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Cheryl Haines Gallery returns to Frieze 2019 with a captivating presentation of Kota Ezawa’s work, featuring his signature style of flattening images into essentialist color-forms that explore the myth-making power of mass media. Highlights include Ezawa’s iconic animated video *The Simpson Verdict*, which revisits the divisive moment of O.J. Simpson’s acquittal, alongside a series of lightboxes from *The Crime of Art* narrating notorious museum heists. Complementing these are poignant watercolors from the *National Anthem* series, inspired by Colin Kaepernick’s protest, which abstract and politicize racialized bodies amidst today’s relentless news cycle. Ezawa’s work challenges viewers to confront the complexities of media consumption within the dynamic backdrop of the art fair experience.

Los Angeles-based artist Ben Sanders brings his vibrant, cartoonish style into the world of sculpture with hand-painted terra cotta pieces that cleverly double as planters, shifting the focus from plant to playful art object. Known for his digitally influenced paintings and drawings displayed in venues ranging from Chicago’s LVL3 to LA’s Gagosian, Sanders now offers unique sculptural works that capture his signature animated spirit at accessible price points. Available in various sizes and perfect for any budget or space, these one-of-a-kind pots were featured in a striking two-person booth at Art Los Angeles Contemporary, showcasing the artist’s dynamic range beyond two-dimensional creations.

Artspace connects art lovers and collectors with over 25,000 artworks and 6,000 artists through partnerships with galleries and institutions worldwide. Beyond an extensive online collection, Artspace offers free expert advisory services to help you find the perfect piece, whether for personal enjoyment or investment. Their experienced advisors navigate art fairs, source exclusive works, handle logistics from purchase to installation, and ensure every piece is authenticated through the Artspace Collector Guarantee. With a commitment to transparency and personalized support, Artspace is your trusted guide in the art world—whether you’re expanding your collection or selling your treasured pieces.

Artist Bill Claps has dedicated the past year to exploring Asian influences, showcasing exhibitions in China and Japan, and drawing inspiration from diverse sources such as language, calligraphy, traditional Chinese and Japanese landscape painting, and Pop art. His “Natural Abstractions” series pays homage to historic East Asian artists by blending contemporary nature motifs with elements of geometric abstraction and calligraphy, enhanced with layers of gold foil symbolizing eternity and spirituality. In his provocative “It’s All Derivative” series, Claps tackles the concept of artistic appropriation by merging iconic imagery with Morse code, reflecting on how all creativity builds on what came before. Through these innovative techniques, Claps invites viewers to reflect on art history and the complex dialogue between originality and influence, creating shimmering works that balance figuration and abstraction with a richly layered narrative.

Jorge Otero-Pailos transforms the invisible histories of our built environment into palpable art by using liquid latex to capture dust, soot, and grime from historic buildings, revealing layers of environmental and cultural narratives embedded in their surfaces. Drawing from his preservationist background, he explores how buildings act as long-term environmental sensors, recording centuries of industrialization and pollution. His work, including casts from significant sites like Westminster Hall, spans from monumental large-scale pieces to smaller distributed fragments that invite reflection on collective memory and pollution's local and global impact. In addition to his "Distributed Monuments" series, his "Continuous City" works reinterpret historic maps to reveal the sprawling, interconnected nature of modern urban life, highlighting how cities have become one vast, continuous entity shaped by industrial growth. His upcoming installation at New York City Center's Harkness Studio intriguingly captures the ephemeral labor and transmission of dance through sound and wall casts, blending the physical traces of movement with architectural space to convey the intimate relationship between art, time, and place. Through his evocative practice, Otero-Pailos invites us to observe and reconsider our environmental realities and the deeper histories that buildings silently bear.

The 2019 Whitney Biennial, curated by Jane Panetta and Rujeko Hockley, showcases a dynamic selection of emerging and established artists shaping contemporary art today. From Korakrit Arunanondchai’s textured explorations of cultural identity through denim and flames to Lucas Blalock’s innovative digitally manipulated photography, the Biennial offers a rich tapestry of styles and narratives. Highlights include Nicole Eisenman’s vibrant blend of popular culture and classical imagery, Simone Leigh’s powerful ceramic sculptures drawing on African traditions, and Wangechi Mutu’s provocative collages interrogating gender and identity. The lineup also features Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s intimate studio portraits, Martine Syms’ conceptually charged performances and publishing ventures, and Kyle Thurman’s reimagined industrial materials. This collection not only captures critical voices within the art world but also presents exciting opportunities for collectors to engage with cutting-edge contemporary art.

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

Lee Miller’s extraordinary life reads like the plot of a gripping film—model turned pioneering photographer, surrealist muse, and fearless war correspondent who documented the horrors of WWII firsthand. From her traumatic childhood and unexpected discovery by Vogue, to her artistic evolution under Man Ray in Paris, Miller continuously defied expectations, carving out her own legacy beyond the shadows of her famous contemporaries. As the only female combat photographer in Europe during the war, she captured haunting images of Nazi concentration camps, including the surreal moment she bathed in Hitler’s bathtub just hours before his suicide. Though her post-war years were marked by struggle and silence, Miller’s hidden archive and rediscovered work reveal an indomitable spirit of creativity, courage, and resilience that demands recognition and admiration today.

Michael Xufu Huang began collecting art at 16 and, by 25, has co-founded Beijing’s M WOODS, often dubbed "the MoMA of China." Since its 2014 launch, the museum has showcased works by icons like Ai Weiwei and Andy Warhol, along with rising stars. Beyond art, Huang’s jet-setting lifestyle reflects his passion for cutting-edge fashion, favoring young designers and blending luxury with streetwear. He shares candid insights into his tastes—devouring Chinese hip hop, scouting emerging artists, and appreciating efficient film summaries during his busy travels. Yet, he remains critical of hype-driven trends, notably skeptical of overvalued AI art. Through it all, Huang exemplifies a dynamic fusion of cultural innovation, youthful curiosity, and thoughtful critique.

Lee Quiñones, a pioneering figure in street art, deserves recognition alongside legends like Banksy. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, he started painting with the "Fabulous Five" crew in the 1970s, famously covering entire subway cars with vibrant graffiti. Quiñones played a key role in bringing graffiti from underground trains to public street murals, including the first handball court mural in 1978. His breakthrough came in 1980 with a gallery show that helped legitimize spray paint as a fine art medium. Now, his first Los Angeles gallery exhibition, “If These Walls Could Talk,” showcases unique works on drywall and wood removed from his studio, offering true fans a rare chance to own signed prints and experience the roots of street art history.

Spring/Break’s eighth edition, held across from Trump Tower at 866 United Nations Plaza, continues its tradition of spotlighting emerging artists and unconventional exhibitors, bringing together independent curators, collectives, and creators under this year’s theme, "Facts and Fictions." The fair buzzed with politically charged works—resistance art, #metoo statements, and provocative imagery—while also offering hidden gems that balance bold commentary with subtlety. Highlights include Brent Owens’s innovative power tool paintings with mythical motifs, Scooter Laforge’s playful 100-year-old painted pots inspired by Pompei, and Arghavan Khosravi’s richly detailed Persian miniature-inspired works reflecting her Iranian-American experience. Other standout pieces range from Sam Bennett’s painted blinds exploring voyeurism and domesticity to Gracelee Lawrence’s 3D-printed fountain symbolizing female cycles, Hiro Tsuchiya’s introspective paintings on death, Nadine Faraj’s immersive cave-like installation rooted in ancient Mesopotamian spiritual traditions, Rose Nestler’s ‘power suit’ sculptures that reimagine female strength, and CJ Hendry’s hyper-realistic commentary on the exchange of drugs and money. With its lively mix of passionate voices and experimental approaches, Spring/Break remains a vibrant platform for discovering art that challenges, provokes, and captivates.

At this year’s Armory art fair, a captivating curatorial focus on identity and figuration shines through a diverse selection of works under $20,000. From David Shrobe’s intimate assemblage portraits that evoke raw longing, to Zak Ove’s culturally rich sculptures blending Caribbean heritage with globalization themes, the fair offers a trove of striking discoveries. Erik Thor Sandberg’s darkly surreal paintings and Alex Gardner’s sleek, neon-lit critiques of modern isolation stand out alongside Margret H Blondal’s delicate olive-oil-infused watercolors and Florine Demosthene’s vibrant collages exploring Black femininity and resilience. Meanwhile, April Street’s innovative fabric reliefs merge feminist materiality with classical form, rounding out a dynamic lineup that invites viewers to engage deeply with contemporary conversations on selfhood and society.

Abandoned industrial and historic buildings around the world have found new life through visionary transformations that blend art, architecture, and community revitalization. From Milan’s Fondazione Prada, where a former gin distillery was reimagined as a contemporary arts hub adorned with gleaming gold accents, to London’s Tate Modern, a converted power station that has become a global powerhouse of modern art, these projects showcase the power of adaptive reuse. In Germany, the vast Zollverein Coal Mine site now serves as a cultural landmark reflecting industrial heritage, while Chicago’s Stony Island Arts Bank embodies social justice by reclaiming a historic bank to celebrate African-American culture. Meanwhile, Cape Town’s Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa creatively carves a monumental grain silo into a vibrant cultural beacon for African art. These remarkable developments offer inspiring examples of how abandoned spaces can foster creativity, honor history, and spark community renewal without succumbing to commercial exploitation.

Israeli artist Guy Yanai, known for his bold geometric compositions that transform everyday scenes into vibrant, abstracted visuals, brings his unique vision to the print La Colombe d'Or (2019). Created with 16 color plates in collaboration with master printer Aurore Chauve, this piece was inspired by a Calder sculpture reflected in a hotel pool in Saint-Paul de Vence, France, blending sculpture, architecture, and nature in a poetic harmony. Yanai’s work, marked by simplified shapes and vivid hues, has been exhibited globally, with solo shows in cities like Düsseldorf, Los Angeles, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Haifa, showcasing his talent for reimagining familiar landscapes through a distinctly modern lens.

Phillips Auction House shattered records in 2018 with sales soaring 29% to $916.5 million, driven by standout pieces from iconic artists like Pablo Picasso, Pat Steir, KAWS, Allen Jones, Glenn Ligon, and Amy Sillman. Picasso’s 1932 masterpiece *La Dormeuse* fetched an astonishing $57.8 million, while more affordable prints and etchings like *Etreinte* offer collectors entry points into his legendary work. Pat Steir’s dynamic brushwork, KAWS’ signature skull-faced prints, and Allen Jones’ provocative pop art continue to captivate buyers, alongside Glenn Ligon’s powerful text-based conceptual pieces reflecting cultural identity. Amy Sillman’s abstract yet intimate portraits push the boundaries of representation, making her sought-after work accessible at more attainable prices. This surge highlights an exciting blend of historic prestige and contemporary creativity, inviting art lovers to explore remarkable works without breaking the bank.

Art book lovers, rejoice! This roundup highlights a thrilling array of upcoming releases that span from powerful monographs like Nari Ward’s compelling Harlem installation to Sherrie Levine’s bold feminist take on postmodern image appropriation. Dive into Graciela Iturbide’s poignant photography capturing Mexico’s cultural crossroads, or explore the eerie, occult world of the 18th-century manuscript Touch Me Not. Meanwhile, Among Others: Blackness at MoMA offers a critical examination of the museum’s complex relationship with Black artists and audiences, adding institutional accountability to the mix. For fans of conceptual art, Francis Alÿs’s elegant monograph documents his poetic urban wanderings, while Elmgreen & Dragset’s playful sculptures reshape our experiences of space and architecture. Whether you seek deep reflection, historical intrigue, or innovative art practices, these art books promise to enrich your collection and spark your imagination.

Art has the power to captivate, but some works turn deadly, revealing the hidden risks behind creative expression. From Jeanne-Claude and Christo’s massive Umbrellas, where a steel base tragically crushed a visitor, to Richard Serra’s towering metal sculptures that have caused fatal accidents during installation, danger often lurks beneath the surface of monumental art. Maurice Agis’s inflatable Dreamscape V soared uncontrollably, leading to deaths and injuries, while Luis Jiménez’s colossal Blue Mustang sculpture—famously cursed after killing its creator—divides public opinion. Interactive installations like Richard Morris’s Bodyspacemotionthings brought joy but also injuries, and Ai Weiwei’s seemingly harmless porcelain sunflower seeds raised health concerns due to toxic dust. Even Taryn Simon’s Black Square conceptually contains nuclear waste, reminding us that art can literally carry deadly legacies. This eye-opening exploration reveals how beauty and peril can coexist in the art world, sometimes with tragic consequences.

Mexico City’s art week burst into life with Zona Maco, Latin America’s premier art fair, showcasing a vibrant mix of established and emerging talent. From Adriana Bustos’ mystical critiques of power structures to Mano Penalva’s thought-provoking flag-inspired fabrics, the fair offered a rich spectrum of artistic voices. Sculptural provocations by Bruno Gruppalli brought a playful, sensual edge, while Gimhongsok’s colorful balloon-bronze hybrids captured personal connections through playful forms. Ryan Brown’s street-dog sculptures and Edgar Orlaineta’s wood assemblages highlighted innovative uses of materials, balanced by the vivid textures of Caroline Larsen and the material explorations of Gabriel Rico. Spanning continents, Gonzalo Fuenmayor’s charcoal drawings evoked haunting cultural intersections. With prices from $1,800 to $1 million, Zona Maco presented an irresistible opportunity to discover bold new works that celebrate the diversity and dynamism of contemporary art.

Chilean-born artist Cecilia Vicuña, now 70, is finally receiving long-overdue recognition for her pioneering multi-disciplinary work that intertwines climate change, feminism, and ancestral indigenous traditions. With recent solo exhibitions at major institutions like the Brooklyn Museum and the MFA Boston, Vicuña’s art—rooted in activism and resistance—has been building momentum for over five decades. Exiled in 1973 after Chile’s coup, she became a vocal political activist and has consistently challenged fascism, patriarchy, and colonial legacies through her evocative pieces like her celebrated quipus—knotted cords used for record-keeping by ancient Andean peoples. Her art not only honors tradition but serves as a reclaiming tool and a powerful catalyst for ecological and social justice, making her work both timeless and urgently relevant today.

As we reach nearly a quarter into the twenty-first century, contemporary art continues to redefine creativity and culture with groundbreaking works that challenge perceptions and engage deeply with history, identity, and society. From Ernesto Neto’s immersive, organic sculptures that blend sensory experience with political philosophy, to Wolfgang Tillmans’ ethereal camera-less photographs that straddle abstraction and materiality, this new millennium is rich with innovation. Hito Steyerl’s multimedia installations confront the impact of technology and surveillance, while Arthur Jafa’s powerful video collages celebrate and question Black American life through a poignant exploration of culture and resilience. Meanwhile, Yin Xiuzhen’s portable cities crafted from reclaimed textiles reflect on memory and globalization, Kerry James Marshall’s vibrant paintings reclaim Black identity in art history, and Theaster Gates’ socially engaged projects transform urban decay into creatively vital community spaces. These artists and their masterpieces not only capture the spirit of our time but also invite us to reconsider the relationship between art, politics, and human experience in an interconnected world.

Stepping into Tabboo!’s East Village studio is a vibrant plunge into a world of art, music, and drag culture, shaped over 30 years amid the neighborhood’s dramatic transformation. From his early days collaborating with iconic artists like Nan Goldin and Jack Pierson in Boston, to becoming a leading figure in New York’s underground drag and art scenes, Tabboo! has forged a dynamic career blending performance, painting, and puppetry. With roots in gritty East Village nightlife and ties to legendary creatives such as Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring, Tabboo! embodies a spirit of fearless self-expression and joyful rebellion. Today, his colorful, meticulously crafted works capture political resistance and personal history, with ongoing exhibitions in Chicago and London and participation in landmark shows marking queer cultural milestones. His story is one of resilience, evolution, and an unwavering commitment to creating art that radiates happiness and authenticity.

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

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

Perrotin gallery in Paris is showcasing a solo exhibition of Mr.’s work titled “Mr.’s Melancholy Walk Around the Town,” capturing the vibrant chaos of city life alongside a profound sense of loneliness. A former protégé of Takashi Murakami and part of the groundbreaking "Super Flat" exhibition, Mr. has gained international acclaim with shows at major institutions like the Seattle Art Museum and the Musée d’art Contemporain de Lyon. Embracing his identity as an Otaku, he blends anime and manga aesthetics to create characters that oscillate between innocence and darker, more complex emotions. Highlighted in the exhibition is “Making Things Right” (2006), a striking, detailed offset lithograph filled with narrative speech bubbles and evocative imagery reminiscent of Henry Darger’s Vivian Girls but infused with a unique manga twist. This piece is an accessible and compelling acquisition for just $750.

Nestled in Birmingham, Alabama, the beloved "Pink House" stands at a crossroads, its future uncertain as developers plan to replace it with multiple smaller homes. Built in 1921 by artist couple Eleanor and Georges Bridges, this Italianate stucco home is steeped in rich history—from serving as a sanctuary for abandoned children and recovering alcoholics during the Depression to hosting legendary writers like Hemingway and Fitzgerald, and nurturing a vibrant artistic and cultural community. Now, preservationists and locals are rallying to save this architectural and cultural gem, envisioning it as a beautiful public space filled with art, gardens, and community events. Despite the daunting $2.5 million price tag, passionate supporters across Birmingham are donating what they can and gathering thousands of petition signatures to keep the Pink House—and its legacy—alive for generations to come.

This year's Outsider Art Fair at Manhattan’s Metropolitan Pavilion spotlighted a rich tapestry of under-recognized talents beyond the anticipated Jim Carrey booth. Highlights included Henry Speller, a Delta blues musician whose erotic, grid-patterned drawings capture the vibrant late-night Memphis scene; William A. Hall, a formerly homeless artist creating meticulous, retro-futuristic drawings now supported by London’s Henry Boxer Gallery; Daniel E. Rohrig, whose mid-century gouache and ink works prefigure Pop art and were recently discovered posthumously; Japanese artist Yuichiro Ukai, blending traditional emaki scroll style with dynamic modern pop culture imagery; and Helen Rae, a nonverbal artist championed by The Good Luck Gallery, whose richly detailed colored pencil portraits emerge from an abstract geometry. These compelling stories and artworks together celebrate the power of authentic, outsider voices in contemporary art.

This week, Sotheby’s is auctioning a remarkable private collection of Supreme skate decks, authenticated by StockX and expected to fetch between $800,000 and $1.2 million. While the sky-high price tag might put many off, art enthusiasts can still own pieces from celebrated artists like Takashi Murakami, Keith Haring, Paul McCarthy, René Magritte, George Condo, Mark Flood, and Roger Ballen at more accessible prices on Artspace. These decks showcase everything from Haring’s vibrant street-inspired graphics to McCarthy’s provocative political humor, Murakami’s pop-art anime motifs, and Magritte’s surrealist classics, blending skate culture with high art. Whether you’re drawn to the collection on display at Sotheby’s or eyeing affordable alternatives, this auction highlights the compelling intersection of contemporary art and skateboarding culture.

Rapper and designer Kanye West has pledged $10 million to help complete James Turrell’s monumental land art project, Roden Crater, a transformed extinct volcano in Arizona that the artist has been developing for over 50 years. Turrell, known for his pioneering work with light and perception, discovered the crater during flights over the desert and has dedicated his career to creating immersive experiences that challenge viewers’ sense of space and time. From his early light sculptures and skyspaces to massive exhibitions at institutions like LACMA and the Guggenheim, Turrell’s work invites audiences to engage deeply with light as a tangible, almost physical presence. While Roden Crater remains closed to the public as fundraising continues, Turrell’s groundbreaking installations, including his innovative “Perceptual Cells,” continue to captivate and inspire, redefining how we see and feel light in art.

January’s art scene bursts with vibrant exhibitions showcasing a diverse array of artists pushing boundaries across mediums and cultures. From Mariana Castillo Deball’s exploration of historical artifacts and Mexican identity at New York’s New Museum to Shuvinai Ashoona’s optimistic, surreal Inuit-inspired drawings at Toronto’s Power Plant, there’s a rich tapestry of storytelling on display. Iranian-American Raha Raissnia blends film, painting, and expanded cinema in Brooklyn, while Canadian Jessica Campbell playfully reinterprets art history with colorful, tactile carpet murals in Chicago. Sophie Von Hellermann’s dreamy, fable-like watercolors grace Greene Naftali in New York, and Michel Auder brings playful, heartfelt video diaries and portraits rooted in the Warhol era to Gavin Brown’s Enterprise. Meanwhile, Taiwan-born Shu Lea Cheang’s groundbreaking Net Art and cybernetic installations at the New Museum spark reflection on digital futures and postcapitalist imaginaries. Whether you’re drawn to historical narratives, surreal landscapes, or multimedia innovation, this month’s exhibitions offer plenty to inspire and delight.

