his recent limited edition print, *Stronger Together*, a heartfelt call for solidarity amid today’s social challenges. Pruitt blends humor, accessibility, and cultural critique across series exploring fatherhood, politics, and pop culture, always pushing boundaries while remaining grounded in community and social awareness. Whether through his audacious *Cocaine Buffet Grand Prix* or collaborations with Public Art Fund, Pruitt’s work invites reflection on human rights, inclusion, and the evolving role of art in society, all while encouraging viewers to smile and engage with the world around them.

Artspace has launched an online benefit auction, Together in Distance, to raise funds for COVID-19 relief efforts supporting healthcare workers, vulnerable communities, and artists. In collaboration with N95forNYC, a grassroots initiative founded by art professionals and activists, all proceeds help purchase PPE for underserved hospitals and support art organizations impacted by the pandemic. Since March, N95forNYC has delivered thousands of masks, gloves, face shields, and protective gear directly to over 200 frontline workers across 52 institutions, bypassing bureaucratic delays. The effort also includes BouquetsforNYC, which delivers personalized flowers to brighten healthcare workers’ days. As the city reopens, the group is expanding aid to vulnerable communities, including donations for #BlackLivesMatter gatherings. The auction features works by renowned artists like Xu Bing and Shantell Martin, blending art with compassion to uplift and aid those on the frontlines during this crisis.

Artspace has partnered with UNTITLED, ART to launch the UNTITLED, ART Charitable Artist Edition featuring a limited edition print by Genesis Tramaine titled *Black Woman University*. Debuting at the UNTITLED, ART Online fair on July 30, this editioned work of 50 prints is priced at $1,000, with proceeds supporting the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA). Tramaine, an Urban Expressionist painter from New York, explores the identity and spirit of Black Americans through layered, emotive imagery blending collage and painting. Celebrated for her deeply resonant work, she has exhibited internationally and brings a powerful voice to this charitable initiative. This collaboration highlights the vital connection between contemporary art and nonprofit support for emerging artists, bringing fresh energy to the global art community.

Together in Distance is an inspiring online benefit auction featuring extraordinary works by renowned contemporary artists like Xu Bing, Shantell Martin, Ellen Berkenblit, Swoon, and GAMA. Hosted in partnership with N95forNYC, a COVID-19 relief effort, this auction aims to raise funds to provide PPE for underserved communities and support artists impacted by the pandemic. With over 100 unique pieces ranging from Xu Bing’s innovative Square Word Calligraphy to Swoon’s striking street art turned museum-worthy work, the collection offers a powerful blend of creativity and compassion. Every bid not only brings exceptional art into your life but also serves as a vital lifeline for those in need during these challenging times.

Robert Longo, best known for his iconic Men in the Cities series, is a pivotal figure in New York’s art history, blending sharp social critique with striking, stylized imagery. Born in Brooklyn in 1953, Longo’s journey from dyslexic child to art world heavyweight includes deep ties to the Pictures Generation and collaborations with notable contemporaries like Cindy Sherman. His work, inspired by everything from minimalist sculptors to classic cinema, captures raw, dramatic moments that resonate with audiences and collectors alike—his pieces now commanding impressive sums at auction. Beyond the canvas, Longo has directed music videos and films, injecting his distinctive vision into popular culture. With bold, impactful art that challenges and confronts, Longo remains a vital, uncompromising voice whose legacy is perfect alongside the sharpest monochromatic contemporaries.

Artspace is hosting a special online benefit auction, Together in Distance, from July 8 to 20, featuring over 100 remarkable artworks from legendary artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Ai Weiwei, Takashi Murakami, and contemporary talents across the U.S. and Asia. This collaborative effort with galleries and nonprofits aims to support COVID-19 relief by raising funds for healthcare workers, vulnerable communities, and artists affected by the pandemic. Proceeds will help purchase essential PPE through the N95forNYC initiative, providing critical supplies to hospitals, nursing homes, and underserved groups. Amid limited physical access to art, this auction highlights the resilience and creativity of artists during challenging times while offering collectors a chance to own impactful pieces that truly make a difference.

Artspace proudly launches 10 x 10 x 10, a dynamic initiative spotlighting ten innovative galleries under ten years old across the USA through exclusive online exhibitions featuring art priced at $10K or less. Among them, New York-based LatchKey Gallery stands out as a nomadic contemporary space dedicated to amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering community connections through unique collaborations and partnerships with nonprofits. Co-founders Natalie Kates and Amanda L. Uribe share insights on their gallery’s evolution from a local to a global roster, their adaptive nomadic model, and their commitment to supporting artists in realizing their visions. Embracing flexibility in a shifting art world, LatchKey Gallery continues to engage diverse audiences with thoughtfully curated shows that explore themes like abstraction and the human condition, embodying resilience and community-centered creativity in a post-Covid landscape.

