Stories

Brussels is rapidly emerging as a dynamic hub for contemporary art, attracting galleries from London to Brooklyn and fostering a vibrant community fueled by affordable rents and a steady influx of creative talent. From established institutions like WIELS and BOZAR to innovative artist-run spaces like Island, the city buzzes with fresh exhibitions and ambitious projects making waves internationally. Galleries such as Albert Baronian, Box Galerie, and Xavier Hufkens showcase a diverse range of artists, blending established names with rising stars, while daring spaces like D+T Project Gallery and Super Dakota champion cutting-edge and politically resonant art. In this richly layered scene, new entrants like Rod Barton find an inviting ecosystem, highlighting Brussels as the perfect blend of tradition, experimentation, and accessibility, making it a must-visit destination for art lovers and collectors alike.

Selldorf Architects, recently celebrated in Architectural Digest’s AD100 list and honored with the AIANY 2016 Design Award for their work on David Zwirner's 20th Street gallery, continues to define excellence in gallery, exhibition, and studio design. Renowned for collaborations with top-tier art institutions and private residences, their portfolio features stunning spaces such as Neue Galerie, Hauser & Wirth, and the Chelsea Townhouse, each showcasing their refined approach to blending functionality with artistic elegance. Highlighted in Phaidon’s latest monograph and captured through Todd Eberle’s lens, these ten breathtaking projects reflect Selldorf Architects’ signature blend of innovation and timeless design.

Collectors Michael and Susan Hort share their vibrant discoveries from Cologne and Berlin’s dynamic art scenes, highlighting contemporary artists who are redefining painting and sculpture with innovative materials and captivating techniques. From Karsten Fodinger’s quirky sculptures and Slawomir Elsner’s mesmerizing cross-hatched portraits in Cologne to Berlin’s Martin Eder’s sensuous, realistic paintings and Tamina Amadyar’s evolving colorful landscapes, the couple offers an insider’s glimpse into a thriving art world alive with creativity and fresh energy. Their picks include bold bronze works, intricate collages, and boundary-pushing mixed media pieces, reflecting a renewed excitement for painting and a deep engagement with today’s most compelling artists.

Scott Reeder, an artist and gallerist based in Detroit and Chicago, brings his signature humor to a diverse body of work that ranges from text-based art and pasta noodle paintings to innovative events like the flashlight-lit "Dark Fair." His 2015 print series "New Kinds of Music" playfully imagines absurd music genres such as “Drunk Classical” and “Experimental Car Alarms,” blending conceptual art with witty comedy reminiscent of Steven Wright and Ed Ruscha. Reeder’s creative ventures extend into film, performance, and collaborative gallery management with his family, making him a dynamic and multifaceted figure in contemporary art known for blending levity with sharp conceptual insights.

American artist Mark Bradford has been named the United States’ representative for the 57th Venice Biennale, a fitting recognition of his powerful abstract works that blend social commentary with layered collaged materials. Drawing from the vibrant streets of Leimert Park, his South Los Angeles neighborhood, Bradford transforms discarded merchant posters, advertisements, and found papers into monumental, textured canvases that reflect the urban landscape’s complexity and life. These pieces, while seemingly abstract, reveal deep connections to the city’s economy, culture, and community, inviting viewers into an experience grounded in real life and charged with personal and collective history. Influenced by figures like Hélio Oiticica, Bradford’s art challenges traditional boundaries, weaving fragmented urban narratives into open-ended compositions that resonate with both intimate poignancy and broad social significance.

Elizabeth Atterbury, a 34-year-old artist based in Portland, Maine, channels her creative energy primarily through photography and sculpture. Growing up in the meticulously designed landscape of Palm Beach, Florida, she draws inspiration from the sculptural qualities of her hometown’s manicured environment. Her upcoming solo show, "Happy Sunny Jade," opening in Chicago, delves into themes of personal origins with a captivating blend of photographs and painted steel sculptures. Atterbury’s artistic process involves constructing ephemeral tableaux from materials like paper and sand, exploring the boundaries between artifact, prop, and sculpture. Influenced by artists such as Isamu Noguchi and captivated by the interplay of form and movement in contemporary shows like Math Bass’s "Off the Clock," she continues to deepen her dialogue on display, ritual, and abstraction in her work.