Reflecting on 2018 through the lens of a high school yearbook, the art world revealed its unique blend of spectacle, controversy, and innovation. Banksy stole the spotlight with his audacious self-shredding "Girl with Balloon" stunt, sparking debates about art, value, and privilege. Fashion met art in the Whitney’s groundbreaking show featuring Eckhaus Latta, whose provocative designs challenged traditional aesthetics and market boundaries. Provocateur Sarah Lucas continued to blend humor and feminist critique through bold, unmistakable iconography. Meanwhile, Andy Warhol’s fascination with fame and smiles was revisited, alongside David Hockney’s record-breaking, Instagram-friendly masterpiece. The show also honored thoughtful intellectualism with Adrian Piper’s MoMA retrospective and celebrated the long-overdue recognition of feminist pioneer Hilma af Klint at the Guggenheim. Rising talents like Leilah Weinraub captured underrepresented narratives with emotional depth, whereas figures like Boyd Rice underscored the persistent darker shadows within the scene. Through figures like Richard Prince pushing appropriation’s limits and Grant Wood’s Regionalist roots, 2018’s art world was a vibrant mix of history, rebellion, and reinvention.

If you're looking to share your passion for art with the little ones in your life, Phaidon's delightful children's books offer a playful and accessible introduction to visual culture. From vibrant color explorations in "These Colors Are Bananas" and interactive experiences like "Find Colors" and "A Pile of Leaves," to the tender celebration of connection in "My Art Book of Love," these books engage toddlers and preschoolers with creativity and fun. For curious young stargazers, "Seeing Stars" unravels the magic of constellations, while collections by Hervé Tullet and Jean Jullien bring humor, imagination, and tactile play to early readers. Plus, budding chefs can dive into hands-on cooking adventures with Lotte Nieminen’s interactive cookbook boxset. These beautifully crafted books are perfect gifts that inspire discovery, interaction, and joy for children from ages 2 to 10.

Celebrating its 14th anniversary in Miami Beach, the PULSE art fair continues to be a vibrant highlight of Miami Art Week, offering young and emerging collectors access to a dynamic mix of contemporary works that favor bold, colorful aesthetics over the overly conceptual. Featuring around 70 galleries from around the world, this year’s fair showcased a surge of vibrant hues and impactful solo projects, such as Ann Lewis’ provocative installation addressing rape culture. Among the affordable art treasures under $10,000, standout artists like Patty Suau explore intimacy with minimalist detail, Melinda Laszczynski experiments with textured ceramics, and Jennifer Ament fuses activism with art through powerful imagery. From Tsoku Maela’s culturally reflective pieces to Super Future Kid’s neon-hued playful works, and Trey Egan’s dreamlike abstractions inspired by electronic music, the fair buzzes with innovative creativity. Ian Healy’s storybook-inspired practice and Tim Garwood’s tactile, three-dimensional constructions round out a compelling selection for both novice and seasoned collectors alike.

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

Untitled Art, Miami Beach highlights an exciting array of new galleries this year, including 45 first-time exhibitors who bring fresh perspectives to the seven-year-old fair. Among them, London’s 50 Golborne stands out for its unique focus on design and fine art rooted in the African diaspora, showcasing artists like Malala Andrialavidrazana and Wura-Natasha Ongunji. Brooklyn’s Pratt Institute celebrates its rich alumni network with works by legends such as Robert Mapplethorpe and Mickalene Thomas, alongside emerging talents and a new printmaking initiative supporting scholarships. Fort Lauderdale’s Girls’ Club foundation spotlights contemporary women artists with engaging performances and dynamic exhibitions, while Los Angeles’ DENK Gallery brings thoughtful, wellness-inspired art to the fair, featuring emerging painter Nathan Redwood. Together, these new participants promise to invigorate Untitled with diverse narratives, innovative artworks, and meaningful cultural dialogue.

Justine Ludwig, newly appointed executive director of New York’s socially engaged public art non-profit Creative Time and former deputy director of Dallas Contemporary, shares her seven favorite works from Untitled Art, Miami Beach. Highlights include Faig Ahmed’s surreal rugs that blend tradition with digital distortion; Noémie Goudal’s haunting architectural photographs that blur reality and fiction; Trenton Doyle Hancock’s immersive comic book-inspired worlds; Liliana Porter’s poetic miniatures exploring psychology and mythology; Paul Mpagi Sepuya’s portraiture challenging visibility and objectification; Edra Soto’s socially conscious assemblages crafted from discarded bottles and Puerto Rican decorative ironwork; and Amélie Bouvier’s contemplative drawings honoring unsung women astronomers. Each piece showcases innovative narratives pushing boundaries within contemporary art.

The Marciano Art Foundation, established in 2017 to make the Marciano Art Collection accessible to the public, presents a dynamic rotating exhibition space in Los Angeles featuring artists from the 1990s to today. Jamie Manné, the Foundation’s deputy director, shares her eight favorite works showcased at NADA Miami 2018, highlighting a diverse range of artists such as Alex Becerra, Chris Bogia, Jessica Dickinson, and David Leggett. From dreamy high heel sketches and intricate smoke-detailed drawings to subtle, grounding paintings and socially charged pop culture references, these pieces reflect a vibrant mix of emerging and mid-career talent. Manné’s selections underscore the fair’s exciting blend of personal expression, social commentary, and artistic innovation, offering visitors a glimpse into the compelling narratives behind each work.

Margaret Lee, a rare figure who excels both as an artist and a gallery partner at New York’s 47 Canal, shares her top picks from Artspace’s exclusive preview of NADA Miami 2018. Represented by Jack Hanley Gallery and exhibited worldwide at prestigious institutions like MoMA PS1 and the Hammer Museum, Lee highlights standout works that blend emotional depth with striking visuals. From Tyree Guyton’s tender "The Love Show," which overcomes her usual dread of clocks, to Tabboo!’s evocative "Cityscape (Empire State Building)" that captures the enduring memory of New York’s skyline, and Carolina Caycedo’s elegant line drawing of EGOT winner Rita Moreno, Lee offers a curated glimpse into the fair’s compelling art scene. Her selections invite viewers to experience a mix of tenderness, ambiguity, and cultural homage at the Ice Palace Studios in Miami this December.

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

Kelly Sawdon, chief brand officer of Ace Hotel Group, shares her passion for art and design as she highlights standout works featured at Untitled Art, Miami Beach. From Teresa Lanceta’s groundbreaking fiber arts that challenge traditional categories, to Malala Andrialavidrazana’s complex visual narratives on culture and power, each piece invites deep reflection. Hulda Guzmán’s evocative interiors blur the line between the mundane and the uncanny, while Mary Weatherford’s contemporary prints capture the fleeting nature of time and identity. Finally, the politically charged geometric paintings of Equipo 57 reveal powerful stories of boundaries and collective expression. Together, these artworks exemplify the rich, layered storytelling that defines the Untitled Art experience.

The ongoing debates around free speech in the art world are deeply entwined with issues of copyright, censorship, and cultural appropriation. Recent high-profile cases, like Jeff Koons being found guilty of plagiarism, highlight the complexities of copyright in an age where art often repurposes existing images, raising questions about ownership and creativity. Meanwhile, attempts to regulate or censor art—such as a controversial D.C. amendment targeting "vulgar" or political works and protests against right-wing rhetoric in Germany—underscore the tension between protecting expression and imposing moral standards. Cultural appropriation remains a particularly charged topic, exemplified by the controversy surrounding Dana Schutz’s painting of Emmett Till, which sparked fierce debate over who has the right to represent marginalized histories and traumas. Together, these issues reflect the broader, contentious landscape where art, power, and free speech collide.

Celebrating what would have been Claude Monet’s 178th birthday, this article delves into the life and legacy of the French Impressionist pioneer, famed for his dreamy water lily paintings created even as he lost his sight. It highlights Monet’s unique birthday tradition involving a delicately crafted Gateau Vert—a pistachio-flavored cake inspired by his love for nature and reminiscent of his lily pads—paired with a quirky woodcock hunting ritual. The piece also connects Monet’s favorite cake to a recent Great British Bake-Off episode where contestants faced the challenge of making the Gateau Vert, complete with spinach-colored icing, adding a deliciously charming twist to the iconic artist’s story. Through warm storytelling and delightful pop culture references, the article captures the tender fusion of art, history, and culinary creativity.

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

Sotheby's upcoming Contemporary Evening Auction features stunning works estimated to sell for millions, but Artspace offers art lovers the chance to own pieces by the same iconic artists at a fraction of the cost. From Wayne Thiebaud’s vivid prints blending consumer culture and portraiture, to Richard Prince’s provocative rephotography challenging originality, and KAWS’ playful yet poignant Companion figures bridging street art and fine art, there’s something for every collector. Dive into Kenneth Noland’s vibrant Color Field abstractions, Roy Lichtenstein’s legendary Pop Art comics, and Ed Ruscha’s cinematic text-driven paintings—all available in accessible editions that let you experience high-caliber contemporary art without breaking the bank. Whether you’re eyeing a steal or dreaming of the splurge, these extraordinary works show how creativity and investment can go hand in hand.

Martha Rosler’s art has long challenged American imperialism and domestic complacency through powerful photomontages and collages that expose the intersections of war, consumer culture, and social inequality. From her iconic anti-Vietnam works like *Cleaning the Drapes*—which collages scenes of upper-middle-class American life with images of soldiers in Vietnam—to her later critiques of media distraction during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, Rosler’s practice reveals the grim realities behind polished façades. Her retrospective, *Irrespective*, currently at The Jewish Museum, also features new work like *Reading Hannah Arendt*, where she evokes the political insights of the philosopher to confront contemporary authoritarianism. Across six compelling pieces, Rosler’s art remains a sharp, urgent commentary on the persistence of violence, inequality, and the human consequences often hidden within everyday life.

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

KAWS, renowned for blurring the lines between fine art and commercial culture, has captivated collectors worldwide with his iconic Companion series—playful, cartoonish figures with a unique twist revealing dissected anatomy. From street art beginnings to collaborations with Nike and Uniqlo, and installations at major museums, KAWS’s work commands a cult-like following that spans adolescents to art connoisseurs, including celebrities like Tobey Maguire and Pharrell Williams. Whether owning a life-size sculpture valued at over a million dollars or a more accessible small figure starting at $285, collectors are drawn to the distinctive blend of pop culture and high art that KAWS masterfully creates.

Frida Kahlo’s legacy transcends her vividly emotional paintings to encompass a fascinating glimpse into her personal life, health struggles, and vibrant aesthetic. The Victoria and Albert Museum’s exhibition "Frida: Inside and Outside" reveals over 200 intimate belongings from her Casa Azul home, including her iconic clothing, jewelry, and even her striking red-leather prosthetic leg, offering a rare window into the woman behind the myth. Kahlo’s artistic life was deeply intertwined with her two celebrated studios in Mexico City: her childhood home turned museum, Casa Azul, and the architecturally avant-garde dual house compound she shared with Diego Rivera, connected by a symbolic bridge. These spaces not only shaped her creative output but also embodied her bold spirit and complex identity, making this exhibition a vivid tribute to Kahlo’s enduring cultural and artistic influence.

At the turn of the nineteenth century, Art Nouveau emerged as a bold and diverse international movement, transforming visual arts, architecture, and design with its dynamic blend of organic forms, geometric simplicity, and cultural influences spanning Europe and beyond. From the sinuous curves of Parisian metro entrances to the elegant geometry of Glasgow’s Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Art Nouveau defied historicism and embraced innovation, reflecting the hopes, anxieties, and contradictions of the fin de siècle era. Despite its brief peak between 1890 and 1910, the style’s versatility made it both elitist and populist, influencing everything from luxurious jewelry to everyday industrial objects. Art Nouveau’s legacy survived early criticism and fell out of favor before inspiring later movements like Art Deco and experiencing revivals in mid-20th-century design culture. This rich tapestry of artistic vision is exemplified by iconic practitioners such as Aubrey Beardsley, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Frank Lloyd Wright, Gustav Klimt, and Margaret MacDonald & Charles Rennie Mackintosh, whose groundbreaking work continues to captivate and inspire.

New Orleans captivates visitors with its unique blend of rich history, vibrant culture, and a blossoming contemporary art scene, especially in the Warehouse District where classic 19th-century charm meets modern creativity. This dynamic neighborhood, filled with trendy restaurants, galleries, and live music venues, is soon to welcome Maison de la Luz, a boutique hotel that embodies the city’s romance and artistic spirit through exquisite design and local art. Beyond the District, the city offers extraordinary experiences—from inspiring galleries like Arthur Roger to treasured museums such as the Ogden Museum of Southern Art, and enchanting spots like the mysterious French Quarter courtyards and historic graveyards. Whether savoring jazz at Preservation Hall, unwinding in lush parks, or indulging in fusional cuisine and drinks, New Orleans promises an unforgettable sensory journey into a world where old and new blend seamlessly.

This month’s spotlight shines on a diverse group of compelling artists featured in major exhibitions across the U.S. From Jack Whitten’s innovative process-driven abstract paintings rooted in civil rights history to Shan Goshorn’s powerful Cherokee basket weaving that reinterprets historical documents as woven narratives of cultural loss and resilience. Texas-born Hugh Hayden’s sculptural works challenge traditional American ideals by transforming found wood into symbolic relics of the fractured American Dream. Jesse Chun examines language and cultural assimilation through subtle, text-based landscapes, while Emilio Martinez Poppe’s interactive piece at the Queens Museum highlights unacknowledged labor in the arts. The retrospective of Charles White at MoMA honors his pivotal role in socially engaged Black portraiture, and Nina Chanel Abney’s vibrant, provocative works boldly confront contemporary social issues in her first solo museum show. Meanwhile, Marguerite Humeau’s haunting, otherworldly sculptures explore the origins of humanity and culture through an intense sensory experience, uniting biology, mythology, and science in a meditation on birth and civilization. Together, these artists articulate urgent narratives around identity, history, and social justice through innovative and deeply personal practices.

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

The phenomenon of viral memes often obscures their origins, but artist Zardulu the Mythmaker has revealed herself as the mastermind behind several beloved animal-related internet hoaxes, including the infamous Pizza Rat and Selfie Rat videos. Her recent solo exhibition in Manhattan showcased these viral stunts, exposing how easily fabricated myths can sweep across media and captivate global audiences. While Zardulu’s work highlights the fascinating power of online myth-making, the gallery presentation missed an opportunity to deepen the conversation about misinformation’s role in today’s political and social landscape. Instead of sparking reflection on the implications of fabricated truths in the digital age, the show presented her viral creations as isolated curiosities, leaving viewers pondering the thin line between humor, art, and the dangerous dynamics of fake news that continue to shape our world.

Discover how to collect works by some of the art world’s most celebrated names without breaking the bank. From Amy Sillman’s dynamic explorations of abstraction and figuration to Lucio Fontana’s iconic spatial cuts that blur painting and sculpture, this guide compares high-end auction estimates with accessible alternatives available for a fraction of the price. Dive into Cy Twombly’s whimsical scribbles, Georg Baselitz’s powerful Neo-Expressionist prints, and Richard Serra’s minimalist masterpieces, all alongside affordable editions that let you invest smartly while celebrating the artists’ legacies. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, these steals offer an inspiring way to bring sought-after art into your collection.

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

Animal: Exploring the Zoological World, by Harvard zoology professor James Hanken, is a stunning visual journey through humanity’s complex relationship with animals, showcasing images from ancient cave paintings to cutting-edge digital renderings. The book celebrates animal art’s rich history across cultures and media, highlighting how animals have inspired myths, science, and creativity. Featured works include Cai Guo-Qiang’s haunting installation of faux-taxidermy animals around a desert watering hole, Guido Mocafico’s vivid photographs of venomous snakes, and Chim Pom’s provocative taxidermied “Super Rats” reflecting urban challenges. From scientific illustrations like Carl Chun’s deep-sea octopus to the surreal composite camel in Persian art and delicate Japanese netsuke carvings, this collection reveals both the breathtaking diversity of life on Earth and humanity’s enduring fascination with the animal kingdom.

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

In a world rife with misinformation and paranoia, the Met Breuer’s exhibition "Everything is Connected: Art and Conspiracy" offers a profound exploration of how art intersects with conspiracy theories, tracing this cultural phenomenon from 1969 to the present. Co-curated by Doug Eklund and Ian Alteveer, and inspired by conversations with the late Mike Kelley, the show features 70 works by 30 artists who navigate the eerie, the political, and the marginalized perspectives often dismissed as mere "conspiracy." It reveals how conspiracy theories serve as modern myths and alternate belief systems that reflect deeper societal anxieties and truths, particularly in the American context shaped by Watergate, Vietnam, and Helter Skelter. The exhibition balances fact-based investigative art with more surreal, speculative works, inviting viewers to reconsider the boundaries between paranoia and reality, and encouraging all “weird uncles and aunts” to engage with the art’s provocative questioning of truth in an age of fake news.

The New Museum is unveiling “Sarah Lucas: Au Naturel,” the first major U.S. retrospective of the iconic British artist known for her provocative and humorous explorations of gender, identity, and cultural norms. Spanning over 30 years and nearly 200 works, the exhibition showcases Lucas’s subversive use of everyday objects like food, furniture, and tabloids to challenge traditional femininity with a raw, crude wit often associated with masculinity. Tracing her journey from her early days with the Young British Artists and alternative art spaces to her breakthrough shows like “Penis Nailed to a Board” and the collaborative project The Shop, the retrospective reveals Lucas’s unique voice—rooted in working-class realism, DIY ethos, and a playful yet critical engagement with popular culture. Balancing urgency and formality, her work captures a disappearing way of life and offers sharp, unvarnished commentary on Britishness, celebrity, and subcultural identity, all delivered with a distinctive blend of humor and attitude.

Art Basel and other major art fairs are introducing tiered pricing structures to ease financial pressures on smaller galleries, but the deep-rooted challenges facing mid-tier and emerging galleries remain daunting. High costs for booth fees, insurance, shipping, and event hosting compound the difficulty for smaller players to turn a profit, especially as market dynamics favor well-established mega-galleries. This financial strain not only threatens galleries but also impacts the broader art ecosystem by discouraging risk-taking and innovation in programming. Some suggest shifting to a revenue-share model with lower entry fees, similar to New York’s Spring/Break fair, which could foster diversity and reduce losses. However, many galleries are already opting out of fairs altogether, signaling that incremental changes may not be enough to sustain these events. Instead, a collective effort among galleries and a focus on direct collector engagement could pave the way for new, community-driven alternatives to the traditional art fair model.

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

Polly Apfelbaum’s 2018 work, *A Potential*, is much more than a vibrant study of form and color; it deeply engages with the historical and ongoing struggles for women’s emancipation. Inspired by her 2017 piece *The Potential of Women* and referencing a 1963 symposium illustration that overlooked feminist demands, this enamel-on-metal tile blurs the lines between painting, printmaking, and sculpture in Apfelbaum's signature "fallen paintings" style. Its versatility in display—from framing to tiling a bathroom—reflects the endless creative possibilities it offers. With solo exhibitions opening at Vienna’s Belvedere 21 and the UK’s Ikon Gallery, Apfelbaum’s work is making waves in the contemporary art world, featured in major museums and available for collectors at accessible prices.

The Brooklyn Museum’s exhibition "Half the Picture: A Feminist Look at the Collection" offers a powerful reexamination of over 100 years of art through an intersectional feminist lens, challenging the traditional narratives that have long excluded women artists and artists of color. Curated by Catherine Morris and Carmen Hermo, the show brings together works by more than 50 artists who address race, class, gender, and political resistance, connecting historical struggles with contemporary movements like #MeToo. By including diverse voices across the gender spectrum and highlighting both historic and recent acquisitions, the exhibition not only critiques institutional biases but also models how museums can embrace feminism as an evolving methodology, making space for ongoing conversations about equity in art and society.

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

The Guggenheim and Hugo Boss Prizes are two of the most prestigious awards in the art world, propelling mid-career artists into the spotlight or cementing their legacy with significant cash prizes and major exhibitions. The Guggenheim Award, given since 1925 to artists, scientists, and scholars in the U.S., has honored luminaries like Alex Katz and Beverly Buchanan, while the Hugo Boss Prize, awarded every other year to international artists across all media, offers $100,000 and a Guggenheim solo show, with past winners including Matthew Barney and Tacita Dean. From Katz’s pastel-infused portraits and Emily Jacir’s poignant explorations of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict to John Baldessari’s playful conceptual photography and Paul Chan’s politically charged installations, these prizewinners showcase a diverse and dynamic range of contemporary art that continues to captivate collectors and institutions alike.