The Scandinavian art duo Michael Elmgreen and Ingar Dragset have been redefining public art and institutional critique since the mid-1990s with their provocative, humor-laced installations that explore themes of identity, power, and social conformity. Rooted in their Nordic upbringing and personal experiences as a couple, their work challenges hegemonic structures—from the pristine modernist gallery to the heteronormative public space—inviting audiences to question inclusion, desire, and control. Their iconic projects range from the intimate performances exploring queer identity to bold public interventions like the “Cruising Pavilion” and the ironic Prada Marfa storefront in the Texas desert. Elmgreen & Dragset use wit and hope to expose societal fractures, negotiating between heavy themes such as loneliness, institutional power, and capitalism while maintaining a belief in art’s capacity to inspire change and foster empathy. Their innovative blend of minimal aesthetics, performative narrative, and social commentary continues to provoke dialogue in prestigious venues worldwide, offering a unique lens on contemporary culture and the complexities of belonging.

Artspace introduces 10 x 10 x 10, an exciting new initiative showcasing cutting-edge programs from ten dynamic galleries across the USA, each under ten years old. Highlighting accessible art pricing at $10K or less, this curated online exhibition runs through July 16, 2020, featuring exclusive works from fresh, innovative voices in contemporary art. Among the spotlighted participants is Baltimore’s RESORT Gallery, co-founded by Seth Adelsberger and Alex Ebstein, who share insights into their artist-run space dedicated to experimentation, collaboration, and bold curatorial projects. From immersive installations and thoughtful exhibitions to supporting artists with framing, writing, and career guidance, RESORT embodies resilience and creativity in the evolving art world, especially navigating challenges posed by the pandemic. Through vibrant works by artists like James Williams II and Ginevra Shay, the gallery explores themes of identity, memory, and the unphotographable, fostering a collaborative spirit vital to Baltimore’s thriving art community.

Artspace introduces 10 x 10 x 10, a dynamic new initiative spotlighting innovative young galleries across the USA through a curated series of online exhibitions featuring cutting-edge artworks priced at $10K or under. Among the featured spaces is Los Angeles' River Gallery, founded by Carl E. Smith, which embraces a non-traditional, mentorship-driven approach to representing emerging artists both locally and internationally. Evolving from a brick-and-mortar to a backyard pop-up model, River prioritizes artist fellowships and residencies while fostering authentic, positive artistic communities. Smith shares insights on navigating the art market, supporting artists with realistic goals, and adapting creatively post-COVID, highlighting talented artists like Czech painter Ira Svobodová in this compelling showcase of contemporary art’s next wave.

Artspace launches 10 x 10 x 10, spotlighting ten cutting-edge galleries under ten years old across the USA through exclusive online exhibitions featuring artworks priced under $10K. Highlighting Davis Originals, an online gallery founded by artist Jeff Davis in Tempe, Arizona, the initiative supports contemporary artists impacted by canceled shows and embraces a diverse range of abstract and figurative work, focusing on composition and color. Davis Originals fosters artist collaboration and champions creativity through digital exhibitions, thriving in a post-COVID art world by connecting directly with collectors online. Upcoming shows include new solo exhibitions, while the gallery looks forward to partnering with physical spaces to expand opportunities for artists and audiences alike.

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.

The color green, deeply rooted in nature and symbolic of growth, fertility, and renewal, carries a rich and complex cultural history. Revered across various traditions—from Islam’s association with the Prophet Muhammad to China’s link with the feminine Yin—green evokes calm, divinity, and the natural world. Historically, its shades were once misunderstood in Japan, and the pigment’s darker side emerged through toxic compounds like Scheele’s Green, infamously linked to Napoleon’s demise, and Paris Green, which had lasting effects on famous Impressionists. Today, green is celebrated for its soothing presence in art and design, championed by environmental causes and mindfulness. Highlighting this vibrant legacy, Artspace showcases ten captivating green-themed artworks that bring peace and harmony to any space, inviting viewers to experience the power and beauty of green in contemporary art.

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.

Looking back at the most captivating Artspace articles of 2019, this roundup offers a diverse array of stories—from intimate artist interviews and deep dives into art history to vibrant walking tours of New York’s legendary art studios. Discover inspiring tales like Arthur J. Williams Jr.’s journey from convicted counterfeiter to celebrated artist, explore groundbreaking contemporary textile artists, and witness the power of feminist surrealism. Whether you’re intrigued by provocative abject art, the evolution of drag culture in the East Village, or the late-blooming fame of overlooked creators, these popular reads will enrich your art knowledge and spark your curiosity as you step into 2020.