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Art Cologne upheld its reputation for rigorous, high-quality contemporary art, showcasing standout works that reflect both tradition and provocative modernity. From Alex Katz’s tender, rare nude portrait to Brian Maguire’s haunting social commentary on Ciudad Juarez, the fair balanced rich narratives and aesthetic mastery. Highlights included Christo’s poignant wrapped edition supporting the Whitney Museum, Juergen Teller’s audacious portrait of Kim Kardashian, and Wolfgang Tillmans’s intimate photo evoking artistic kinship. Gerhard Richter’s luxurious tapestries, Atelier van Lieshout’s sculptural totems, Emma Talbot’s psychologically charged dreamscapes, and Andrea Bowers’s radical feminist pirate ship platform embodied the event’s diverse spirit. Closing with François Morellet’s innovative neon deconstructions, the fair honored both venerated legends and cutting-edge creations, captivating a discerning audience with art that resonates far beyond the exhibition walls.

Discover a captivating fusion of history, culture, and contemporary artistry in this carefully curated selection of irresistible artworks that tempt both the heart and wallet. From Ilya Kabakov’s iconic Soviet-era symbol of the fly paired with a whimsical angel, to Sanford Biggers’ vibrant textiles blending African-American heritage with Japanese influences, each piece tells a powerful story. Experience Park McArthur’s poignant photographic prints that challenge physical boundaries, or marvel at Adam McEwen’s astonishing graphite sculpture of a soy sauce bottle that blurs reality and artifice. Meanwhile, Christopher Wool’s striking black-and-white lithograph offers a rare opportunity to own a masterpiece by one of today’s most influential painters, and Neïl Beloufa’s playful yet profound photographic work injects humor into postmodern dehumanization. Whether you’re ready to splurge or steal, this collection is a thrilling invitation to engage with art that is as intellectually rich as it is visually seductive.

Art Cologne’s latest edition showcases a striking array of contemporary talents, especially on its vibrant third floor featuring NADA x ART COLOGNE COLLABORATIONS and New Contemporaries. Highlights include Petrit Halilaj’s poignant monumental recreations of childhood graffiti from Kosovo, Luca Bertolo’s lush landscapes painted on unexpected plastic plates, and Stuart Ringholt’s provocative, nude art tours and sculptural car collages challenging notions of voyeurism. London’s Yuri Pattison explores the tension between sleep and relentless modernity through immersive installations, while young New York painter Grace Weaver captures the charm and clumsiness of youth with punchy, Persian miniature-inspired compositions. The Polish artist Sławomir Elsner reinterprets Old Masters with delicate colored-pencil blurs, and the late Verena Pfisterer’s powerful works confront gender and religious patriarchy. Australian Ry David Bradley invites interaction with his digitally distorted images on suede, and Julius von Bismarck offers haunting reflections on space exploration’s failures through found footage and sculpture. Together, these artists embody a thrilling blend of innovation, political depth, and playful experimentation that defines today’s cutting-edge art scene.

Brutalist architecture, known for its bold use of concrete, monumental scale, and futuristic aesthetic, rose to prominence in the postwar era with a focus on utility and strength. Beyond iconic figures like Le Corbusier and Marcel Breuer, this architectural style has inspired a diverse array of global works, from Erich Mendelsohn’s Hat Factory in Germany to the striking Monument Ilinden in Macedonia. Contemporary architects continue to reinterpret brutalism’s raw, sculptural forms, seen in projects spanning Israel, Bangladesh, Iceland, France, Greece, Georgia, North Korea, and the Netherlands, demonstrating the style’s enduring influence and its powerful, concrete expression worldwide.

Taiwanese chef André Chiang elevates dining to an art form at his renowned Restaurant André, celebrated among the world’s best. His innovative approach to ingredients and presentation results in visually stunning and delightfully inventive dishes that challenge culinary conventions. Drawing from his new book *Octaphilosophy*, here are ten remarkable creations—from playful takes on comfort foods to sophisticated compositions like Burnt Aubergine with Burnt Miso and Oyster paired with Baby Mushroom and Green Apple—that tantalize both the eyes and the palate, leaving food lovers eager for more.

Fanny Allié, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Montpellier, France, creates compelling collages and installations that explore the weight of personal belongings and the human body’s relationship to its environment. Drawing inspiration from everyday street scenes and museum encounters, she reassembles newsprint images to craft unique characters and structures, as seen in her "Cardboard Portrait" and "The Carriers" series—where hand-stitched silhouettes on canvas merge bodies with their surroundings. Her process is deeply intuitive, rooted in a passion that began with photographing her sisters as a teenager, evolving into site-specific public art like "A Bench for the Night." Influenced by artists such as Romare Bearden and an eclectic personal pantheon, Allié’s work challenges the repetitive and overly conceptual in contemporary art, instead focusing on tangible stories of memory, loss, and human connection.