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

New York-based artist William Eric Brown transforms photographs of architectural and natural environments into layered, semi-abstract compositions that explore themes of motion and transition. By overlaying gestural paint marks and multiple images, Brown creates dreamlike places that exist more as states of mind than physical locations. His process weaves together medium format film photography, intuitive gestures, and digital manipulation, resulting in works that reveal themselves slowly, inviting deep contemplation. Extending his exploration into three dimensions, Brown’s bronze and aluminum sculptures, cast from cardboard forms, echo the angular yet spontaneous qualities of his photographic pieces, embodying ideas of shelter and structure. Rooted in everyday surroundings and personal experience, Brown’s work captures the fluidity of place and memory in an engaging dialogue between form, material, and emotion.

Hito Steyerl, a pioneering artist, filmmaker, and writer, captivates with her sharp institutional critique and accessible, thought-provoking films that blend humor and deep political insight. From her early work like *November,* which explores the political symbolism of Kurdish resistance, to *Lovely Andrea,* a provocative look at bondage as a metaphor for work and capitalism, Steyerl unpacks how images circulate and transform meaning in our digital age. Her succinct pieces like *Strike* and *Probability* challenge perceptions of visibility and impossibility, while *How Not to Be Seen* cleverly addresses surveillance culture through pixelated invisibility. Steyerl’s work remains essential for understanding the intersections of art, politics, and technology in contemporary life.

In New York City’s modest income and minority neighborhoods, the arts have often been a double-edged sword—bringing both creative energy and the threat of displacement through a phenomenon known as "artwashing." The Laundromat Project, a pioneering nonprofit founded in 2005 by Risë Wilson, challenges this trend by embedding art directly within community spaces like laundromats, gardens, and libraries rather than upscale galleries or coffee shops. Executive Director Kemi Ilesanmi shares how the organization fosters authentic cultural expression and community ties through artist residencies, fellowship programs, and partnerships in neighborhoods like Harlem, Bed-Stuy, and the South Bronx. The project emphasizes responsible community-based arts programming that honors local voices and resists gentrification, transforming strangers into neighbors while supporting artists with meaningful resources and collaborative opportunities. Through innovative programs and deep relationships, The Laundromat Project reimagines art’s role in sustaining vibrant, inclusive communities rather than uprooting them.

Comedy brilliantly exposes the quirks and absurdities of the art world, turning its clichés and pretensions into rich fodder for laughter. From Danny DeVito’s hilarious alter ego Ongo Gablogian in "Always Sunny in Philadelphia" to Kate Berlant’s sharp sketches in Netflix’s "The Characters," TV comedies have repeatedly turned the spotlight on the often perplexing and ostentatious nature of art culture. Whether it’s poking fun at pretentious gallery owners, baffling modern art, or the shaky line between creativity and commercialism, shows like "The Simpsons," "Nathan for You," and "Portlandia" continue to deliver biting, laugh-out-loud critiques. These memorable moments not only highlight how ridiculous the art world can be but also invite us to laugh at ourselves and the serious business of art with a lighter heart.

Cindy Sherman, renowned for her iconic self-portraits embodying female archetypes, brings her artistic vision to the playful realm of pool floats with the "Oops Phone Float." This metallic silver inflatable, inspired by a merged image from Sherman's phone, doubles as both a fun floatation device and a striking sculptural piece for the home. Part of Third Drawer Down’s Pool Float Collection, the float supports Friends of + POOL, a nonprofit creating a sustainable floating pool in the Hudson River. Available on Artspace, the "Oops Phone Float" blends Sherman's conceptual artistry with a splash of whimsy and purpose.

Thomas Bayrle, a visionary German artist whose career spans over five decades, masterfully explores the intersections of mass production, consumerism, and global politics through his repetitive, textile-inspired patterns—a nod to his beginnings as a weaver. His groundbreaking work, showcased in the New Museum’s retrospective "Thomas Bayrle: Playtime," features iconic pieces like his mechanized painting of Chairman Mao and his “superforms,” where countless tiny images create larger, striking visuals. Bayrle’s art captures the contradictions of the modern age, balancing excitement for technological progress with a critical eye on its social and political implications. From his immersive environments filled with logos and products to vast cityscapes reflecting capitalism’s sprawling complexity, Bayrle’s work reveals a layered relationship with technology and society—embodying both skepticism and awe, individuality within mass production, and even spiritual reflections drawn from montage and machinery.

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

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

This week in art news, London’s National Gallery made headlines by acquiring a work by Artemisia Gentileschi, marking the first female artist acquisition in 27 years and highlighting the ongoing gender disparity in historic art collections. The Louvre is tapping into pop culture with a guided tour of the 17 artworks featured in Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s “Apeshit” video, blending contemporary music with classical art. Meanwhile, MoMA PS1 faces legal challenges after allegedly retracting a curator’s job offer upon learning she had a new baby, sparking conversations about workplace discrimination. In Chelsea, multiple galleries evacuated due to a fire at Paula Cooper’s storage facility, with damage assessment underway. Florida debuted an innovative underwater sculpture park designed to promote coral reef health, offering a unique experience for certified divers. Plus, explore must-see artists of July, the overlooked women of Bauhaus, stunning collaborations at The Broad, and top summer art destinations to inspire your next cultural adventure.

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

In his animated work *Swell*, artist Chris Doyle evokes the tension between industrial progress and environmental degradation through vibrant, layered landscapes inspired by Thomas Cole’s paintings. The piece transforms familiar scenes—rivers become water slides, and nature morphs into Modernist architecture—juxtaposing beauty with a darker subtext. Now based in Mexico City, Doyle draws new inspiration from the city’s rich history and the surreal remnants of its recent earthquake, influencing his shift from landscapes to exploring the transition from industrial to digital culture. His recent collaboration with 21c Museum Hotel reimagines *Swell* as a patterned scarf, reflecting his ongoing fascination with pattern, perspective, and the delicate balance between seductive aesthetics and urgent environmental themes. Through his art, Doyle invites viewers to reconsider the unseen connections behind the objects and systems we often take for granted, blending thoughtful reflection with powerful visual storytelling.

Curators today embody a dynamic blend of roles—advocates, project managers, writers, and more—masterfully balancing vision and rigor to shape how we experience art. From Ashley James’s meaningful work on the Brooklyn Museum’s powerful “Soul of a Nation” exhibition, to Emma Enderby’s pioneering role at The Shed navigating uncharted curatorial territory, these trailblazers redefine the field with passion and innovation. At Yale, Judy Ditner expands photography’s narrative beyond tradition, while independent curator Piper Marshall navigates the complexities of corporate collaboration with critical honesty. Justine Ludwig highlights public art’s transformative power amplified by social media, and Lumi Tan at The Kitchen fosters interdisciplinary projects challenging systemic norms. Together, these curators are at the forefront of an ever-evolving art world, fostering dialogue, discovery, and change.

Gallery representation marks a major milestone for artists, often leading to increased value and visibility for their work. Recently, top galleries worldwide have expanded their rosters with dynamic new talents and estates, from Chicago’s Josh Dihle, whose woodcarvings draw on Dante’s Inferno, to Dana Schutz’s controversial yet compelling paintings now represented in London. Legendary estates, such as Joseph Beuys and Stuart Davis, have also found new homes with prominent galleries, promising exciting exhibitions ahead. Meanwhile, rising stars like Sam Falls and established figures like Theaster Gates continue to make waves, joined by multimedia innovators like Anthea Hamilton and influential modernists such as Günther Förg. Collectors now have fresh opportunities to acquire works that blend tradition and contemporary vision, reflecting a vibrant and evolving art world poised for growth.

The complex and often misunderstood relationship between artists and their models is brought to life through intimate accounts from those who have posed for some of history’s most renowned painters and photographers. From the enduring intrigue behind Mona Lisa’s identity to the powerful collaborations between contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley and Jordan Casteel with their subjects, this exploration reveals how modeling is far more than passive posing. It can be an emotional, intellectually engaging, and sometimes challenging process that shapes the artwork—and often the model’s own sense of self. Through candid stories ranging from Grant Wood’s protective gestures toward his sister Nan to Sally Mann’s daughter Jessie reclaiming agency over her own image, the article uncovers how models influence the final masterpieces while navigating dynamics of inspiration, exploitation, and empowerment across different eras and cultures.

For over a century, the Christopher Street Pier in Manhattan has been a vital sanctuary and cultural hub for the LGBTQ community, evolving from a bustling maritime nightlife spot into a refuge for gay culture and a haven for marginalized LGBTQ youth, especially during the AIDS crisis. Now transformed into Hudson River Park, this historically rich site is home to New York State’s first official LGBTQ monument, created by artist Anthony Goicolea. The memorial features nine bronze boulders arranged in a circular formation that invites visitors to engage and reflect, with fractured stones mended by fragile glass that refracts light into rainbow colors—symbolizing unity through diversity. Inscribed with powerful words by Audre Lorde, the artwork honors the resilience, strength, and enduring community spirit nurtured at this landmark location.

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

Joan Miró, a masterful artist known for his unique symbols and icons, bridged Surrealism and Dadaism without ever confining himself to a single movement. After World War II, Miró expanded beyond painting into printmaking, ceramics, sculpture, and tapestries, collaborating with influential poets like André Breton. His posthumous lithograph *Maravillas con variaciones acrósticas en el jardín de Miró IV* (1975), produced by the renowned Polígrafa Obra Gráfica in Barcelona, exemplifies his innovative spirit and is highly collectible. Featured in respected catalogues raisonnés and housed in prestigious museums worldwide, Miró's work invites collectors to own a piece of art history steeped in creativity and cultural significance.

Founded by Eli and Edythe Broad in 2015, The Broad in Los Angeles has quickly established itself as a leading contemporary art museum, home to over 2,000 works including iconic Infinity Mirror Rooms by Yayoi Kusama. Now, for the first time, The Broad has launched an online shop in partnership with Artspace, featuring exclusive, artist-designed objects in collaboration with Kusama’s studio. Celebrating Kusama’s immersive and endlessly captivating art, this collection includes limited edition skate decks, scarves, porcelain pieces, and leather clutches, all inspired by her mesmerizing Infinity Mirrors. With crowds flocking to see Kusama’s exhibitions and her work generating a social media frenzy, these unique, finely crafted items offer fans an accessible way to bring a piece of her visionary world home.

Switzerland’s Art Basel returns as the premier event in the art world, showcasing top-tier artists from leading galleries worldwide and drawing massive international crowds. This year’s fair spotlights artists like Polly Apfelbaum, whose vibrant, large-scale carpet installations challenge traditional museum norms with a feminist, political edge, and Carol Bove, known for her monumental steel sculptures and compelling prints that trace the spirit of the 1960s and ’70s artistic movements. Sam Gilliam continues to push the boundaries of Color Field painting, now at the peak of his career, while Robert Longo powers bold political commentary through striking photo-realistic drawings and provocative installations. Emerging talents like Sam Moyer experiment with unconventional materials to redefine painting, and Camille Henrot explores spirituality and belief through innovative multimedia works. For collectors and enthusiasts alike, Art Basel offers a chance to engage with groundbreaking art at various price points, both at the fair and through accessible platforms like Artspace.

This article takes a captivating journey through ten iconic masterpieces of 20th-century art, showcasing a diverse array of groundbreaking works that shaped modernism and post-modernism. From Francesca Woodman’s haunting self-portraits exploring light and space to Louise Bourgeois’ evocative sculptures merging natural and human forms, each piece reveals deep artistic innovation and emotional resonance. Highlights include Henry Moore’s biomorphic sculptures inspired by ancient cultures, Stephen Shore’s strikingly banal yet vivid American landscapes, and Shirin Neshat’s powerful photographic series reflecting the complex experience of Iranian women post-revolution. The article also celebrates Jeff Wall’s cinematic photo constructions, Robert Mangold’s minimalist abstract paintings, William Eggleston’s pioneering color photography, Joan Jonas’ introspective performance art, and Ansel Adams’ poignant landscapes capturing injustice and resilience. Together, these works embody the rich evolution and multifaceted nature of 20th-century art, blending technique, history, and profound human stories.

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

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

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

Pilar Wiley’s patterned ceramic vessels transform traditional pottery into captivating works of art, drawing inspiration from West and South African influences. Her unique, repetitive glazing technique brings a ritualistic quality to each piece, turning clay into a living canvas for her distinctive mark-making. Celebrated in prominent art spaces like NADA Miami Beach and featured in respected publications such as ArtNews and Wallpaper, Wiley’s ceramics offer collectors a chance to own pieces that blend cultural heritage with contemporary artistry.

“A Queen Within” at the New Orleans Museum of Art channels the vibrant spirit of drag culture into a powerful exploration of fashion as a form of feminist performance and identity. Curated by Museea and produced by Barrett Barrera Projects, the exhibition challenges traditional beauty standards and gender norms through a diverse mix of designers—from Alexander McQueen to emerging creatives like Louise Linderoth and brands like Adidas—highlighting inclusivity in body types, abilities, and cultural representation. It presents fashion not just as clothing but as a dynamic statement on race, ethnicity, and activism, featuring innovative pieces like magnetic fastener flannels and tech-enabled “Sound Shirts” for the deaf. Through arresting installations and engaging video works, “A Queen Within” transforms the idea of ‘queenhood’ into a multifaceted celebration of empowerment, urging viewers to rethink fashion’s social and political dimensions beyond the runway.

As spring ushers in warm, sunny days, dive into a curated list of ten captivating books written by artists that explore art from fresh, intimate perspectives. From David Salle’s insightful guide on seeing art with the artist’s eye to Paul Chan’s witty and philosophical essays on modern creativity, these reads blend humor, theory, and personal reflection. Discover Carroll Dunham’s thoughtful musings on contemporary art history, Mary Kelly’s provocative essays intertwining feminism and psychoanalysis, and Leonora Carrington’s surreal, enchanting fictional stories. Hito Steyerl examines art’s role in our globalized world, while Yvonne Rainer offers an intimate memoir tracing her artistic journey. Chris Kraus celebrates the communal spirit of DIY art scenes, Seth Price challenges today’s digital art landscape with a provocative narrative, and Phaidon’s The Artist Project reveals the inspirations behind 120 influential contemporary artists. These books are perfect companions for anyone eager to deepen their understanding and appreciation of art’s dynamic power.

Navigating the sweltering heat of Frieze’s preview day, we uncovered eight standout artworks—all priced under $10,000—showcasing a dynamic mix of emerging talents and established figures. Highlights include Tau Lewis’s evocative sculptures made from scrap metal and natural materials that explore Black identity and environment; Michael Wang’s haunting photographs of ancient coal forests reflecting on climate change; and Curtis Talwst Santiago’s powerful portraits delving into transcultural memory and ancestry. From Madeline Hollander’s poetic dance video addressing global sand crises, to Jasper Johns’s iconic Black Numeral lithograph, to Julie Béna’s immersive performance-driven installations, each piece offers a unique lens on contemporary art. Also featured are visionary works by Koichi Enomoto, channeling post-apocalyptic futures, and Ann Agee’s whimsical ceramic hand warmers inspired by global footwear traditions—proof that great art can be accessible, thought-provoking, and irresistibly engaging.

Frieze art fair dazzles with an array of provocative and larger-than-life works that captivate and challenge visitors. From Luis Flores's cheeky self-portrait sculptures infused with bold sexual innuendo to Theo Triantafyllidis’s innovative virtual studio that brings new media art into physical space, the fair showcases cutting-edge creativity. Simon Fujiwara’s contemplative installation recreates Anne Frank’s birthday cake, inviting reflections on authenticity in our image-saturated culture, while Robert Therrien’s oversized furniture transports viewers back to childhood perspectives. Adding a burst of playful energy, Takashi Murakami’s iconic, larger-than-life figures draw crowds with their anime-inspired allure, and Louise Bourgeois’s intimate, hand-sewn soft sculptures explore deep emotional themes through unconventional materials. Together, these standout pieces highlight the diverse, boundary-pushing spirit that makes Frieze a must-see event for art lovers.

As the highly anticipated May auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s spotlight iconic works expected to fetch millions, art lovers on a budget can still access masterpieces by the same celebrated artists through Artspace at a fraction of the cost. From Kerry James Marshall’s powerful etchings challenging racial narratives to Christopher Wool’s pivotal digital prints, and Tom Wesselmann’s vibrant pop art nudes, these accessible pieces offer a remarkable entry point into the world of high-value contemporary and modern art. Other noteworthy artists featured include Joan Mitchell’s abstract expressionist brushwork, Grace Hartigan’s expressive lithographs, and Richard Diebenkorn’s textured compositions, all available at prices far below their multi-million dollar auction estimates. With offerings from Gerhard Richter’s striking prints to Louise Bourgeois’ emotive engravings and Cecily Brown’s dynamic figuration, this curated selection invites collectors to engage with significant artworks without breaking the bank.

Alex Da Corte’s vibrant and immersive art captivates audiences through a playful blend of pop culture, kitschy materials, and thought-provoking themes about memory, impulse, and value. His current exhibition in Cologne channels a psychedelic energy that challenges perceptions, featuring returns of iconic characters like rapper Eminem. Known for his collaborations with stars like St. Vincent, Da Corte’s work spans media and genres, including striking pieces such as the silk satin print "Sea Swallow Me" from the BAM+NADA Portfolio. This piece, priced at $825, exemplifies his ability to merge commercial appeal with insider art world credibility, making his work a compelling choice for collectors.

Hank Willis Thomas masterfully bridges accessibility and depth in his art, using archival protest images from the 1910s to the 1970s to highlight the ongoing struggle for human rights. His exhibition, "What We Ask Is Simple," invites viewers to actively engage by illuminating hidden details with flashlight-equipped glasses, revealing the layered realities of historical resistance often overlooked. Through reflective materials and interactive viewing, Thomas challenges the way we consume images in the digital age, urging us to slow down and truly see beyond the surface. Beyond his visual work, Thomas is deeply committed to fostering dialogue and activism, co-founding the artist-run Super PAC For Freedoms to empower communities nationwide to raise their voices through art.

Flying Too Close to the Sun: Myths in Art From Classical to Contemporary explores the enduring power of myth through captivating artworks spanning from Botticelli and Caravaggio to Jeff Koons and Damien Hirst. Central to this exploration is the story of Narcissus, the beautiful youth doomed to fall in love with his own reflection, a myth that has inspired artists across centuries. Caravaggio’s dramatic painting captures Narcissus’s melancholic obsession with his image using stark chiaroscuro, while contemporary artists like Mat Collishaw and Jess reinterpret the tale with striking modern sensibilities—revealing layers of desire, rejection, and identity. This collection not only reveals how myths continue to resonate but also how artists use them to delve into introspection, cultural commentary, and personal expression.

Donald and Era Farnsworth create striking mixed media artworks on actual dollar bills, transforming currency into a rich canvas layered with printmaking, drawing, and painting techniques. Married for over 30 years and founders of the renowned Magnolia Editions print studio in Oakland, their collaborative pieces blend Eastern and Western religious art traditions with a profound, nature-centered philosophy. Their tapestry "Dharmakaya," featured in the acclaimed "Missing Peace: Artists Consider the Dalai Lama" exhibition, highlights their ability to merge spiritual themes with innovative artistry. Their work offers a fascinating intersection of cultural reverence and creative exploration, inviting viewers to reconsider the familiar dollar bill as a meaningful art substrate.

This April, New York’s vibrant gallery scene is buzzing with compelling group exhibitions that blend historical depth, cultural commentary, and cutting-edge artistry. From Mrs.’s provocative “Dutch Masters,” exploring marijuana’s cultural and legal landscape with clever wit, to Carriage Trade’s haunting “The Earth is Flat,” a meditation on contemporary ignorance and superstition featuring works by Andy Warhol and Sara VanDerBeek. Sargent’s Daughters offers a powerful retelling of the Medusa myth through an intersectional feminist lens, while American Medium’s “You Are Who You Think I Think You Are” showcases emerging surreal figurative painters redefining caricature. Bortolami’s “Human Applause” brings muted, abstract works that ponder art’s subjectivity, alongside Lehmann Maupin’s “American Landscape,” a poetic exploration of identity and division in the U.S. Meanwhile, Magenta Plains challenges perceptions with “Frame Structures,” highlighting diverse artists’ unique takes on the concept of the frame. These exhibitions collectively underscore New York’s role as a dynamic hub for thought-provoking contemporary art.