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.

Calvin Tomkins’ celebrated anthology, *The Lives of Artists*, offers an intimate glimpse into the creative world of Vija Celmins, the master of graphite known for her meticulous surface explorations and poetic attention to detail. In a vivid 2019 excerpt, Tomkins visits Celmins’ Sag Harbor cottage and her renovated studio—once a potato barn—where she balances a quiet life with rigorous artistry, accompanied by her large, mischievous cat Raymond. Their day unfolds with heartfelt moments: Celmins sharing stories about her bird-watching passion and second-hand furniture, preparing a home-cooked meal, and discussing the delicate process behind her spider web drawings, which are crafted by erasing charcoal to blur the lines between image and surface. This portrait reveals an artist who finds joy and inspiration in the subtle textures of life and landscape, making *The Lives of Artists* a must-have for anyone fascinated by the inner workings of creative genius.

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.

A revealing 2017 study by Oxford professor Renée Adams showed that wealthy men consistently undervalue artworks attributed to female artists, even when those pieces were computer-generated and assigned random genders—highlighting deep-seated sexism in art valuation. Despite women artists producing remarkable work, they constitute only about 2% of the art market’s $196.6 billion sales between 2008 and 2019, and receive similarly scant representation in major museums’ acquisitions and exhibitions. Phaidon’s upcoming book, *Great Women Artists*, boldly challenges this imbalance by showcasing the immense contributions of 400 women artists over 500 years, celebrating their diverse talents and demanding recognition in the art historical canon. This landmark publication, hailed as a must-have for art lovers, offers a vibrant corrective to the longstanding exclusion and underappreciation of women in art.

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.

Artspace’s fall auction offers a rare opportunity to own stunning works from some of the most influential contemporary artists, including Richard Prince’s provocative pencil-drawn jokes, Damien Hirst’s sought-after dot paintings, and Tracey Emin’s intimate nude sculptures. Highlighted pieces also include Nicola Bolla’s dazzling Swarovski crystal skulls and Tony Cragg’s acclaimed etchings, all starting at accessible bids. For collectors seeking variety and value, the Art Box features 31 prints from notable alumni of the University of Tennessee School of Art. This exclusive event runs from September 12th to the 17th, promising exciting chances to acquire iconic art and emerging favorites in one dynamic auction.

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.

Benin-born superstar Angélique Kidjo and legendary musician David Byrne, frontman of the Talking Heads, share a deep friendship and a mutual passion for music that transcends cultures. Their conversation reveals Kidjo’s inspiration from Celia Cruz, whose vibrant salsa music broke barriers both in Africa and beyond, and Byrne’s fascination with the blend of sadness and ecstasy in her voice. Together, they explore the power of music and art to balance darkness and light, offering joy and optimism even in troubled times. Kidjo’s reinterpretation of the iconic album *Remain in Light* is infused with African proverbs and a call-and-response style, reflecting a dialogue between cultures and generations. The duo also reflects on the profound connection between visual art and music as complementary forces that communicate emotion and meaning beyond words, emphasizing the vital role of optimism and storytelling in their creative journeys.

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.

Artist Sean Raspet’s exhibition "New Molecules and Stem Cell Retinoid Screen" at Empty Gallery in Hong Kong challenges traditional notions of art by merging chemistry, biology, and perception into living, sensory experiences. Collaborating with scientist Kiara Eldred, Raspet presents a groundbreaking human retinal sculpture that literally "sees" by responding to light at a cellular level, alongside newly synthesized fragrance molecules diffused throughout the space. These scents—abstract, patented molecular creations—invite viewers to reconsider scent beyond representation, highlighting the blurred boundaries between natural and synthetic, art and industry. Raspet’s work transcends the gallery, aiming to integrate these molecular artworks into everyday consumer products, thus dissolving the line between art and commercial circulation. His exploration of perception as a mutable, material process and his innovative fusion of science and sensory art invite us to rethink how we experience both the living world and the art that reflects it.

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.

This summer in New York’s sweltering heat, galleries are bursting with dynamic group shows spotlighting fresh talent, offering a perfect excuse to escape into air-conditioned art. Among the standout emerging artists to watch are Dylan Hurwitz, whose luminous and intimate portraits explore queer embodiment with textured, sculptural paint; Naomi Nakazato, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with a poignant meditation on identity and authenticity; and Tiffany Jaeyeon Shin, whose minimalist yet powerful installations confront the complex intersections of race, desire, and patriarchy. Oona Brangam-Snell captivates with surreal, witty tapestries that weave contemporary narratives into timeless fiber traditions, while Kat Chamberlin’s haunting sculptures dissect the ritualized gestures of cheerleading to critique societal expectations of women. These artists are shaping a vibrant future for contemporary art, bringing personal and radical perspectives that promise to resonate well beyond this season.