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

David Allan Peters’ carved paintings captivate with their unique process—layering countless coats of paint only to meticulously carve away portions, revealing intricate geometric patterns that mesmerize from a distance. Some pieces take him up to 15 years of careful layering and carving, resulting in richly textured works that invite viewers to trace their fingers along the surface. Peters’ art has been showcased at prestigious venues like the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles and the Laguna Art Museum, earning him acclaim for these deeply crafted, tactile creations that blend patience, precision, and passion.

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

Spring is the perfect time to refresh not just your home, but also your art collection, which often gets overlooked during seasonal cleanups. Artworks, much like anything else, suffer wear over time and require regular care to remain in pristine condition. This article offers essential tips for maintaining your pieces, such as performing annual checkups, inspecting hanging mechanisms, and watching for environmental effects like light, heat, and humidity that can cause damage. Proper lighting and careful cleaning methods are crucial, as is keeping pets and children away from vulnerable artworks. For stubborn issues, consulting professional conservators ensures your collection stays safe and beautiful. With a little attention and care, your art can continue to brighten your home for years to come.

Becoming an art collector may seem daunting, but it’s more accessible than you think—especially when starting with contemporary prints. Unlike mass-produced decor, collecting fine art prints supports living artists and enriches your home with meaningful, authentic pieces. From affordable signed prints by renowned artists like Laura Owens to various printmaking techniques—photographs, screenprints, lithographs, relief, intaglio, and digital prints—there’s a world of artistic expression to explore. Understanding editions, including limited, open, variable, and artist proofs, helps demystify print collecting and empowers buyers to make informed decisions. Whether you prefer the vintage charm of woodblock relief prints or the modern versatility of digital prints, building an art collection is both rewarding and stylish, with options to suit every budget and aesthetic.

This April, Artspace highlights a dynamic array of contemporary artists redefining boundaries across mediums and cultures. Yto Barrada debuts her first solo New York gallery show at Pace, blending her global perspectives with anthropological insight through film, sculpture, and installations. Sheida Soleimani’s satirical and politically charged tableaux confront the Middle East’s petrol-military-industrial complex at Atlanta Contemporary, while FlucT, Brooklyn’s provocative performance duo, bring their "violently intimate" choreography to Signal Gallery. Ghada Amer returns to Cheim and Read with innovative ceramics that challenge traditional forms, and Yael Malka presents an evocative exploration of queer identity and language at The Rubber Factory. Meanwhile, Emilio Bianchic’s playful video art at Postmasters humorously dissects identity through the lens of artificial nails. Finally, the recently rediscovered Miyoko Ito’s abstract, space-suggestive paintings receive a well-deserved spotlight at Artists Space, enriching the narrative of 20th-century American art. Together, these exhibitions capture the vibrant pulse of spring’s artistic innovations.

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

Earlier this month, Banksy painted a rat on the clock of a soon-to-be-demolished Manhattan building, only to have it quickly removed by the developer, sparking debate about who profits from his art. While his street pieces often get ripped from walls and sold without his consent, Banksy makes his money primarily through the private sale of limited edition prints and unique artworks, handled discreetly through his authentication agency, Pest Control. Despite the soaring secondary market prices, Banksy benefits mainly from initial sales, which are intentionally affordable and often serve as social commentary rather than typical commercial ventures. His refusal to engage with traditional galleries and the art market underscores his anti-elitist ethos, even as his iconic works like "Girl With Balloon" fetch six-figure sums. Beyond prints, Banksy also earns through books and film, yet the majority of resale profits bypass him, exemplifying the broader challenges artists face in the commercial art world.

Laura Owens has firmly established herself as a pioneering force in contemporary painting, defying trends and reshaping the boundaries of what "good" painting means. Her recent mid-career survey at the Whitney Museum showcased the depth and innovation of her work across two floors, cementing her influence after notable appearances in major Biennials. Among her impressive body of work, a rare aquatint print with chine collé published by Crown Point Press stands out as an accessible treasure for collectors, offered in a limited edition of just 10 at $1,800—the most affordable print from this prestigious collaboration, inviting art enthusiasts to own a piece of Owens' groundbreaking vision.

Vitamin D2: New Perspectives in Drawing explores the captivating world of photorealism through the work of seven contemporary artists who push the boundaries of this precise, technically skilled movement. From David Haines’ mythologically charged, confrontational depictions of British youth culture to Maria Kontis’ nostalgic recreations of faded black-and-white photographs, the artworks engage with themes of memory, identity, and societal critique. Jose Legaspi’s intense explorations of isolation and longing intersect with Marcelo Moscheta’s sculptural measurements of nature's vastness, while J. Ariadhitya Pramuhendra weaves spirituality and mortality into his dramatic charcoal compositions. Mircea Suciu’s psychological realism confronts humanity’s absurdities with dark humor, and Iris van Dongen’s haunting portraits reveal the tension between the rational and subconscious. Together, these artists illuminate photorealism’s continued relevance in addressing contemporary experiences and cultural reflections through astonishing detail and evocative narratives.

Tax season can feel overwhelming, especially for artists navigating the tricky line between hobby and business. This guide breaks down the IRS distinctions, explaining how defining your art practice as a business allows you to deduct expenses like materials, studio rent, and travel costs, while also offering practical tips on organizing receipts, calculating deductions, and setting aside money for taxes. With insights from tax specialists, it reassures creatives that despite the complexities, proper planning and professional advice can make filing less daunting—and maybe even empowering. So take a deep breath, keep those receipts, and remember: spending on your art studio might just be the silver lining of tax season.

Geoffrey Todd Smith’s vibrant solo show at Chicago’s Western Exhibitions showcases his masterful use of gouache, enamel, gel pens, and ink to create mesmerizing geometric drawings that burst with colorful, competing forms. With a rich exhibition history including venues like Luis de Jesus Los Angeles and Hyde Park Art Center, Smith’s intricate patterns and lively surfaces promise to infuse any space with energy and charm. Highlights such as "Mean Mister Magma" (2017) reflect his unique style, making his work a captivating addition for any collector.

Collecting art is often driven by passion rather than precise science, and MoMA PS1 serves as a crucial platform showcasing artists on the cusp of new movements and trends. This article highlights five groundbreaking artists who had solo exhibitions at MoMA PS1, from Sylvia Palacios Whitman’s surreal, minimalist dance-inspired drawings to Jennifer Bartlett’s systematic yet expressive enameled metal works. It also celebrates Sarah Charlesworth’s photo-based conceptual art challenging societal perceptions, Aleksandra Mir’s socially engaged feminist sculptures, and Mark Leckey’s tech-infused explorations of popular culture. Each artist not only reshaped contemporary art but also offers unique, accessible pieces for collectors eager to invest in visionary creativity.

This year’s Armory Show dazzled with a vibrant array of works from emerging artists redefining contemporary art under $20,000. Highlights include Katie Stout’s whimsical, brightly painted ceramic lamps that invite playful interaction; Ebecho Muslimova’s satirical ink drawings featuring her bold alter-ego FATEBE, challenging societal norms; and Nadira Husain’s rich, postcolonial paintings blending myth, pop culture, and globalization. Also notable are Sojourner Truth-Parsons’ colorful, mixed-media dog portraits offering a fresh, joyful perspective; Tabita Rezaire’s compelling exploration of decolonial healing through digital and photographic forms; and Paul Impagi-Sepuya’s fragmented mirror self-portraits probing identity and desire. Carter Mull’s iridescent prints and sculptural collaborations innovate with materials and culture, while Inga Meldere’s pastel, semi-figurative paintings subtly weave memory with humor and melancholy. Together, these artists bring a dynamic, diverse voice to the fair, merging tradition with bold, new narratives.

The Independent Art Fair at Spring Studios in Tribeca spotlights a dynamic mix of established and emerging artists, offering everything from witty ceramic vessels to strikingly vibrant paintings. Highlights include Cary Leibowitz’s humor-infused, satirical pie charts and ceramics that blend personal neuroses with sharp social critique, and Elaine Cameron-Weir’s sci-fi-inspired sculptures contrasting industrial materials with delicate silk drapery. Dorothy Iannone’s evocative, erotic paintings boldly reclaim her place in art history, while Cy Gavin’s lush, large-scale works on denim explore deep connections between body, land, and history. Meanwhile, Harold Ancart’s vibrant sculptural paintings evoke urban spaces, Woody De Othello’s knotted ceramics challenge functionality with playful forms, and Ruby Neri’s exuberant figures fuse street art energy with historical references. Rounding out the fair, Hans-Peter Feldman’s clever reworking of aristocratic portraits with humorous touches invites viewers to question cultural perceptions, making this year’s fair a vibrant celebration of humor, history, and innovative artistry.

Despite the recent snowstorm, the NADA Art Fair opened with a vibrant display of contemporary creativity, showcasing a diverse lineup of groundbreaking artists. From Daniel Heidkamp’s fluorescent, East Coast-inspired landscapes to Zach Martin’s haunting bone-inspired furniture, the fair pulses with energy and innovation. Genesis Belanger’s tactile, muted sculptures evoke everyday intimacy, while Sheida Soleimani’s surreal, constructed photographic portraits incisively critique global power dynamics with wit and precision. The Argentinian collective Básica T.V. injects the scene with pulsating, kitschy video art, and Max Maslansky explores the tension between sensuality and morality through textured figurative paintings. Heidi Lau’s ceramics conjure visionary, dystopian civilizations, and Casja Von Zeipel’s striking white sculptures fuse defiant attitude with approachable charisma. Together, these artists illuminate NADA as a bold nexus of contemporary art’s most provocative and engaging voices.

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

In a candid discussion with collectors Susan and Michael Hort, known for their discerning eye in the New York art scene, they reveal the emerging artists and compelling works that have captured their attention at NADA New York. The Horts, early champions of artists like Adrian Ghenie and John Currin, share insights into pieces ranging from Christian Camacho’s innovative use of found materials to Jacolby Satterwhite’s vibrant, performance-inspired editions. Their selections highlight a mix of intriguing mediums and narratives, from Kyung Me’s complex graphite drawings to Sheida Soleimani’s politically charged imagery, reflecting the couple’s ongoing commitment to supporting fresh talent with lasting impact in contemporary art.

New Jersey-born, New York-based painter Jamian Juliano-Villani has been making waves in the art world with her vibrant canvases that blend imagery from cartoons, books, and the internet. Known not only for her captivating paintings but also for her candid, no-nonsense attitude, Juliano-Villani recently showcased her solo work at JTT gallery in New York. Ahead of NADA New York, she shared her sharp and insightful takes on four standout artworks featured at the fair, praising the creative risks and clever executions from artists like Nikita Gale, Gladys Nilsson, Kyung Me, and Simon Starling. Running from March 8th to 11th, the fair promises a fresh and exciting collection curated by voices who appreciate art’s bold and innovative spirit.

Happy Lunar New Year! As we enter the year of the earth dog, symbolizing loyalty, honesty, and companionship, Artspace celebrates some of the most iconic dogs in art history. From C.M. Coolidge’s kitschy yet beloved “Dogs Playing Poker” series to Picasso’s beloved dachshund Lump, who inspired tender works, and Andy Warhol’s inseparable dachshunds Archie and Amos, the bond between artists and their canine companions shines through. David Hockney’s intimate paintings of his dachshunds capture a deeply personal affection, while Laurie Anderson’s poignant film “Heart of a Dog” offers a moving meditation on grief and love. William Wegman’s whimsical photographs of his Weimaraners blend humor and artistry, and Jeff Koons’ monumental “Balloon Dog” sculptures have become iconic symbols of pop art. Finally, writer and artist Dave Eggers channels a dog’s perspective with playful and insightful reflections on life. Together, these stories reveal how dogs have inspired creativity, companionship, and heartfelt expression across the art world.

Brooklyn has emerged as a vibrant hub for contemporary art, offering a unique blend of established galleries, artist-run spaces, and nonprofits that foster a true artist community—unlike the increasingly commercialized art scenes of Chelsea and the Lower East Side. With galleries like Koenig & Clinton and CLEARING relocating to or opening in Brooklyn, they tap directly into the neighborhoods where contemporary artists live and work, creating more meaningful interactions between artists, collectors, and audiences. These spaces prioritize deep engagement over quick gallery-hopping, welcoming a diverse range of emerging artists and providing crucial opportunities for solo shows and residencies. At the heart of this shift is the understanding that supporting artists where they live nurtures the future of contemporary art, making Brooklyn not just an affordable alternative but an essential creative ecosystem shaping the art world’s next generation.

The rise of video content is transforming how we engage with art, with platforms like Art21, The 360 Art Project, Daily Plinth, and DIS.art leading the charge. From Art21’s longstanding documentary series highlighting emerging artists, to The 360 Art Project’s immersive 360-degree videos, these platforms are reshaping art storytelling for digital audiences. Daily Plinth stands out by aggregating diverse art-related videos into themed weekly categories, making it easier to explore a wealth of content that might otherwise be hard to find. Meanwhile, DIS.art breaks new ground with its fresh “edutainment” approach, blending humor, innovation, and critical discourse through artist-driven videos that challenge traditional documentary formats. By harnessing streaming media and experimental storytelling, these platforms are not only making art more accessible but also redefining how art itself can be experienced in the digital age, extending creative expression beyond gallery walls and into the screens that dominate our daily lives.

The Tate, home to the UK's national collection of British art and a rich array of international modern and contemporary works, has recently expanded its holdings with captivating pieces from artists like Erwin Wurm, Michael Buthe, Lucy McKenzie, Michael Landy, Joan Jonas, and George Condo. From Wurm's playful "One Minute Sculptures" that challenge traditional sculpture to McKenzie's eclectic self-portrait blending Cold War iconography with Tintin imagery, these acquisitions highlight a dynamic range of artistic exploration. Landy's provocative Young British Artist sensibility and Jonas' multifaceted performance-inspired imagery further showcase the museum's commitment to diverse creative voices. Each artwork invites collectors to own a piece of contemporary art history, reflecting the Tate’s ongoing dedication to bold, innovative expression.

The value of artwork is often as unpredictable as art itself, and when a piece is damaged—whether dented, torn, or catastrophically destroyed—its market worth can plummet to nothing, sparking complex questions about art, insurance, and value. From accidental mishaps like shattered vases and paintings punched by curious hands, to deliberate acts of destruction or radical restoration, these incidents challenge traditional notions of preservation and worth. Artists like Elka Krajewska embrace damaged art, giving it new life and prompting a dialogue about the concept of “no longer art” and how legal and market definitions shape value. Meanwhile, infamous cases such as Robert Rauschenberg’s erasure of a de Kooning drawing and the viral botched fresco in Spain reveal how destruction can paradoxically create new meaning, humor, and cultural significance. Ultimately, this exploration shows that destruction and impermanence are woven into the very fabric of contemporary art, raising profound questions about how we perceive, preserve, and reinterpret creative expression over time.

This article shines a vital spotlight on the largely overlooked women of Surrealism, revealing the rich, complex contributions of artists who defied the male-dominated narrative shaped by André Breton and his contemporaries. From Leonor Fini’s bold reversal of gender roles and refusal to be confined by Breton’s misogyny, to Suzanne Césaire’s pioneering Afro-surrealism and anti-colonial vision, and Meret Oppenheim’s groundbreaking fusion of psychoanalysis with art, these women challenged and reshaped the movement on their own terms. The piece honors figures like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, who infused their work with feminist empowerment and mysticism, and celebrates Kati Horna’s haunting war photography and Lee Miller’s fearless documentation of WWII’s horrors, including her iconic photo in Hitler’s bathtub. It also recalls the radical gender explorations of Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore, the haunting photography of Dora Maar, and the enigmatic sculpture of Xenia Kashevaroff Cage—artists whose legacy continues to rewrite art history, insisting on inclusion, recognition, and a new understanding of Surrealism’s true breadth and power.

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

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

Sara Magenheimer is a dynamic New York-based artist whose work spans sculpture, collage, installation, video, and performance, known for her innovative manipulation of language through text and image. Her recent video installation NOON is featured at the New Museum as part of an ongoing series, alongside other works like Best is Man’s Best Quality, which uniquely explores the disconnect between body and language from the perspective of an ancient jellyfish. Honored with prestigious awards such as the Artadia Award and grants from the Rema Hort Mann Foundation, Magenheimer continues to push artistic boundaries. Her 2015 piece, Your name stays the same objects around you change (Black Stone), marks her introduction to letterpress, treating lead typefaces as sculptural forms and deepening her investigation into the aesthetics and complexities of written language as both form and meaning.

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

The evolution of Chinese art in the twentieth century reflects a rich tapestry of cultural transformation, political upheaval, and creative innovation. Beginning with the New Culture Movement of the 1920s, which challenged traditional Confucian values and embraced modernization and Western influences, Chinese artists explored new forms and themes amidst social unrest and nationalist fervor. The Chinese Woodblock Movement of the 1930s harnessed powerful political critique through visual art, drawing from European Expressionism to address social injustice and war. Meanwhile, guohua, or Chinese ink painting, underwent reinterpretation to align with revolutionary ideals, blending traditional techniques with propaganda themes under Communist rule. The ‘85 New Wave marked a dynamic rebirth of avant-garde art in the 1980s, as artists across China experimented with diverse media, styles, and philosophies, breaking free from past doctrines to engage with humanism, rationalism, and global artistic movements. Together, these movements reveal how Chinese art evolved as a vibrant dialogue between heritage and modernity, political ideology and personal expression.

This week, a viral trend swept social media as users flooded their feeds with selfies matched to their artistic doppelgängers via Google's Arts and Culture app, which scans faces and compares them to millions of artworks worldwide. While many may delete the app after their quick selfie fix, it offers so much more: immersive themes exploring diverse cultures, breathtaking virtual reality experiences that bring art to life, ultra-high-resolution zoom-ins on masterpieces, and a vast collection of artworks from over a thousand museums globally. The app’s hidden gem is its Experiments section, where innovative digital artists use machine learning to create mesmerizing interactive art journeys. Whether you’re a casual user or a culture enthusiast, Google Arts and Culture invites you to dive deep into its rich, captivating world—and get lost in hours of creative exploration.

In the 1960s, Claes Oldenburg revolutionized art with his bold soft sculptures that blend reality and imagination, transforming everyday objects into playful yet thought-provoking creations. His Calico Bunny sculpture harkens back to this iconic style, featuring a slightly under-stuffed, silkscreened fabric toy with a quirky wooden eye that adds an intriguing twist. Produced as a limited edition of 99 pieces in three vibrant colors, these charming bunnies also support a great cause, benefiting Doctors of the World. Now available as a set of all three colors, this collection offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Oldenburg’s enduring legacy at an accessible price.

At FOG Design + Art Fair in San Francisco, pendant lighting took center stage as an effortless way to unify and illuminate interiors with stunning artistry. Highlights included David Nosanchuk’s Butterfly Asteroid, combining delicate butterflies with a glowing fiberglass asteroid to symbolize movement and transformation; Barnaby Barford’s Jungle VIP Chandelier, a dazzling Swarovski crystal piece featuring a jewel-encrusted monkey that reimagines traditional chandelier form; and Fred Wilson’s Tears for Desdemona, a Murano glass chandelier challenging cultural narratives. Faye Toogood’s Tools for Life Mobile evokes prehistoric tools with handcrafted bronze and glass, blending history and material experimentation, while Christopher Boots’s Meteor uses natural quartz and LEDs to capture cosmic energy. Finally, Olafur Elíasson’s Suspended State Compass offers a minimalist yet profound meditation on navigation and place, merging natural elements with magnetic orientation to anchor viewers within their world. Each pendant combines light, art, and concept to transform spaces into immersive experiences.

Untitled San Francisco offers a refreshing, manageable art fair experience with its intimate scale and focus on meaningful, diverse contemporary art beyond commercial trends. Hosting around forty exhibitors—including unconventional galleries, non-profits, and cultural institutions—the fair reflects San Francisco’s evolving art scene, invigorated by recent developments like SFMOMA’s reopening and the Minnesota Street Project’s dynamic hub. Highlights include Lynn Hershman Leeson’s time-based new media piece *Synthia*, which cleverly responds to stock market fluctuations with cultural and political resonance, and Judith Scott’s powerful sculptures celebrating overlooked communities through Creative Growth. Norwegian artist Odd Sama’s ceramic works add a gritty, ‘90s-inspired texture to the mix, echoing the fair’s offbeat vibe. Together, these varied voices create a space where relevance and cultural dialogue take precedence over sales, making Untitled a vital platform for contemporary art in the Bay Area’s blossoming ecosystem.

Jessica Shaefer, Facebook’s Global Art Program Manager and co-founder of the nomadic curatorial collective Mixed Use, shares her most anticipated picks for the Untitled Art Fair in San Francisco. Highlighting works that resonate deeply in today’s cultural climate, she praises Richard Colman’s vivid paintings of contorted female figures, Stephen Somple’s elegant metal wall sculptures embodying tension, and Xandra Ibarra’s provocative performance objects challenging identity boundaries. Shaefer also admires Chiharu Shiota’s mesmerizing thread installations reflecting themes of censorship and connection, as well as emerging artist Suné Woods’s sensual mixed-media pieces exploring identity and new topographies. Through these selections, Shaefer invites us to engage with art that confronts complexity, power, and transformation.

The Institute of Contemporary Art/Boston’s latest exhibition, "ICA Collection: New Acquisitions," spotlights compelling works added to the collection over the past three years, spanning from the 1970s to today. This vibrant show explores themes like the power of language in art, the fragility of the human body, and the transformative nature of artworks as they shift between architecture, décor, and found objects. Featured artists include Sarah Sze, whose intricate installations evoke disintegration and disorientation; Sophie Calle, known for her intimate and provocative explorations of identity; William Pope.L, whose powerful performances and imagery confront race and politics; Keith Sonnier, a postminimalist whose multidisciplinary works blend sculpture and printmaking; and Jenny Holzer, whose text-based pieces deliver striking feminist and political messages. Each acquisition signals these artists' rising prominence and the vital role their work plays in shaping contemporary art discourse.

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

Jiha Moon's 2017 porcelain sculpture, Lady in K-Garden, offers a playful and poignant fusion of traditional Korean techniques with contemporary cultural references, blending Asian landscape painting with elements like Angry Birds and text bubbles. Packaged humorously in a Chinese takeout box, this piece challenges static notions of cultural identity while promising good fortune for the new year. Priced affordably at $350, it not only makes a unique addition to any collection but also supports the CUE Art Foundation, which champions emerging and under-recognized artists.

2017 was a whirlwind year in the art world, mirroring the turbulence of global culture and politics with artists who challenged, provoked, and inspired. From Hito Steyerl’s groundbreaking recognition as the first woman to top ArtReview’s Power 100, to the fierce debates sparked by Dana Schutz’s controversial Emmit Till painting, the year was rife with conversations about representation, power, and social justice. Trailblazers like Kerry James Marshall and Nina Chanel Abney confronted racial narratives head-on, while Anne Imhof’s haunting Venice Biennale performance explored themes of control and exclusion. Iconic figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Kehinde Wiley captured renewed attention, blending historical reverence with contemporary relevance. The art world also intersected with mainstream culture in unexpected ways, exemplified by Cardi B electrifying MoMA PS1 and Awol Erizku’s viral Beyoncé photograph. Amidst it all, voices like Jenny Holzer galvanized movements against abuse of power, and even provocateurs like Milo Yiannopoulos made their controversial mark. In a year defined by upheaval, these artists not only reflected their times but shaped the conversations that will continue to resonate.

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

While original Andy Warhol pieces remain out of reach for most collectors, reproductions produced posthumously by Andy Warhol’s own print collaborators offer an accessible way to own iconic works. Notably, the Marilyn Series, originally created in 1967 after Marilyn Monroe’s death, was reimagined in various color variations by Sunday B. Morning prints starting in 1970 and again in 2011, allowing fans to collect these vibrant images without the exorbitant price tag of original silkscreens. Similarly, the Blue Ink flower series, stamped on the back with blue ink and created using Warhol’s original screenprinting methods on archival museum board, provide quality and authenticity in affordable editions. These prints, measuring a striking 36 by 36 inches, are perfect for art lovers eager to bring a bold pop art statement into their homes.

Detroit-based artist Susan Goethel Campbell explores the theme of impermanence in her solo show "Faulty Vision" at David Klein Gallery, using innovative printmaking techniques that incorporate grass root systems to mirror the city's evolving landscape. By casting roots within molds made from everyday objects like water bottles and iPhone packaging, Campbell links natural growth and decay to consumer culture and urban change. Her work challenges the permanence of man-made systems and highlights the cyclical process of nature reclaiming built environments, a reflection of Detroit’s own transformation. Blending print, photography, and installation, she invites viewers to reconsider architectural space and the fragile balance between decay and renewal, all while drawing on her deep connection to Detroit and its shifting creative community.

Sebastiaan Bremer’s 21c Nashville art installation and hotel room, Sanctuary, offers a uniquely intimate and immersive experience far beyond the typical hotel stay. Created in collaboration with musician Josephine Wiggs, the room is filled with Bremer’s paints and inks alongside Wiggs’ home recording gear, blending the worlds of art and music in a cozy, lived-in atmosphere. Sanctuary evolves with each guest, its memory-infused design reflecting Bremer’s artistic focus on the nuances of memory and its distortions—where colorful flecks of ink mirror the emotional imprints of our own recollections. This innovative space invites you to embrace creativity, enjoy boutique comforts, and explore the blurred boundaries between art, memory, and experience.

From exploring scientific faith through kaleidoscopic images inside CERN’s particle collider to witty, self-reflective collages on identity, Untitled Miami Beach showcases a diverse array of compelling contemporary art. Highlights include Simon Norfolk’s monumental “The Spirit of Enquiry,” which transforms high-tech scientific imagery into stained-glass-like visuals, and Clotilde Jiménez’s intimate “Post-Colonial Booty,” grappling with masculinity and identity. Meriem Bennani’s satirical “Fardaous Funjab” playfully critiques cultural commodification, while KAJAHL’s transcultural portraits blend history and personal mythology. Sterling Crispin’s futuristic sculptures envision AI’s impact with apocalyptic edge, complemented by Rebecca Morgan’s empathetic yet darkly humorous depictions of rural Appalachia. Finally, Ryan Travis Christian blends vaudeville humor with sharp social commentary in his graphite drawings. This vibrant selection underscores this year’s Untitled Miami Beach as a must-see feast for both the mind and the senses.

The article delves into the complex and often fraught relationship Americans have with guns, spotlighting seven powerful artworks from the past 50 years that confront gun violence head-on. From Chris Burden’s harrowing 1971 performance where he was shot in the arm to Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s minimalist memorial listing hundreds of gunshot victims, these works force viewers to grapple with the reality behind headlines. Renee Stout’s poignant “Baby’s First Gun” critiques the normalization of gun culture, while Bren Ahearn’s embroidered “Active Shooter Directions” chillingly weaves mass shooting protocols into everyday life. Mel Chin’s sculpture transforms AK-47s into a symbol of resistance, and Jonathan Ferrara’s “Excalibur No More” provocatively questions America’s endless access to firearms. Finally, Li Hongbo’s vibrant paper flower installation, which folds into pistols, urges society to reconsider the deadly desires behind gun violence. Together, these pieces spark vital dialogue about the accessibility, impact, and cultural entanglement of guns in the U.S.

Looking for a fun, funky, and functional holiday gift? Keith Haring's Wooden Child's Chair is the perfect choice for your creative little one! This vibrant piece, inspired by one of the most iconic Pop and graffiti artists of the 20th century, adds a burst of bright, saturated color to any room. Made from non-toxic lacquered hardwood, the chair is not only a beautiful collector’s item but also a lasting tribute to Haring’s imaginative world, perfect for inspiring young minds and teaching children about art history. Available in red, blue, yellow, and pink, it’s a magical, sophisticated addition to any playroom or bedroom and a gift that can grow with your child for years to come.

'Tis the season to find the perfect gift for the art lovers in your life, and Artspace offers an exciting selection of unique artworks and collectibles. From iconic pop culture pieces like Andy Warhol’s Campbell’s Soup prints to the playful enamel teapots by Maurizio Cattelan, each gift blends creativity with a story. Delight kids and adults alike with Hervé Tullet’s imaginative board books or David Shrigley’s quirky salt and pepper shakers. Support environmental awareness with Maya Lin’s elegant Colorado River bracelet, or dive into bold art statements with Barbara Kruger’s graphic mug sets. Whether it’s a limited edition print by Austin Eddy, a powerful statement sweatshirt by Dean Sameshima, or a surreal watch by René Magritte, these carefully curated gifts are sure to inspire and surprise, making holiday giving truly memorable for every art enthusiast.

Alice Gray Stites, curator at 21c Museum Hotel, uniquely oversees exhibitions and commissions across seven U.S. cities, blending her rich background in art curation and programming. In this exclusive preview of NADA Miami’s upcoming art fair, Stites highlights compelling works that explore themes from environmental politics in John Gerrard’s digital oil spill simulations to the vibrant, emotive portraits of Paul P. Showcasing diverse artists like Katherine Bradford’s colorful scenes of everyday life, Joan Nelson’s transformative landscapes, and Alyson Shotz’s light-infused sculptures, the preview celebrates hybridity and innovation in contemporary art. Each artist evokes new perspectives on gender, place, and perception, reflecting both personal narratives and urgent cultural conversations.

Patton Hindle, recently named director of arts at Kickstarter, expertly bridges the worlds of crowdfunding and the emerging art market through her multifaceted roles, including co-running the Lower East Side gallery yours mine & ours. Drawing from her rich background at Artspace, she shares her favorite highlights from Artspace’s exclusive preview of NADA’s Miami art fair, showcasing a dynamic mix of contemporary artists. From Jess Johnson’s immersive SciFi-inspired new media work and Paul Kopkau’s quirky, surreal sculptures to Nolan Simon’s insightful portraiture reflecting art world culture, Hindle offers a vibrant snapshot of the innovative, thought-provoking art that will be on display. With a keen eye for humor, aesthetics, and cultural commentary, she celebrates diverse voices like Sara Greenberger Rafferty’s playful feminism and Victoria Fu’s multilayered digital consciousness, capturing the excitement surrounding this year’s must-see art event.

Pop culture often reduces Native American art to simplistic stereotypes, ignoring the rich diversity among the 567 federally recognized tribes in the U.S. This problematic generalization has fueled controversies like that surrounding Jimmie Durham, whose disputed claims to Cherokee heritage have sparked backlash from genuine Native artists. In contrast, contemporary Native American artists such as Nicholas Galanin, Wendy Red Star, Postcommodity, Duane Slick, Merritt Johnson, Teri Greeves, Matika Wilbur, and Frank Buffalo Hyde challenge these reductive portrayals through their innovative work across various mediums. From Galanin’s blending of traditional elements with pop art aesthetics to Wilbur’s intimate photographic portraits aimed at reshaping Native representation, these artists confront colonial histories and stereotypes head-on, celebrating the complexity and vibrancy of Indigenous identities and experiences in today’s world.

ArtReview's 2017 Power 100 list highlights the most influential figures shaping the contemporary art world, spotlighting a diverse group that includes pioneering artists like Hito Steyerl, Ai Weiwei, Yayoi Kusama, and Marina Abramović. These artists, celebrated for their innovative approaches—from Steyerl's research-driven video installations and Ai Weiwei's powerful refugee awareness campaigns to Kusama's mesmerizing immersive environments and Abramović's groundbreaking performance art—continue to push boundaries and provoke critical conversations. The list also honors artists like Kara Walker for her unflinching critique of race and history, Theaster Gates for transforming urban decay into cultural renewal, and Olafur Eliasson for merging art with sustainability. Their work reaches across continents, mediums, and social issues, illustrating the vibrant, dynamic forces driving art’s global influence today.

Choosing the perfect art for your home is about more than just falling in love with a piece—it’s about finding the right colors to set the mood and energy of your space. From the vivid, kaleidoscopic hues of the psychedelic ‘60s to the earthy warmth of the ‘70s, the neon extravagance of the ‘80s, the grunge-inspired muted tones of the ‘90s, and the sleek minimalism of the 2000s, each decade’s palette tells a unique story shaped by cultural and social moments. Embracing these diverse color trends can transform a blank space into a vibrant expression of personality and history, reminding us that color isn’t just decoration—it’s a powerful narrative tool that connects us to the past while inspiring fresh creativity today.

From Kazimir Malevich’s revolutionary Black Square, which broke away from representational art to embrace pure feeling through abstraction, to Marcel Duchamp’s provocative Fountain, which challenged the very definition of art by elevating everyday objects into cultural statements, this article explores the pivotal moments that redefined art in the 20th century. It journeys through Jackson Pollock’s dynamic Abstract Expressionism, where painting became an act of primal expression, Andy Warhol’s pioneering Pop Art that blurred the lines between commerce and fine art through mass production, and Donald Judd’s Minimalism, which rejected the artist’s hand in favor of industrial fabrication and pure form. Together, these artists dismantled traditional notions of art, opening the door to infinite possibilities that continue to inspire contemporary creativity and anticipation for the next evolution in art history.

Dance emerged as a powerful visual art form in the 1950s and '60s, responding to social alienation and Cold War anxieties by embracing the body as a site where public and private intersect. Moving beyond traditional dance’s elite framework, dance-as-art celebrated everyday movement and ritual, becoming a tool of subversion during the counterculture era. Today, dance’s relevance endures amid ongoing societal tensions, with performances shifting into museum spaces where the boundaries between performers and viewers dissolve, creating intimate and thought-provoking experiences. From pioneers like Yvonne Rainer and Merce Cunningham to contemporary innovators such as Ralph Lemon and Trajal Harrell, these artists challenge conventional notions of dance, using movement to explore identity, politics, and the embodied experience of living in a fractured world.

The canvas tote bag is the art world’s quintessential accessory, and choosing the right one says a lot about you. Whether you’re on a first date, heading to an opening night, gallery hopping, partying late, interviewing for a job, or running errands, there’s a perfect tote to match the occasion. A museum tote signals cultured intentions, a sleek leather bag commands style and confidence at openings, and artist-designed totes offer insider cred while exploring galleries. Workplace totes are practical party companions, art fair totes showcase gritty industry experience for interviews, and durable publisher totes carry all your art supplies and books with ease. In the art world, your tote isn’t just a bag—it’s a statement.

From the explicit and enigmatic Moche ceramics of ancient Peru to the surreal and deeply personal visions of Salvador Dalí, these ten provocative artworks chart a bold history of eroticism in art across cultures and centuries. They reveal how artists have explored sexuality not merely as titillation but as a powerful expression of ancestry, desire, social critique, and intimate self-exploration. Whether defying religious censorship in Renaissance Italy, confronting societal decay in Weimar Germany, or reclaiming female desire in feminist photo-realism, each piece challenges viewers to reconsider the boundaries of sensuality, power, and artistic freedom with a blend of audacity and insight that continues to fascinate and provoke.

Discover eight dynamic artists recently acquired by the Hammer Museum and LACMA, whose works promise to elevate any collection from fleeting trend to lasting treasure. From James Siena’s hypnotic geometric “visual algorithms” to Barbara Kruger’s politically charged graphic aphorisms, these artists blend innovation with cultural commentary. Experience Frances Stark’s provocative animated narratives, Haim Steinbach’s playful juxtapositions, and Lari Pittman’s vibrant, textured explosions of color. Celebrate the legacy of Pop Art pioneer James Rosenquist and dive into William Brice’s evocative explorations of form and gender. Jonathan Lasker pushes abstraction forward with his magnified doodles, cementing this group as a must-watch for collectors seeking both depth and dynamism.

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

Puerto Rican-born artist Angel Otero, represented by Lehmann Maupin Gallery, has had a groundbreaking year with his Hong Kong debut at the Pedder Building and a major retrospective at the Contemporary Arts Museum in Houston. Known for his innovative technique of painting on glass, scraping off dried layers, and transferring them to canvas, Otero creates mesmerizing, tactile abstractions that blur the line between the familiar and strange. His latest works, inspired by opera singers from the Lincoln Center and influenced by French Baroque painter Nicolas Poussin, bring his sculptural compositions into flat, trompe l’oeil prints made in collaboration with the Lower East Side Printshop. Collectors now have a rare chance to own these captivating 2D pieces, including the striking "Untitled (SK-PH)," available for purchase on Artspace.

Kentucky’s Louisville is an unexpected haven for art lovers, blending vibrant creativity with Southern charm. Anchored by the innovative 21c Museum Hotel, which artfully combines contemporary exhibitions with boutique lodging and acclaimed dining, the city offers a rich cultural itinerary. From immersive experiences like staying in an artist-designed hotel room and blowing glass at Flame Run, to exploring dynamic galleries such as Zephyr and the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, Louisville invites visitors to dive deep into its artistic pulse. Complement your art-filled days with scenic bike rides along the Ohio River, stops at historic sites, and mouthwatering local cuisine, making Louisville the perfect spot for a creatively inspiring long weekend.

In 2006, art collectors Laura Lee Brown and Steve Wilson launched 21c Museum Hotels in Louisville, Kentucky, blending contemporary art with hospitality in a concept many doubted. Over the past eleven years, their innovative model has expanded to multiple U.S. cities, offering ever-changing curated exhibitions in spaces open to the public 24/7, unlike traditional museums. Their collection emphasizes diversity and social engagement, challenging conventional hotel decor by integrating thought-provoking and sometimes controversial contemporary works. As they continue growing the brand while maintaining its original visionary spirit, Wilson also pursues his passion for combined driving on the US equestrian team, embodying a unique balance of creativity, risk, and dedication.

Celebrating its tenth anniversary, *Gossip Girl* remains an iconic portrayal of Manhattan’s elite intersecting with the art world, striking an impressive balance between glamour and authenticity. From Rufus Humphrey’s Brooklyn gallery transformation reflecting real art spaces, to Lily Van Der Woodsen’s curated collection featuring heavyweights like Kiki Smith and Elmgreen & Dragset, the show cleverly weaves art culture into its scandalous narrative. While some plotlines—like the ill-fated gallery café or the high-society Sotheby’s auction chaos—miss the mark, *Gossip Girl* nails the nuanced dynamics of New York’s art scene, complete with cameo appearances by renowned artists and candid nods to the world’s egos and intricacies. Ultimately, the series captures the allure and absurdity of art and opulence, proving that in the fast-paced landscape of high society, reality and fiction blur in the most entertaining ways.

In this captivating excerpt from *The Artist Project: What Artists See When They Look at Art*, seven contemporary artists reflect on the timeless power of ancient artworks from the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s collection and how these pieces have deeply influenced their own creative practices. From the secret inner life of the Bamana *boli* sculpture to the ritual energy of Willie Cole’s bicycle-made *ci wara* headdress, and from the haunting miniature of love and death in Moyra Davey’s rosary beads to Vik Muniz’s discovery of the Luce Center’s hidden treasures, each artist reveals a unique dialogue between past and present. Martha Rosler finds solace and narrative richness in the medieval Cloisters, while Tom Sachs admires the purposeful humility and craftsmanship of Shaker furniture. Sarah Sze encounters the living spirit within the ancient Mastaba Tomb of Perneb, feeling the weight of history and human fragility. Together, these conversations celebrate how enduring art transcends time, inviting us to see not just with our eyes but with imagination and heart.

Art history has long been marked by the objectification of women, but by the late 1960s, female artists rose determined to challenge and redefine their place in the art world. Inspired by feminist thinkers like Simone de Beauvoir and Betty Friedan, these artists transformed personal experiences into powerful political statements, forging a new art practice that was both activist and deeply personal. Landmark moments such as the Feminist Art Program and the groundbreaking Womanhouse exhibition reimagined domestic spaces as arenas for feminist expression, while feminist art in the 1970s and beyond engaged with psychoanalysis, Marxism, and intersectionality to address issues of race, class, and gender. Despite political setbacks and ongoing tensions within the movement, feminist art has remained a vital force for critique and transformation, demanding a more nuanced understanding of both its achievements and the traumas that shaped its history.

Contemporary artist and musician Christian Marclay, known for blurring the boundaries between sound, visual art, and performance, shares insights in this candid conversation with Kim Gordon. Marclay discusses his unconventional relationship with records—transforming vinyl into sculptural, sound-distorting works that challenge traditional music and art forms—and reflects on his artistic journey shaped by punk, conceptual art, and performance. Emphasizing the physical experience of sound, he explores themes of destruction, creation, and cultural commentary, while also highlighting the evolving landscape of experimental music, the importance of scale in installations, and the raw energy that links art and rock ’n’ roll. Through stories of collaborations, exhibitions, and his drive to innovate beyond repetition, Marclay reveals how music and visual art intersect in provocative, ever-changing ways.

This October, New York's art scene heats up with a dynamic lineup of eight captivating exhibitions. From Mindy Rose Schwartz’s intimate sculptures that explore personal memory through everyday objects, to Dominick Di Meo’s haunting Monster Roster-inspired works confronting life and loss, the city offers profound artistic narratives. Rachel Rossin pushes boundaries with immersive VR-inspired paintings and sculptures that question our digital identities, while Ginssiyo Apara’s raw, poignant installations at Housing reflect on cultural visibility and disposability. Jordan Casteel’s powerful portraits humanize Black male identity against pervasive stereotypes, and Aria Dean’s conceptual sculptures challenge the appropriation of Black culture with poignant subtlety. The Leslie-Lohman Museum honors queer cinema pioneer Barbara Hammer with a revealing retrospective, while Azikiwe Mohammed transforms Knockdown Center into an evocative fictional thrift store, celebrating Black community stories and histories. Each show invites viewers into unique, compelling worlds, making this an unmissable season for contemporary art lovers.