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.

The ongoing debates around censorship, especially on social media platforms like Instagram, highlight the problematic control over how women’s bodies are represented, often dictated by others who sexualize and fetishize them. This issue extends deeply into queer communities, where self-representation is crucial yet often stifled. The late artist Hannah Wilke, a pioneering figure of the women's liberation movement, famously challenged these norms with her provocative self-portraits and sculptures, boldly using her own body to confront the male gaze and societal stereotypes. Now, her previously unseen "Gum in Landscape" series, recently revealed by her sister Marsie Scharlatt and exhibited at the Tyler School of Art, continues Wilke’s legacy by exploring the metaphor of gum to symbolize the American woman—chewed up, discarded, and replaced. Wilke’s work remains a powerful, unapologetic statement on female agency, beauty, and the complex relationship women have with media and culture, resonating strongly in today’s conversations about censorship, representation, and empowerment.

At LISTE Art Fair Basel, the vibrant and more accessible counterpart to Art Basel, art advisor Bill Cournoyer highlights eight standout works that demand attention. From Catharine Czudej’s witty concrete sculptures blending pop culture and found materials to Tobias Spichtig’s jewel-toned paintings that echo Warhol’s screen-printed aesthetic, the fair pulses with innovation. Mathieu Malouf’s bold, mushroom-adorned reinterpretation of Andromeda confronts mythology with a fierce, contemporary edge, while Gili Tal’s puzzle-like architectural “paintings” play with digital imperfection and global imagery. Naoki Sutter-Shudo’s nostalgic, playful sculptures recall the Memphis Group’s design ethos, and Sam Samiee’s richly colored, provocative figures add psychological depth. Andrea Fourchy’s moody, color-driven figurative paintings evoke an enigmatic past, and Dylan Mira’s immersive infrared video installation envelops viewers in a dreamlike, multi-dimensional narrative. Together, these works showcase a dynamic mix of humor, history, and modernity that makes LISTE a compelling destination for today’s art enthusiasts.

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.

Artspace’s Spring Auction is now live, offering collectors a rare chance to bid on exceptional works by acclaimed contemporary artists at potentially accessible prices until May 29, 9 pm EST. Highlights include Lorna Simpson’s powerful 1996 electrostatic print exploring race and identity, Jeff Koons’ iconic Balloon Dog (Blue) reflecting playful yet profound themes, and Jonas Wood’s vibrant limited-edition silk scarf embodying his rising prominence in the art world. Fashion and art collide with Virgil Abloh’s exclusive Off-White™ x RIMOWA suitcase, while Aaron Young’s 24Kt gold Skid Mark evokes gritty counterculture energy. Carroll Dunham’s provocative oil pastel on paper stands out as a one-of-a-kind investment in American painting innovation. This auction features works that merge cultural significance with cutting-edge creativity, making it a must-visit for serious art enthusiasts.

This year’s Met Gala theme, “Camp,” inspired by Susan Sontag’s 1964 essay, challenges traditional notions of good taste by blurring the lines between high culture and kitsch. In an insightful excerpt from Carolina Irving’s essay featured in Phaidon’s *Interiors: The Greatest Rooms of the Century*, she explores the problematic obsession with “good taste” in interior design, highlighting how the pursuit of approval and trend conformity often stifles genuine expression and enjoyment. Drawing from decades of experience and the philosophies of design icons like Elsie de Wolfe and Lesley Blanch, Irving advocates for surroundings that reflect personal happiness and authenticity over rigid standards. She celebrates a more forgiving concept of “suitability,” which honors the unique spirit of a place and the individual’s comfort, suggesting that true style is less about strict rules and more about the romance of discovery and personal connection.

Lawrence Weiner, a pioneering figure in conceptual art since the 1960s, revolutionizes the art experience by inviting viewers to complete his work themselves, as epitomized in his aluminum stencil piece “EACH TO THEIR NEEDS EACH TO THEIR ABILITIES.” Beginning his career with explosive outdoor sculptures, Weiner’s “Declaration of Intent” challenges traditional art creation by allowing pieces to be constructed, fabricated, or not built at all, putting the power in the hands of the receiver. This newly produced edition of 100 stencils offers a unique opportunity to engage with his iconic approach, reflecting a career celebrated with prestigious fellowships and major exhibitions across the globe.