Navigating Hong Kong’s intricate urban maze might be daunting, but the city’s contemporary art scene is quietly thriving beneath the surface. Despite sky-high rents and limited space, a passionate creative community has flourished over the past two decades, especially since the 1997 handover. With landmark events like Art Basel Hong Kong fueling a booming commercial market and independent spaces such as Para Site championing experimental and critical art, the city is carving out a vibrant cultural identity. Adding to this momentum is the ambitious West Kowloon Development Project, poised to become a world-class arts district featuring the sprawling M+ Museum. As young artists and innovative institutions continue to energize the scene, Hong Kong is rapidly asserting itself as a dynamic gateway to contemporary art in Asia.

Laure Prouvost, a rising star known for her innovative experimental video installations, brings a playful and witty edge to her "bossy" prints series, where each piece seems to have a restless spirit of its own. Currently featured in a group exhibition at Ghebaly Gallery in Los Angeles, Prouvost’s work combines humor and poetic language to explore themes of labor, fantasy, and pleasure. With a prestigious exhibition history at institutions like Tate Britain and the Whitechapel Gallery, her art invites collectors to think creatively about how and where to display her prints, adding a dynamic and thought-provoking presence to any collection.

Artist Mieko Meguro offers a deeply personal and poignant glimpse into the life of her husband, conceptual artist Dan Graham, through her evocative installations and paintings. Known for demystifying Graham’s serious public image with humor and intimacy, Meguro’s latest exhibition at Shoot the Lobster reflects on a harrowing chapter when Graham faced severe health challenges. Inspired by a ritual of collecting and inverting hospital chip bags filled with helium—a metaphor for exhaustion and resilience—her work captures the fragile balance between despair and hope. Alongside tender portraits of Graham’s recovery, Meguro’s show stands as both a tribute and a celebration of love, endurance, and the healing power of everyday moments.

Ilya Kabakov, a pioneering Russian artist who spent decades as an 'unofficial' creator in the USSR, uses satirical drawings and immersive installations to explore both post-Stalinist Russian life and universal human experiences. Collaborating with his wife Emilia since 1985, Kabakov crafts metaphor-rich environments inhabited by fictional characters and narratives that delve into themes of individuality, community, and the tension between private and public spaces. Their acclaimed works, such as "The Man Who Flew Into Space From His Apartment" and "The Ship of Tolerance," reveal poignant reflections on human aspiration, isolation, and coexistence. Revisiting a 1989 interview, Kabakov discusses how his installations evoke the complex dynamics of communal living—spaces simultaneously intimate and confining—while embracing ambiguity and open-ended questions, ultimately offering a powerful metaphor for survival and identity within social and political constraints.

Artist Theodore Boyer’s new series, featured in Cultured Magazine’s fall issue and available exclusively on Artspace, explores the intricate relationship between earth and cosmos through his signature bleach-splattered, star-studded geometric paintings. Inspired by the Golden Ratio and Sacred Geometry, Boyer’s 18 unique "Magnetic Contraction" canvases reflect recurring natural patterns, merging scientific precision with intuitive artistry. Drawing from his childhood fascination with stars and navigation, each piece in the series builds upon his larger body of work, using celestial constellations and cosmic principles to create spatial dimensions that invite viewers to contemplate the vastness of the universe and our place within it.

Clay and ceramics, long relegated to functional craft in the Western art world, are experiencing a vibrant resurgence as a respected contemporary art medium. Highlighted in Phaidon’s new compendium *Vitamin C: Clay and Ceramic in Contemporary Art*, artists from around the globe are pushing clay's expressive boundaries through innovative sculptures, installations, and performances that blur the lines between craft, sculpture, and fine art. From Salvatore Arancio’s geological narratives embodied in organic volcanic forms to Nicole Cherubini’s tactile assemblages exploring femininity and memory, and Emma Hart’s corporeal fragments disrupting polished visuality, these works transform clay into a dynamic site of cultural, personal, and political meaning. Elizabeth Jaeger’s vulnerable figures merge body and vessel, while William J. O’Brien channels emotion through rough anthropomorphic forms as a ‘ceramics outsider’. Brie Ruais emphasizes the physical and feminist connection between body and earth through visceral, large-scale gestures, Sterling Ruby embraces controlled chaos and imperfection in his glazed ceramics, and Anders Ruhwald’s paired forms invite reflection on subjectivity and the intimate spaces we inhabit. Together, these artists reimagine clay not just as material, but a potent medium for storytelling, identity, and emotion.

Los Angeles-based artist Theodore Boyer merges cosmic inspiration with geometric precision in his captivating work, drawing from NASA imagery, science journals, and the legacy of Land Artists and Geometric Abstractionists. His recent series, *Magnetic Contraction*, explores the concept of matter expanding inward and outward on both micro and macro scales, employing the Golden Ratio and Sacred Geometry theories championed by Nikola Tesla. Boyer’s hand-bleached and dyed fabrics create unique pieces that echo the complexity and individuality of stars and cells, underscoring a profound connection between nature and art. With exhibitions in major galleries and a feature in *Cultured* magazine, Boyer's creations invite collectors to own a part of this mesmerizing universe.

Over 100 artists share their profound connections to works at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Phaidon's upcoming book, *The Artist Project: What Artists See When They Look at Art*. Seven featured artists—including John Baldessari, Eric Fischl, Ann Hamilton, Jeff Koons, Glenn Ligon, Catherine Opie, and Hank Willis Thomas—reveal how specific pieces have shaped their perceptions and practices. From Philip Guston’s raw brushwork to Max Beckmann’s layered narratives of coming of age, Bamana marionettes that evoke storytelling through worn materials, and the eternal vitality of Roman sculptures embodying human aspiration, these reflections invite visitors to experience the museum anew. They explore themes of history, identity, craft, and the power of art to animate stories both past and present, challenging viewers to see beyond the surface and engage deeply with each object’s meaning and presence.

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

Meriem Benanni’s immersive video installation, "Siham and Hafida," at The Kitchen delves into the generational clash between two Moroccan chikha singers, blending the rich tradition of aita music—a historically feminist, anti-colonial art form—with vibrant digital animations. Through the tense yet playful relationship between Hafida, the elder traditional performer, and Siham, the millennial innovator, Benanni explores themes of cultural evolution, female empowerment, and the preservation of heritage in the digital age. While deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, her work transcends geographic identity, addressing universal generational conflicts with humor and warmth. The installation also highlights the revolutionary potential of platforms like YouTube in archiving endangered oral traditions, as well as the artist’s ongoing negotiation with identity and artistic freedom beyond imposed cultural labels.

Eva Rothschild, a leading contemporary sculptor known for her large geometric works that challenge Minimalism, has solidified her artistic influence with her latest solo exhibition, A Material Enlightenment, at New York’s 303 Gallery. Although based in London, Rothschild has made a significant impact in the U.S., with notable installations like the permanent public sculpture Empire in Minneapolis. Her print series, Classics, offers a compelling visual summary of her style, flattening iconic art history into striking geometric compositions, making it an ideal choice for art lovers who want a taste of her work in a more intimate format.

Ceramics have experienced a powerful resurgence, breaking free from the outdated art-craft divide to claim a vital place in contemporary art. Highlighted in Phaidon's Vitamin C, this revival showcases artists like Grayson Perry and Ai Weiwei who challenge conventions and scale boundaries, transforming clay into a medium of profound expression and collaboration. Exhibitions globally have elevated ceramics from craft to high art, while a cultural shift toward hands-on making reflects a deep yearning for tactile, sensory experiences. From monumental installations to intimate workshops, clay continues to evoke primal creativity, embrace failure as part of its process, and connect us to ancient traditions, underscoring its enduring relevance and transformative power in today’s artistic landscape.

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

This year, the MoMA has expanded its collection with works from a diverse lineup of innovative artists who are redefining contemporary art. From Mamma Andersson’s dreamlike Scandinavian domestic scenes to Catherine Opie’s iconic portraits capturing American subcultures, and Ed Atkins’ unsettling digital avatars, each artist brings a unique vision. Cecily Brown blends classical influences with a bold, feminine style, while Sebastian Black explores geometric abstraction. Shahzia Sikander revitalizes traditional Eastern art forms with a contemporary edge, and Donald Baechler’s vibrant collages draw from everyday imagery. Omer Fast challenges social narratives with politically charged digital prints. Highlighting the museum’s embrace of both emerging and established figures, this collection offers a compelling snapshot of today’s dynamic art world.

Art season is officially underway, spotlighting eight compelling artists to watch this fall. Nina Katchadourian captivates with her mid-career survey "Curiouser" at Stanford, revealing playful yet profound works beyond her viral Lavatory Self-Portraits. Kahlil Joseph, a Grammy-winning filmmaker, brings his cinematic vision to the New Museum, exploring blackness with raw authenticity in his first New York solo show. Trevor Paglen challenges perception with AI-created "invisible images" at Metro Pictures, while Andrea McGinty humorously critiques consumer culture through quirky sculptures in Wyoming. Awol Erizku, known for his striking imagery including Beyoncé’s pregnancy reveal, debuts a new show at Night Gallery that defies expectations. Claire Christerson turns surreal multimedia narratives into whimsical, punk-inspired theater at New York’s Entrance Gallery. Moroccan artist Meriem Bennani blends humor and heart to explore identity at The Kitchen, and Paul Mpagi Sepuya pushes photographic boundaries with tender reflections on queer life in Los Angeles. Together, these diverse voices promise a vibrant and thought-provoking season ahead.

Robert Ryman’s minimalist white-on-white paintings revolutionized the medium by stripping it down to the essence of brushstroke, texture, and light, eliminating pictorial illusion to reveal painting as a tangible presence in real space. Inspired profoundly by Mark Rothko’s work, especially his piece No. 10, Ryman experienced a transformative revelation about painting’s capacity to assert itself physically and emotionally, beyond representational and abstract labels. While Rothko’s color fields exude a rich, painterly tactility and an almost “naked” presence that engages viewers intimately, Ryman distilled this into an exploration of paint’s materiality and the act of painting itself. Rejecting conventional abstraction, he emphasized scale, surface, and physicality—where edges, brushwork, and installation become integral to the artwork’s meaning. Both artists sought to dissolve the boundaries between viewer and painting, offering a direct, visceral encounter that speaks to the ephemeral and profound nature of existence through presence rather than depiction.

Environmental art has evolved from ancient cave paintings to a vital, innovative response to today’s ecological crises, with artists pushing boundaries to address the complexities of the Anthropocene epoch. Pioneers like Agnes Denes transformed urban wastelands into thriving wheat fields, blending activism with ecological restoration, while Mark Dion critiques the way institutions shape our understanding of nature through immersive installations. Michael Assiff confronts post-industrial environmental damages using sleek, industrial aesthetics, and Pierre Huyghe creates dynamic ecosystems that blur the line between art and biology. Lucy Orta fosters community-based projects aimed at alternative, sustainable living, and Kim Laughton’s haunting 3D visualizations imagine our post-apocalyptic futures. Mark Dorf archives melting glaciers with time capsules, The Institute of Queer Ecology weaves queer theory into ecological discourse to challenge norms, and Natalie Jeremijenko uses technology to create interactive ecosystems that foster new relationships with our environment. Together, these artists expand the language and impact of environmental art, inspiring urgent reflection and action on the planet’s future.

Political art can be a powerful force for change or feel like shouting into the void, especially during turbulent times. Exploring four distinct post-authoritarian art movements, this article delves into how artists confronted oppression and societal wounds through innovative visual expression. From the 1930s Chinese Woodblock Movement’s bold social critiques influenced by German Expressionism, to Japan’s 1950s experimental collective Jikken Kōbō challenging conventional art and blending multimedia, each movement used creativity as both resistance and reflection. Paris’s Lettrism and Situationist International dismantled traditional forms to critique culture’s complicity with fascism and capitalism, sparking revolutionary ideas that fueled the unrest of May 1968. Meanwhile, the visceral Viennese Actionists shocked the public with provocative performances that confronted Austria’s dark past and rigid social norms, turning taboo and the frail human body into a battleground for catharsis and political challenge. These movements reveal art’s enduring power to protest, heal, and inspire beyond the fall of authoritarian regimes.

Nestled between stunning national parks, Jackson Hole is buzzing with excitement as it prepares for the much-anticipated solar eclipse, drawing larger crowds and inspiring a unique outdoor art exhibition called "Observatories." Curated by artist Andy Kincaid and collaborators, the show features ten artists—including Liz Magic Laser, Paul McCarthy, and Anna Tsouhlarakis—who have created immersive pavilions that blend eclipse viewing with profound reflections on nature, culture, and the environment. From Tsouhlarakis’ spiral shelter drawing on Navajo traditions to McCarthy’s provocative stagecoach performance confronting harsh realities, each installation invites visitors to contemplate the eclipse’s power beyond its spectacular celestial display. Running through September 9th, the exhibition transforms Jackson Hole into a vibrant hub of artistic insight and eclipse-themed wonder.

The children of renowned artists have forged unique paths that both honor and diverge from their parents’ legacies. Jean-Louis Bourgeois, son of Louise Bourgeois, is dedicated to preserving mud brick architecture, notably the Great Mosque of Djenne in Mali, while Paloma Picasso has made a name for herself as a vibrant jewelry designer and perfume creator. Mark Rothko’s daughter, Kate Rothko Prizel, pursued a career in pathology after a turbulent inheritance battle, carrying a complicated relationship with the art world. Meanwhile, Jessie Mann, daughter of Sally Mann, embraces her role in front of the camera, collaborating with photographer Len Prince as a muse and celebrity impersonator. Donald Judd’s sons, Rainer and Flavin, manage the Judd Foundation, striving to highlight their father’s multifaceted legacy as both a minimalist sculptor and a thought-provoking writer.

Album art, once as iconic as the music itself, is celebrated here through groundbreaking designs that transformed album covers into compelling works of art. From Andy Warhol’s unforgettable banana on The Velvet Underground’s debut to the psychedelic collage of The Beatles’ Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band by Peter Blake and Jann Haworth, these covers pushed creative boundaries and defined cultural moments. Jamie Reid’s raw, provocative graphics for the Sex Pistols captured punk’s rebellious spirit, while Peter Saville's minimalist design for Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures remains hauntingly timeless. Mark Farrow’s innovative pharmaceutical-inspired packaging for Spiritualized redefined how listeners engage with music, and Big Active’s customizable cover for Beck’s The Information invited fans to become co-creators. Together, these visionary designs evoke nostalgia and highlight the enduring power of physical art in a digital age.

In the unpredictable world of art, many renowned artists have navigated the challenge of balancing creative passion with the practical need to earn a living through day jobs. From Henri Rousseau’s government tax collecting to Alexander Calder’s engineering, and Mark Rothko’s teaching to Vivian Maier’s decades as a nanny, these careers not only supported their finances but often enriched their artistic vision. Artists like Barbara Kruger and Fred Wilson leveraged roles within the art world itself, while Jeff Koons and Matthew Barney took unconventional paths—including finance and modeling—to fund their groundbreaking work. This exploration reveals that the myth of the “real artist” solely devoted to creation overlooks the resilience, diverse experiences, and determination that fuel true artistic success.

Amy Pleasant’s ceramic sculpture, exemplified by her piece Head #1, captivates with its unique blend of abstract and illusionistic qualities, achieved by deconstructing the figure into fragmented two-dimensional planes that shift perspective as you move around them. Her work balances light-hearted whimsy with serious formalism, making it a perfect addition to any space—from shelves to gallery displays. With solo exhibitions at prestigious venues like the Birmingham Museum of Art and the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center, Pleasant’s sculptures are celebrated both as collectible art objects and thoughtful design elements.

August may slow down the gallery scene, but artists themselves never rest, and this month showcases a diverse lineup of creatives whose work demands attention. Highlights include Heather Dewey-Hagborg and Chelsea Manning’s provocative DNA-based portraits at Fridman Gallery, Fred Forest’s bold institutional critique unraveling at the Centre Pompidou, and Alex Ito’s haunting explorations of intimacy and trauma visible at Hotel Art Pavilion. Meanwhile, Sarah Charlesworth’s conceptually rich photography returns to the West Coast with a LACMA exhibit, Jaimie Warren channels grotesque camp in theatrical performance at The Hole, and Sarah Lucas disrupts classical norms with her feminist sculptures at San Francisco’s Legion of Honor. Complementing these are Alice Quaresma’s vibrant mixed-media pieces in Brooklyn, Megan Marrin’s enormous hyperrealistic corpse flower paintings in New York, and Rashid Johnson’s striking billboard installation in London. Whether through incisive social commentary, playful yet profound performances, or mesmerizing visual statements, these nine artists prove that artistry never takes a vacation.

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

SEASON gallery, run by Robert Yoder out of his Seattle home, offers a refreshing alternative to traditional white-cube exhibition spaces by transforming his living and dining rooms into intimate art venues. With just four shows a year, Yoder creates a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere where visitors linger and explore beyond the featured artworks, often discovering pieces throughout the house, from tables to bathrooms. This domestic setting not only reduces overhead costs but also allows collectors to envision the art in a real living space. Currently featured at the Seattle Art Fair, SEASON showcases the diverse talents of local artists like Sean Barton, who merges his sign-painting skills with abstract floral canvases, and Seth David Friedman, whose sculptures reflect his daily work with human imaging. Though not entirely new, Yoder’s homegrown gallery model remains rare in Seattle and has thrived for seven years, proving that sometimes the most unconventional approaches create the most memorable art experiences.

Collecting art takes on a deeper meaning when your purchase supports vital causes, blending passion for activism with the beauty of creative expression. From environmental initiatives like the Perfect Earth Project and Maya Lin’s memorial to endangered species, to empowering women through Planned Parenthood and promoting sustainable water access with charity: water, each artwork tells a story beyond its aesthetic. Notable artists such as April Gornik, Jose Dávila, and Clifford Ross have contributed pieces benefiting organizations fighting for climate action, healthcare, youth empowerment, and cultural preservation. With editions tied to causes like the Los Angeles Nomadic Division, Greenpeace, Fresh Air Fund, and the New York City AIDS Memorial, art collectors can make a tangible impact while enriching their collections with meaningful works. Whether supporting inner-city youth through the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation or advancing education with ScholarMatch, these collaborations showcase how art can inspire change across myriad social and environmental fronts.

The third annual Seattle Art Fair is set to open at CenturyLink Field Event Center, showcasing a vibrant mix of established and emerging artists that highlight Seattle’s growing art scene. Max Fishko, the fair’s director, shares insights on the fair’s mission to engage both newcomers and serious collectors through year-round educational programs and exceptional hospitality, including exclusive visits to private collections. With an impressive attendance of 18,000 last year and rising, the fair aims to position Seattle as a key gateway to the Pacific Rim, particularly with a dynamic presence of galleries from Japan. Beyond the art, visitors are encouraged to savor the city’s renowned seafood and take in the stunning summer backdrop of Mt. Rainier, making the fair an unmissable cultural experience.

As housing costs soar, displacement rises, and environmental uncertainties grow, mobile shelters are gaining appeal as flexible, creative solutions for living on the move. Phaidon's *Mobitecture: Architecture on the Move* showcases 250 innovative portable structures—from inflatable tents and glowing bubble pavilions to compact travel homes and repurposed caravans—each blending functionality with striking artistic inspiration. These designs not only offer practical refuge and freedom but also echo iconic artworks, linking architecture and art in unexpected ways. Whether a shimmering disco-inspired camper or an inflatable movie theater that pops up with ease, these movable homes embody a new nomadic spirit, redefining what it means to feel at home anywhere in the world.

Neil Patrick Harris and his husband David Burtka’s Harlem townhouse is a vibrant testament to their deep passion for contemporary art, filled with carefully curated pieces that reflect their unique tastes and thoughtful collecting approach. From edgy sculptures by Tom LaDuke to iconic works by Keith Haring in their son's room, the couple blends artistic sophistication with playful family life. Their collection features renowned names like Banksy, Kehinde Wiley, and Ed Ruscha, showcasing a range of styles from provocative street art to richly detailed portraits. Known for their genuine curiosity and appreciation of the stories behind the art, Harris and Burtka have transformed their home into a dynamic gallery that celebrates connection, creativity, and the emotional power of art.

Despite fears that digital markets would spell the end for physical bookstores, independent art-focused shops across the U.S. are thriving and offering unique experiences that big chains can’t match. From Chicago’s BING Art Books nestled in a community arts center, to Atlanta’s stylish Cover Books with its curated art, design, and food collections, these bookstores blend cozy atmospheres with rare finds. Miami’s Exile Books champions artist-driven works, while Los Angeles' Hennessey + Ingalls offers a vast warehouse of art, architecture, and design books. Portland’s Monograph Bookwerks and L.A.’s Ooga Booga bring quirky, artist-produced treasures to avid collectors. New York's Printed Matter revolutionized the artist book scene, and Quimby’s in Chicago and NYC champions offbeat, self-published gems. The Stacks in New Orleans and Philadelphia’s Ulises combine bookselling with vibrant programming, keeping the spirit of artist communities alive. Even just across the border, Toronto’s Art Metropole continues a legacy of championing the artist book medium with an eye toward innovative art forms. These bookstores don’t just sell books—they cultivate culture, spark discovery, and offer a haven for the curious and creative.

Neo-Concretism, founded in 1959 by artists like Hélio Oiticica and Lygia Pape, revolutionized the art world by emphasizing participatory experiences that engage viewers to express complex human realities. Lygia Pape’s mesmerizing work, such as her iconic "Web 1, C," transforms space with delicate gold threads that shift and glow in the light, inviting viewers to move and interact, creating a spiritual and otherworldly encounter. From her early groundbreaking "Book of Creation" to her ethereal Webs series, Pape’s art blends abstraction, narrative, and physicality, challenging the boundaries between art and audience. Her legacy resonates deeply today, offering a powerful reminder of how art can transcend the ordinary and inspire moments of wonder amid the chaos of modern life.

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

Discover how to collect iconic contemporary art without breaking the bank by exploring affordable alternatives to high-priced masterpieces. From Massimo Vitali’s intimate European beachscapes and Thomas Ruff’s provocative Nudes series to Andy Warhol’s iconic Campbell’s Soup silkscreens and Wolfgang Tillmans’ experimental camera-less photographs, this guide pairs coveted works with budget-friendly options that capture the spirit and style of the originals. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant sociological snapshots, boundary-pushing photography, pop art’s commercial commentary, or abstract expressions of urban introspection, there’s an accessible piece for every collector eager to bring renowned artistry into their space.

Since the 1970s, James Welling has pushed the boundaries of photography, transforming it into a form of fine art that transcends traditional pictures to become evocative pieces. His work "Seafoam," a still from the deeply personal film *Seascape*, pays homage to his grandfather by colorizing original 16mm footage with oil paintings and completing the piece with a unique soundscape created by his brother. Celebrated worldwide and held in major institutions like the Met and Centre Pompidou, Welling’s photographs are essential acquisitions for collectors seeking a vital part of contemporary art history.

Dive into a captivating lineup of art-focused documentaries, films, and series perfect for your next binge session. From the vibrant, community-driven performance art of Nick Cave in "As Is" to the intimate studio moments of pioneering sculptor Louise Bourgeois, these selections explore creative minds across diverse mediums. Discover avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren’s haunting influence, and get a gripping look at art world intrigues like the high-stakes thefts in "Raiders of the Lost Art" and the street art market’s complex dance in "Saving Banksy." Enjoy beautifully produced insights into modern design in Netflix’s "Abstract: The Art of Design," the dramatic true story behind Margaret Keane’s iconic paintings in "Big Eyes," and the provocative exploration of erotic comics in "Sex in the Comix." Cap it off with the colorful resurgence of yarn art in "Yarn" and the captivating socioeconomic portrait in "The Queen of Versailles." This curated list offers something for every art lover seeking inspiration, intrigue, and fresh perspectives—all streaming now to enhance your downtime.

Samsung’s innovative television, The Frame, redefines home entertainment by seamlessly blending technology and art. Designed in collaboration with Yves Behar, this TV transforms into a beautiful digital canvas when not in use, displaying a curated library of over 100 artworks or pieces from Samsung’s expanding Art Store subscription. With interchangeable bezels, a brightness sensor for natural display, and a sleek no-gap wall mount with invisible cables, The Frame fits effortlessly into any room, elevating your space like an upscale gallery. Available in 55” and 65” sizes, it offers both cutting-edge functionality and aesthetic appeal, making it a must-have for art lovers and design enthusiasts alike.

This July in New York, a dynamic array of emerging artists are commanding attention with compelling solo exhibitions that push boundaries and explore deeply personal narratives. From Willa Nasatir’s surreal photographic manipulations at the Whitney to Brandi Twilley’s haunting paintings commemorating her childhood home’s destruction, each show invites viewers into richly textured worlds. Alvin Baltrop’s poignant archival photos of pre-AIDS gay culture gain renewed recognition, while Doris Guo’s delicate, nature-infused installations challenge perceptions of time and decay. Canadian painter geetha thurairajah blends digital precision with traditional themes, marking her growing presence in the American art scene, and Willie Stewart’s sprawling tribute to Southern subcultures pulses with rebellious energy at Pioneer Works. Meanwhile, Bunny Rogers’ anthropomorphic sculptures and videos delve into online identity and the search for belonging, culminating in her first U.S. museum solo at the Whitney. Together, these artists illuminate fresh perspectives and vibrant voices shaping contemporary art today.

At just 24, Max Levai stepped into the formidable role of principal director at Marlborough Chelsea (now Marlborough Contemporary), navigating the weight of his family’s prestigious legacy while carving out his own unique path in the art world. Despite initial resistance, Levai boldly launched a daring exhibition that earned his father’s respect before being devastated by Hurricane Sandy, an event that ultimately allowed him to rebuild and redefine the gallery’s identity. Balancing tradition with innovation, he expanded his reach by merging the New York and London spaces under one brand, cultivating a dynamic, fluid program that nurtures emerging artists while honoring Marlborough’s storied history. Passionate both as a dealer and collector, Levai’s deep commitment to art extends beyond the gallery walls into collaborative projects, reflecting his vision of integrating art into everyday life and community.

Last week’s solstice marked the arrival of summer in San Diego, where artist Morgan Mandalay’s vibrant project space, SPF15, brings art directly to the city’s beaches in a unique and ever-changing outdoor gallery. Founded in 2014 with a modest budget and inspired by Mandalay’s experiences running a curatorial project in Chicago, SPF15 reimagines the traditional gallery by embracing San Diego’s coastal culture and public spaces. The pop-up exhibitions rotate locations, featuring diverse artists and engaging casual beachgoers without disrupting local communities or contributing to gentrification. With its playful yet thoughtful approach, SPF15 transforms the beach into a lively stage for art, such as tents doubling as fitting rooms or temples, while fostering unexpected encounters—from stoners to wedding photo shoots—highlighting the dynamic relationship between space, community, and creativity. As Mandalay and his partner prepare to evolve the project with new shows and initiatives like the nomadic Date Night art fair, SPF15 continues to challenge and celebrate the intersection of art, nature, and urban life.

Three groundbreaking exhibitions boldly challenged political and institutional authority, sparking fierce reactions from those in power. In Beijing’s 1989 “China/Avant-Garde,” artists defied censorship with provocative performances, culminating in Xiao Lu’s dramatic shooting of her own installation, which led to a government crackdown amid the tense pre-Tiananmen atmosphere. New York’s 1970 “Information” at MoMA confronted the Vietnam War and radical politics head-on, featuring Hans Haacke’s contentious museum poll and John Giorno’s “Dial-A-Poem,” both stirring controversy within the elite art institution. Meanwhile, Moscow’s 1974 “Bulldozer Exhibition” saw Soviet artists illegally display nonconformist work outdoors, only to have the show violently destroyed by authorities using bulldozers, drawing international outrage and diplomatic backlash. These exhibitions exemplify art’s power to provoke change and resist repression despite immense risk.

Artist-run blogs have reshaped how art is discussed and critiqued in the digital age, offering diverse, authentic voices outside traditional media platforms. Influential sites like Sharon Butler’s *Two Coats of Paint*, focusing on painting in cultural and political contexts, and *contemptorary*, co-run by Eunsong Kim and Gelare Khoshgozaran, which challenges art’s relationship to power and politics, exemplify this shift. Platforms such as *ARTS.BLACK* prioritize critical perspectives from Black critics, highlighting equity and new frameworks for understanding art. Other notable voices like Greg Allen (*Greg.org*) blend historical research with contemporary commentary, while aggregators like Brett Baker’s *Painters’ Table* curate eclectic artist writings. These blogs not only document artistic practice but also insist on rigorous, thoughtful criticism addressing current social and political realities, emphasizing the importance of lived experience, power dynamics, and reimagining art’s future. Together, they form a vibrant, interconnected network revealing the evolving landscape of art writing today.

Mimi Gross’s artistic range is as expansive as it is unique, spanning from intimate two-dimensional paintings to monumental public sculptures and vibrant installations. Notably, in 1975, she collaborated with CreativeTime and Red Grooms to create the iconic Ruckus Manhattan, a sprawling multimedia model of New York City featuring famous landmarks crafted from diverse materials. While New Yorkers can enjoy her playful public works firsthand, pieces like The Question—a compact, sculpture-like painting perfect for any home—make her art accessible worldwide. Celebrated by major institutions such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago, Gross’s work challenges traditional formats by blending painting and sculpture into captivating, space-efficient creations.

L.A.-based artist Dashiell Manley’s recent body of work, *Elegy*, marks a powerful evolution from his earlier pieces that grappled with the overwhelming flood of real-time news and political satire. Known for translating front-page headlines and charged cartoons into sprawling pastel and gouache canvases, Manley shifted towards a more meditative practice, creating oil paintings that balance tension between “ugly” and “pleasing.” His new works are dense with textured oil impasto, evoking zen gardens and natural impressions while distilling complex content into the simplest repeated gestures. Showcased in his solo museum debut at Stanford’s Cantor Arts Center and soon at the Los Angeles Nomadic Division, these paintings reflect a deeply personal and emotional finale to a trilogy confronting the media-saturated world, revealing an artist continually wrestling with destruction, beauty, and his own creative instincts.

Phaidon’s Contemporary Artist Series presents an intimate and comprehensive monograph on Kerry James Marshall, created through close collaboration with the artist. Michele Robecchi, Phaidon’s commissioning editor, shares insights from his immersive experience working alongside Marshall—exploring the meticulous process of translating the artist’s powerful, politically and aesthetically relevant work into a printed form that endures beyond exhibitions. The book delves into Marshall’s commitment to portraying the underrepresented Black community in American art, featuring rare archival materials, insightful essays, and personal writings. Balancing faithful reproduction of large, textured paintings with a thoughtful narrative structure, this monograph not only celebrates Marshall’s oeuvre but also serves as an intellectual journey, revealing the “laboratory for ideas” behind his enduring artistic vision.

Italian photographer Massimo Vitali has spent over two decades capturing the intricate relationship between humans and European coastlines, using unique vantage points to reveal beach culture as a rich tapestry of human behavior, leisure, and society. His early work focused on crowded scenes that showcased individuality through bodies and gestures, while his more recent photography reflects a shift toward exploring the tension between people and the natural landscape, especially in the context of contemporary social issues like migration. Vitali sees the beach as a rare public space where social masks are lowered and true human vulnerability and freedom are expressed, making it an ideal subject to study society. His latest collaboration with Artspace and luxury swimwear brand Vilebrequin supports the Fresh Air Fund, an initiative that offers disadvantaged children the chance to experience the beach and nature—a tradition Vitali notes as longstanding in Europe but less common today. Through his lens, the beach becomes a microcosm of life, capturing moments of leisure, identity, and the subtle, often unseen dramas playing out on the border between land and sea.

In 1971, the Toronto-based collective General Idea—comprising Felix Partz, Jorge Zontal, and AA Bronson—sent an intriguing package to sixteen artists inviting them to participate in the ambitious and campy Miss General Idea Pageant. Building on their earlier playful performances and provocative correspondence, the trio transformed the beauty pageant format into a satirical exploration of gender, identity, and performativity, challenging conventional norms with wit and flair. The event culminated in a grand ceremony at the Art Gallery of Ontario where Marcel Dot, the alter ego of artist Michael Morris, was crowned for capturing the essence of “Glamour” without succumbing to it. Though exhausting to produce, the pageant marked a defining moment for General Idea, setting the stage for a future reunion and cementing their legacy in the art world as pioneers of queer performance and conceptual rigor.

Last week's Philips Evening & Day Editions auction showcased some of the priciest artworks by iconic artists like James Rosenquist, David Hockney, Yayoi Kusama, and Imi Knoebel, but savvy collectors don't have to splurge to own pieces that capture these masters' signature styles. From Rosenquist’s visceral “Forehead I” to Hockney’s elegant lithographs, Kusama’s enduring pumpkins, and Knoebel’s vibrant abstractions, affordable alternatives offer a chance to bring world-class art into your collection without breaking the bank. Whether you're drawn to bold Pop Art, avant-garde motifs, or colorful abstractions, these steals prove that art collecting can be both accessible and exciting.

In the turbulent aftermath of World War II, American art critics Clement Greenberg and Harold Rosenberg ignited powerful debates that shaped the trajectory of modern art, from the rise of Abstract Expressionism to the advent of Minimalism and institutional critique. Rosenberg championed “action painting” as a performative struggle on canvas, while Greenberg’s formalist theory emphasized flatness and abstraction, influencing major museums and the art market alike. As criticism evolved, voices like Barbara Rose expanded formalism to new mediums, even as Philip Leider and Linda Nochlin exposed its limitations—highlighting its exclusion of women, minorities, and political engagement. Essays by Thomas McEvilley and John Yau further challenged institutional biases favoring Eurocentric and patriarchal narratives, while Cornel West urged inclusion of Black culture within postmodern discourse. Anna Chave’s analysis of Minimalism’s oppressive power dynamics and Arthur Danto’s embrace of pluralism marked a shift toward diverse interpretive frameworks, signaling the end of linear artistic progressions and the embrace of a multifaceted contemporary art landscape.

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

Alexander Calder revolutionized modern art with his kinetic sculptures known as mobiles, a term coined by Marcel Duchamp to describe Calder’s pioneering work that blends motion with abstract form. Beginning his artistic journey blending engineering and art in Paris during the 1920s, Calder crafted whimsical wire sculptures and the beloved "Cirque Calder," a performative miniature circus. His mobiles, inspired by abstract painters like Joan Miró and Jean Arp, challenged traditional static sculpture by incorporating movement, while his static counterparts, stabiles, grew monumental and became iconic public artworks. Beyond sculpture, Calder’s diverse oeuvre includes vibrant paintings, prints, intricate jewelry, and innovative stage designs, revealing the breadth of his creative genius. With recent high-profile exhibitions and restorations celebrating his legacy, Calder’s profound impact on art and performance continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

Kerry James Marshall's vibrant art challenges the absence of Black figures in traditional Western art by portraying everyday Black experiences with boldness and nuance. His first major career survey, "Kerry James Marshall: Mastery," currently at the Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles, highlights his influential journey. Among the featured works is "Untitled (Man)," a limited-edition woodcut signed and numbered by Marshall, continuing the legacy of his celebrated piece "Satisfied Man." Known for his mastery across scales, from tiny prints to monumental paintings, Marshall’s work remains a powerful testament to representation and artistic innovation.

Kerry James Marshall reflects on his lifelong mission to reshape the portrayal of Black life in art, countering the often one-dimensional images of suffering with powerful, tender depictions of everyday joy and identity. Drawing inspiration from figures like Charles White and influenced by a nuanced understanding of color and history, Marshall embraces the black figure as both an artistic and political symbol. Through works like *Heirlooms and Accessories* and his landmark *Self Portrait of the Artist as a Shadow of His Former Self*, he challenges viewers to reconsider the complexities of racial history, power structures, and representation. Marshall’s approach blends activism with artistry—not to incite direct action, but to provoke thought and dialogue about the enduring impact of racial violence and systemic exclusion, all while advancing painting as a medium that conveys the depth and dignity of Black experience.

As the art world slows down for summer, nine artists are capturing attention with diverse and thought-provoking works. Nari Ward’s expansive survey at ICA Boston explores social issues through found objects, while Evelyn Taocheng Wang’s London debut delves into identity and cultural stereotypes with multimedia pieces. Cameron Rowland’s research-driven show in Cologne confronts historical injustices in labor systems, and Ultra Violet Production House’s Detroit exhibition playfully blurs digital and physical art. Marisa Merz’s Italian Arte Povera retrospective arrives at the Hammer Museum alongside Aaron Taylor Kuffner’s immersive robotic sound installation. Anicka Yi’s Guggenheim exhibit transforms bacteria and odors into sensory explorations of race and class, while David Lynch’s artistic influence resurfaces amid the revival of Twin Peaks. Emerging artist Fin Simonetti transitions from pen drawings to marble sculptures in her compelling North Little Rock show, marking her as a rising force to watch.

Detroit’s art scene pulses with vibrant energy and creative ingenuity, anchored by a rich history and a community determined to redefine the city’s cultural identity. From the bold, large-scale street-art installations at Library Street Collective to the experimental, artist-run spaces like CAVE and Bahamas Biennale, Detroit’s galleries showcase a dynamic mix of established and emerging voices. The city’s creative revival is fueled by institutions like the College for Creative Studies and the Detroit Institute of Arts, while pioneering galleries—such as Reyes Projects just outside Detroit, Wasserman Projects’ transformative exhibitions, and the community-engaged N’Namdi Center for Contemporary Art—offer a profound commitment to diverse artistic expression. With cutting-edge programming, powerful local narratives, and a commitment to inclusion, Detroit is not just a comeback city—it’s a must-see destination for contemporary art lovers seeking innovation, authenticity, and a thriving cultural future.

Since long before political rhetoric transformed the US-Mexico border into a symbol of division, artists have used this charged region as a powerful canvas to explore identity, migration, labor, and history. From the Border Art Workshop’s activist performances in the 1980s to contemporary projects like Tanya Anguiñiga’s AMBOS and Postcommodity’s Repellent Fence, creative voices have challenged notions of nationalism, highlighted the human costs of policies like NAFTA, and underscored the shared cultural heritage that transcends borders. These projects—ranging from installations of Aztec figurines and performative cannonball crossings to intricate multimedia works—invite us to rethink the border not as a dividing line but as a space rich with stories of struggle, resilience, and connection.

Actress and model Brooke Shields has transformed her Greenwich Village townhouse into a vibrant showcase of her growing art collection, blending her personal history with legendary artists like Andy Warhol and Keith Haring. Introduced to art through photography—a passion sparked by icons such as Richard Avedon and Annie Leibovitz—Shields has expanded her collection to include paintings by Malcolm Liepke, Hunt Slonem, and Will Cotton. Known for her approachable collecting philosophy, she never spends more than $7,000 on a piece, although some of her most treasured works were gifted by her late artist friends. As a board member of the New York Academy of Art, Shields recently co-curated a show emphasizing nature and the animal kingdom, reflecting her deep engagement with the contemporary art world. Her eclectic collection combines intimate portraits, ethereal photograms, and vibrant paintings, highlighting both accessibility and artistic prestige.

Summer is the perfect season to dive into a captivating stack of books, and this curated list highlights eleven recent publications that explore the intersection of art, culture, and critical thought. From Teju Cole’s insightful essays in *Known and Strange Things* that blend literature, photography, and global perspectives, to Ellen Mara De Wachter’s *Co-Art*, which dismantles myths of solo artistic genius through interviews with collaborative creatives, these works enrich our understanding of contemporary art practices. Tom McCarthy’s critique of artists like Gerhard Richter and Susan Cahan’s unflinching exploration of racial dynamics in major museums offer sharp cultural critiques. Literary and art criticism intertwine beautifully in László Krasznahorkai’s *The Manhattan Project* and the vivid biography *Eye of the Sixties* by Judith Stein, capturing transformative moments in modern art history. Sophie Calle’s poignant memoir *Rachel Monique* reveals personal narratives behind art, while Hal Foster’s *Bad New Days* rethinks avant-garde strategies amid crisis. Highlighting underrepresented voices, *Honar* presents the richness of Iranian art from Mohammed Afkhami’s collection. Marcel Proust’s early critical essay and Eric Kandel’s blending of neuroscience with abstract expressionism round out a reading list that invites reflection on art's evolving role in society and the mind.

Magnum Manifesto, opening at the International Center of Photography Museum, honors the 70-year legacy of Magnum Photos, a collective that has uniquely blended documentary and artistic photography since its inception by Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, and others. The exhibition and accompanying reflections highlight iconic photobooks that have shaped visual storytelling—from Cartier-Bresson's seminal *The Decisive Moment*, which captures fleeting, powerful instants with painterly precision, to Danny Lyon’s immersive *Conversations with the Dead*, revealing raw prison life through a deeply personal lens. Feminist perspectives emerge in Abigail Heyman’s *Growing Up Female*, a candid exploration of womanhood, while Eve Arnold’s *The Unretouched Woman* presents a rich panorama of women’s lives across cultures unfiltered by glamour. Sebastião Salgado’s *Other Americas* offers a meditative look at rural Latin America’s resilient cultures, and James Nachtwey’s harrowing *Inferno* documents humanity’s darkest conflicts with unflinching empathy. Finally, Alec Soth’s *Sleeping by the Mississippi* poetically traces American life along the river, weaving portraits and landscapes into a dreamy narrative. Together, these works showcase Magnum’s enduring commitment to capturing the intersection of art, life, and history in evocative, transformative ways.

Robert Rauschenberg’s retrospective "Among Friends" opening at MoMA invites a deeper examination of the complex interplay between his art, queer identity, and the socio-political climate of mid-20th century America. While traditional art criticism has long dismissed the idea of encoded meanings tied to Rauschenberg’s sexuality, recent scholarship challenges this by situating his assemblage work within the context of Cold War anxieties, same-sex relationships, and the cultural codes shared among a close-knit artistic community including Jasper Johns and John Cage. This nuanced perspective reveals that beneath the surface of anti-authorial postmodernism lies a deliberate strategy to mask intimate messages, reflecting both the hidden realities of queer life under oppression and the layered audiences Rauschenberg engaged, from the general public to trusted friends.

A new wave of artists known as the Frictionless Painters, including Avery Singer, Louisa Gagliardi, Sascha Braunig, Jordan Kasey, and Nicolas Party, are redefining contemporary portraiture through a unique fusion of digital modeling and traditional painting. Their works depict human figures and faces as smooth, near-anonymous 3D forms that appear hollow and detached, evoking the glossy flatness of digital screens and social media aesthetics. These painters intentionally avoid specific markers of identity such as gender and race, creating unsettlingly generic, almost object-like subjects that reflect the commodification and banalization of human experience in our capitalist, screen-saturated era. While their sleek, polished surfaces easily translate to online platforms, the physical paintings retain subtle brushstrokes that affirm their materiality. This emerging style, far from a formal movement, captures the eerie interplay between technology, identity, and consumption, offering both a mirror and a critique of life in the digital age.

Tracy Emin’s offset lithograph print, *You Loved Me Like a Distant Star*, captures the raw emotional intensity that defines her work. A key figure in the Young British Artists movement, Emin merges Neo-Conceptualism with bold, intimate themes of love, sex, and vulnerability. Known for her use of neon to illuminate her handwritten, heartfelt messages, this signed limited edition print echoes the powerful expression of the original 2012 neon piece. For collectors, it offers a striking, personal connection to one of contemporary art’s most candid voices.

Discover the perfect artwork to complement your unique interior style, whether you lean towards Mid-Century Modern, Scandinavian Minimalism, Eclectic Bohemian, Coastal, Industrial Chic, or Traditional and Transitional designs. From sleek, retro-inspired pieces and neutral-toned minimalist works to vibrant boho mixes and sophisticated beachscapes, this curated collection offers stylish art that enhances your décor without overwhelming it. Explore timeless classics, abstract expressions, and bold industrial motifs, all thoughtfully selected to bring harmony and flair to your living space. Partnering with Viyet, a premier marketplace for high-end furniture and décor, this guide makes it easy to find chic, affordable pieces that perfectly fit your aesthetic vision.

Collaboration, while often challenging and layered with personal dynamics, can unlock extraordinary creative potential, as revealed by insights from 25 leading artist duos and collectives in Ellen Mara De Wachter’s book *Co-Art: Artists on Creative Collaboration*. These artists share how their diverse philosophies—from political activism and daily rituals like tea-drinking to embracing chaos and intuition—shape their collective processes. They discuss navigating the art market’s evolving attitudes toward authorship and collaboration, dividing labor through trust and complementary skills, and the profound benefits of creative partnership, including the fusion of perspectives that lead to richer, more complex work. Ultimately, collaboration is portrayed not just as a method but as a living practice that transforms individual ideas into powerful, collective expressions.

As road-trip season heats up, embark on an art-filled journey across the U.S. visiting ten remarkable public sculptures that range from beloved landmarks to lesser-known gems. Start in New York with Sophie Calle’s emotionally charged marble obelisk inviting visitors to share their secrets, then head to Yale’s Vietnam War protest monument by Claes Oldenburg. Atlanta offers Sol LeWitt’s minimalist 54 Columns, while Chicago beckons with Picasso’s once-controversial steel sculpture. Experience Minneapolis’s newly renovated Sculpture Garden, Louise Bourgeois’s giant Spider in Kansas City, and a poignant Civil Rights-era Drinking Fountain installation in Dallas. In New Mexico, witness Walter De Maria’s Lightning Field, a mesmerizing land art piece best seen at sunrise or sunset, then explore Utah’s legendary Spiral Jetty and Sun Tunnels. Finally, relax in San Diego with Nancy Rubins’s massive, chaotic Pleasure Point sculpture, a striking celebration of transforming industrial debris into art. This eclectic, geographically adventurous itinerary is a must for art lovers ready to explore creative landmarks across the country.

Since the 1960s, Ed Ruscha has distinguished himself as a pioneering American artist by transforming simple words into visually captivating, enigmatic works that blend language, landscape, and pop culture. Beginning with iconic Hollywood signs and studio logos, Ruscha evolved to depict single words and phrases detached from conventional meaning, focusing instead on their graphic form, sound, and texture. His innovative use of unconventional materials—like syrup, gunpowder, and even blood—expanded the boundaries of artistic media, while his personal notebooks reveal a unique lexicon reflecting themes from his Catholic upbringing to his fascination with cars and sensual pleasures. As his practice matured, Ruscha’s word paintings grew from solitary words to complex phrases and sentences that tease multiple interpretations, inviting viewers into a puzzle-like experience reminiscent of a game show. Throughout his career, Ruscha embraced language as pure form and object, creating works that are playful, poetic, and persistently open-ended, reinforcing his position as a vital figure at the intersection of Conceptual art and American pop culture.

May’s art scene is sizzling with compelling exhibitions at New York’s top venues, spotlighting both groundbreaking legends and rising stars. Kaari Upson’s solo show at the New Museum immerses visitors in a multi-media exploration of American ideals through haunting sculptures, drawings, and video installations. Carol Rama’s provocative retrospective challenges notions of sexuality with powerful early watercolors and abstract assemblages. Eric Fischl’s poignant "Late America" series captures the nation’s post-election anxiety with raw intensity. Emerging talents like Ivana Basic and Sara Cwynar push boundaries with futuristic sculptures and vibrant, consumer-culture-infused photography. Meanwhile, established voices such as Lorna Simpson, Louise Lawler, Walead Beshty, Leslie Hewitt, and Rodney Graham reveal the hidden workings of image, identity, and artistic labor across galleries and fairs. These ten artists are essential discoveries this May, offering fresh perspectives that pulse with urgency and insight.

If you're dreaming of owning works by big-name artists like Robert Rauschenberg, Jonas Wood, Robert Indiana, or Ed Ruscha but balk at the soaring auction prices reaching millions, there’s good news: you can collect pieces by these icons for a fraction of the cost through Artspace. From Rauschenberg’s innovative combines to Wood’s vibrant domestic scenes, Indiana’s timeless LOVE sculptures, and Ruscha’s enigmatic word paintings, these accessible artworks offer a chance to bring renowned creativity into your collection without breaking the bank—whether it’s an $8,000 silkscreen print or a $4,500 lithograph, you can own a piece of art history without the seven-figure splurge.

The Festival de Cannes, a beacon of auteur cinema since its politically charged origins in 1939, has witnessed moments of upheaval, elegance, and profound emotion throughout its history. From the 1968 festival’s dramatic shutdown in solidarity with civil unrest to the transformative leadership of Gilles Jacob who steered Cannes toward artistic rigor, the festival’s rich legacy includes captivating tales behind the scenes. Notably, the tumultuous 1991 jury presidency of Roman Polanski revealed clashes of vision and authority, while Clint Eastwood’s calm humor during a sudden earthquake in 1994 showcased the resilience and humanity beneath the glamour. The article also pays tribute to the legendary Federico Fellini, whose funeral in Rome was a poignant farewell to one of cinema’s greatest masters, evoking both the spectacle and intimate sorrow that define the world of film. Through these vivid anecdotes, the Festival de Cannes emerges not just as an event but as a living tapestry of film history, passion, and artistry.

At Frieze New York, beyond the blockbuster gallery shows, a unique opportunity awaits visitors willing to venture to Randall’s Island to explore international galleries that bring diverse global perspectives rarely seen in the city. Highlighted are four standout galleries: Goodman Gallery from South Africa showcases artists who challenge colonial narratives through powerful visual strategies; Ivan Gallery from Romania presents evocative works by pioneering artists like Geta Brătescu and Lia Perjovschi, blending self-portraiture with historical commentary; Buenos Aires’ Walden Gallery offers innovative archive-based works by Latin American artists, including the influential Mexican artist Ulises Carrión; and São Paulo’s Galeria Jaqueline Martins preserves and promotes art from Brazil’s dictatorship era, featuring intimate, autobiographical pieces by Hudinilson, Jr. Together, these galleries bring rich, compelling narratives that transcend borders and invite fresh conversations within the contemporary art world.

At The European Fine Art Fair in New York, tiny artworks are making a big impact, with miniature pieces by masters like Picasso, Warhol, and Calder commanding staggering prices that often surpass their larger counterparts. From Picasso’s delicate ink and pastel on an envelope to a 4.4 cm ancient Electrum figure valued at a million dollars, each work defies expectations by packing immense value into a small frame. Highlights include Joseph Cornell’s painstakingly crafted "Pocket Object," Henry Moore’s surprisingly petite "Family Group" sculpture, and an adorable Calder mobile barely a few inches tall. These diminutive masterpieces prove that size doesn’t determine worth—sometimes, the tiniest art makes the loudest statement.

Emerging from the shadows of established art capitals, cities like Lagos, Cluj-Napoca, and Beirut are rapidly shaping dynamic avant-garde art scenes fueled by innovation, resilience, and deep engagement with local histories and social issues. Lagos shines as West Africa’s creative powerhouse, where experimental art thrives through institutions like the Centre for Contemporary Art and artists such as Jelili Atiku, whose provocative performances challenge social norms. Meanwhile, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, defies its provincial label with a vibrant artist community centered around the Fabrica de Pensule, exemplified by Adrian Ghenie’s compelling historical paintings that have gained international acclaim. In Beirut, the scars of civil war have forged a complex but fiercely independent art landscape, where experimental work often explores the city’s tumultuous past and present, supported by initiatives like Ashkal Alwan and artists like Akram Zaatari, who merge archival practice with poetic storytelling. Together, these cities represent bold new frontiers in contemporary art, pulsating with creativity and critical inquiry that resonate far beyond their borders.

The 13th edition of Berlin Gallery Weekend showcased a vibrant array of contemporary art across 47 galleries, drawing collectors and art lovers to the German capital. Highlights included Jasmin Werner’s captivating architectural stairway models at Gillmeier Rech, Guan Xiao’s neon-hued post-apocalyptic sculptures at Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, and Lu Yang’s intense, immersive video installation "Welcome to LuYang Hell" at Société. The event also honored legendary artist Otto Piene with a mesmerizing light-based kinetic display at Sprüth Magers, while Anri Sala’s evocative video installation at Esther Schipper explored revolutionary themes through music and architecture. Between Bridges offered a touching retrospective of Helga Paris’s poignant portraits, and Ian Kiaer’s cryptic architectural sculptures at Barbara Wien invited deeper reflection on form and function. Finally, Dara Friedman’s multilingual video monologues at Supportico Lopez provided a serene, contemplative contrast to the weekend’s dynamic energy, embodying the diverse and compelling spirit of Berlin’s thriving art scene.

Photography printing is a rich and intricate craft that balances both historical chemical methods and modern digital techniques. From the detailed chemical recipes in Christopher James’s authoritative guide to alternative photographic processes, to the widespread use of digital inkjet pigment prints—each method offers unique qualities and challenges. Chemical prints, such as silver gelatin and chromogenic (C-Type) prints, involve light-sensitive emulsions and have been favored for their tonal depth and archival potential, while digital pigment prints offer vibrant color but can be susceptible to fading without careful preservation. Historical processes like daguerreotypes, cyanotypes, and wet plate collodion continue to inspire artists who appreciate their hands-on nature and rich legacies. Additionally, mounting techniques like Diasec and Dibond enhance the presentation and longevity of prints, underscoring the art and science behind displaying photographic works. Whether through modern digital mastery or time-honored chemical traditions, photographic printing remains an essential, evolving medium blending craftsmanship with creativity.

Dave Eggers, celebrated as a leading voice in contemporary American literature with accolades from PEN and the Pulitzer Prize committee, has built a multifaceted career that extends far beyond writing. Known for novels like *The Circle* and *A Hologram for the King*, both adapted into films starring Tom Hanks, Eggers has also carved out a distinctive space as a visual artist and filmmaker. His semi-fictionalized memoir, *A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius*, reveals his early struggles running a literary magazine and aspirations as a painter. Eggers’s visual art, showcased in exhibitions like *It Is Right to Draw Their Fur* and *Insufferable Throne of God*, combines intricate grease pencil drawings with thought-provoking text, blending whimsy and solemn inquiry. Complementing his literary and artistic endeavors, Eggers has contributed to notable films, including collaborations with Spike Jonze and Sam Mendes, showcasing a creative versatility that continually challenges and expands his storytelling craft.

Art has always served as a powerful vehicle for political expression, reflecting and shaping societal values through diverse and often conflicting forms. From Emile Claus’s poignant depiction of rural poverty that calls out the complacency of the privileged, to Sebastián Errázuriz’s provocative street art challenging capitalist excess, political art aims to awaken conscience and inspire change. Yet, effective political art must do more than critique; it must deeply understand social issues and evoke the emotions necessary to motivate action. Beyond addressing economic and social injustices, modern political art can also foster virtues like patience and empathy, as seen in Christen Købke’s serene portrayal of social harmony or Tina Sehgal’s innovative public interactions designed to combat social isolation. By expanding the boundaries of what art can be and do, political art holds the potential not just to highlight problems but to genuinely transform societies, nurturing both collective awareness and compassionate connection.

In a revealing conversation between Vija Celmins and Chuck Close, two artists deeply devoted to drawing explore their shared journeys, creative struggles, and the evolution of their art. Celmins reflects on her early work's ominous intensity and her deliberate rejection of Abstract Expressionism’s color and passion in favor of a stripped-down, monochromatic approach that reveals raw materiality and form. She discusses using photographs as a layer of distance to slow down perception and treat images as objects, revealing a profound meditation on representation, memory, and presence. Both artists acknowledge the physicality and rigor in Celmins’s meticulous process, likening her work to building a structure or knitting a painting where meaning emerges from the interplay between material, mark, and surface. With influences ranging from Cézanne to Morandi and the Abstract Expressionists, Celmins embraces the artifice and limits of painting to create work that is simultaneously lush, restrained, and transcendent, inviting viewers to look beyond the image into the depths of perception and time.

Photographer Matthew Coleman’s lifelong connection with water takes center stage in his evocative shoot at LiTE-HAUS Galerie in Berlin, where he captures the delicate dance between water and his subject, Julia Sabrowski. What began as a strange experiment has evolved into a mesmerizing exploration of water as an element that swirls and interacts like paint on a canvas, shaping fleeting moments of unity between human and liquid. With intuitive spontaneity, Matthew choreographs light, movement, and fabric to create ethereal images that pulse with life, inviting viewers to witness the intimate, fluid poetry of his art.

Chicago’s vibrant art scene extends well beyond its renowned museums and annual fairs, thriving in dynamic neighborhood galleries that champion emerging and established artists alike. In West Town, DOCUMENT merges art and fine printing, spotlighting innovative photography and media-based work, while its neighbor Western Exhibitions showcases bold drawings and text-heavy prints influenced by local and historical movements. Meanwhile, Kavi Gupta holds the title of the city’s largest commercial gallery, representing socially-conscious talents with a legacy of international exposure. On the Near East Side, Rhona Hoffman balances a prestigious history of elevating iconic women artists with a commitment to fresh voices, and Andrew Rafacz’s colorful, abstract exhibitions push creative boundaries with a fresh, experimental edge. Together, these galleries illuminate Chicago’s rich, diverse artistic landscape waiting to be explored.

Collaboration among artists, while often riddled with disputes, shifting hierarchies, and challenges around authorship, reveals a rich terrain of shared creativity and unexpected breakthroughs, as explored in Ellen Mara De Wachter’s book *Co-Art: Artists on Creative Collaboration*. Leading artist collectives from around the world share how they navigate disagreements through negotiation and patience, balance evolving leadership dynamics, and challenge the myth of the solitary genius in favor of collective ownership. Their insights highlight that effective teamwork is less about control and more about embracing fluid roles, valuing diverse contributions, and allowing ideas to evolve over time—ultimately demonstrating that the power of many minds working together can reshape both art and its cultural narratives.

Julian Rosefeldt’s groundbreaking 13-channel film *Manifesto*, featuring Cate Blanchett embodying 12 distinct characters alongside a voice-over, transforms powerful manifestos from iconic writers and artists into electrifying monologues. Originally presented as a multi-screen installation at the Park Avenue Armory, the work masterfully blends voices from Marx and Engels to Jim Jarmusch, culminating in Blanchett’s mesmerizing, commanding presence that demands attention. Now adapted into a 94-minute single-screen feature for the Tribeca Film Festival, *Manifesto* promises to showcase Blanchett’s unparalleled versatility and intensity, delivering a riveting cinematic experience that’s as thought-provoking as it is visually striking.

From under $100 risograph prints to iconic Pop Art lithographs, this roundup highlights six captivating artworks that blend affordability with artistic significance. Explore Sophie Calle’s intimate and provocative photos that make the personal public, or grab a rare lithograph from James Rosenquist’s visionary “Speed of Light” series, recently underscored by the artist’s passing. Add edge to your collection with Shepard Fairey’s rebellious OBEY prints or invest in Louise Lawler’s thought-provoking suite from the Pictures Generation, currently celebrated at MoMA. For a playful nod to British satire, Charlie Billingham offers a risograph that reveals class breaches with wit and charm, while Alex Katz’s bold, stylized female portraits continue to captivate collectors after a celebrated Met exhibition. These carefully selected pieces prove that art collecting can be as accessible as it is inspiring.

A 2003 Urban Institute study revealed a striking disconnect in the U.S.: while 96% of Americans value the arts, only 27% truly appreciate the artists themselves. Highlighting this gap, United States Artists awards $50,000 unrestricted fellowships annually to diverse creatives nationwide, empowering them to support their work and lives in meaningful ways. From video artists paying bills and medical costs, to sound artists investing in home renovations, architects funding essential research, and dancers saving for sustainability, these artists reveal how such grants directly impact their creativity and livelihoods. The funds enable everything from artistic exploration and community investment to acquiring materials and travel, underscoring the vital role of financial support in nurturing the people behind the art we cherish.

This month shines a spotlight on nine rising stars in the art world, from Jessi Reaves’ functional sculptures blending art and domestic space at the Institute of Contemporary Art Philadelphia, to Tomáš Rafa’s gripping cinéma vérité films on nationalism at MoMA PS1. Senga Nengudi’s groundbreaking abstract sculptures finally gain recognition in Brooklyn, while Deana Lawson’s intimate, powerful photographs celebrating Black culture are showcased in Chicago. Jamaican artist Nari Ward’s assemblages confront race and migration at Boston’s ICA, and An-My Lê’s haunting war landscapes are featured at the Whitney Biennial. Mexican sculptor Tania Pérez Córdova debuts her “contemporary relics” in Chicago, while transgender artist Andrea Crespo’s deeply personal work on conjoined twins captivates in New York. Finally, Ian Cheng premieres his pioneering “live simulation art” at MoMA PS1, inviting viewers into dynamic virtual ecosystems exploring consciousness itself.

Betty Parsons, a pioneering lesbian art dealer, played a crucial yet often overlooked role in shaping Abstract Expressionism by championing diversity and difference in mid-century art. At a time when the movement was dominated by macho male figures like Pollock and Rothko, Parsons’s gallery nurtured not only these icons but also a broader spectrum of artists—including women, LGBTQ+ creators, and those outside the mainstream. Rejecting the pressure from male “giants” to narrow her focus, she embraced variety and inclusivity, valuing difference above conventional notions of quality. Parsons’s complex identity and unwavering independence challenged the male-dominated art world and opened space for underrepresented voices, making her legacy essential to understanding postwar abstraction and its politics of representation.