Land Art in America, born from the 1960s creative surge, continues to captivate with monumental, site-specific artworks scattered across the countryside. Notably, the Storm King Art Center in upstate New York offers a stunning outdoor gallery where sculptures by Isamu Noguchi, Maya Lin, Richard Serra, and others interact dynamically with the rolling landscape, inviting visitors to experience art from multiple perspectives. Nearby, Harvey Fite’s Opus 40 transforms a former quarry into an expansive environmental sculpture woven with stone ramps, terraces, and pathways, reflecting decades of dedicated craftsmanship and evoking the grandeur of ancient monuments. Together, these sites embody the enduring spirit of Land Art, blending nature, creativity, and history into immersive destinations for explorers and art lovers alike.

Object-Oriented Ontology (OOO) is shaking up the art world by challenging our human-centered view of existence, proposing that all things—living, nonliving, artificial, or conceptual—possess their own realities and agency beyond human perception. This philosophy inspires artists like Pamela Rosenkranz, Eduardo Navarro, and Pierre Huyghe to create works that reveal the hidden “lives” and interactions of objects, emphasizing their independence and charismatic presence. Rejecting the traditional focus on human experience, OOO urges us to imagine a world where objects interact on their own terms, provoking both fascination and controversy as critics debate its ethical implications and the potential dehumanizing effects of posthumanist thought. In embracing this radical materialism, OOO invites us to reconsider our place in a vibrant, interconnected multiverse where every being matters equally.

New York artist Cary Leibowitz, known for his dry humor and self-deprecating wit, brings his unique brand of comedy to a collection of inscribed brass belt buckles created for his 2013 solo show. These playful yet poignant pieces celebrate whimsical, culturally savvy reinterpretations of rural Americana, from quirky events like the “Forty-Fourth Fluxus Ice Cream Cone Lick-Off” to the “Alice B. B. Toklas Clam Bake Bake Sale.” Embracing his title as a “losers’ loser,” Leibowitz’s work, described by Artforum as a “compendium of disappointments,” blends functional art with sharp social commentary that’s guaranteed to lift your spirits—and keep your pants up—with equal parts humor and heart.

Innovative architects and designers are reshaping how we create spaces for our pets, blending form and function with sustainability and playful creativity. From Klaas Kuiken’s Birdhouse Rooftile that integrates bird nesting with urban roofing, to Chad Wright’s colorful Attic birdhouses, these designs rethink traditional shelters. Kenya Hara’s D-Tunnel and MVRDV’s rocking Beagle House tailor environments that engage dogs physically and emotionally, while Productora’s geometric Casa Lapiz merges shelter with sculptural elegance. Eco-conscious efforts shine through JAM Furniture’s recycled Nestbox and Poopy Cat’s modular cardboard playhouses, offering adaptable, lightweight fun for feline friends. Complementing these are philanthropic projects like Space International’s Cat Chalet and Standard Architecture’s concrete Cat Cube, which support animal welfare causes. French studio Fabbricabois’s multifunctional Nidin exemplifies seamless integration of shelter, furniture, and aesthetics, illustrating how pet architecture is becoming a vibrant, thoughtful frontier in design.

Maria Lynch is a multidisciplinary artist working across painting, video, performance, installation, and music, driven by a desire to challenge conventional logic and create an atemporal dialogue through her work. Currently preparing for solo exhibitions in Los Angeles and São Paulo, she explores immersive installations like her "Rooms Of Experience" series, which invites viewers to engage bodily and sensorially, transcending rational thought. Influenced by visionary filmmakers like Pierre Huyghe and Alejandro Jodorowsky, and inspired by a pantheon of diverse artists, Lynch’s creative process blends reality and fiction into evocative, non-linear narratives that evoke the subconscious. Her studio, a tactile playground of fragmented thoughts and amorphous forms, is where she crafts immersive worlds that invite catharsis and transformation.

Contemporary architecture is boldly redefining its boundaries, blending art, innovation, and social commentary to create structures that transcend mere utility. From Martin Azúa’s foldable Basic House that challenges conventional notions of shelter, to Heatherwick Studio’s luminous Seed Pavilion adorned with thousands of seed-embedded fiber-optic rods, these works explore form, function, and environmental awareness with captivating creativity. Whether it’s the ethereal “Home within Home” by Do Ho Suh, the playful Tape City’s massive packing-tape web, or the interactive Coca-Cola Beatbox pulsating with Olympic energy, each project unveils a unique narrative. Embracing materials from recycled chairs to translucent fabrics and neon lights, these architectural artworks invite us to rethink space, community, and the very concept of home in imaginative and thought-provoking ways.

Andrew Masullo has mastered a unique and unwavering approach to painting since the early 1990s, creating intuitive, nonobjective works marked by vibrant compositions of shapes and colors rendered with unmixed oil paints on prestretched canvases. Rejecting the trend toward conceptual and political art of his era, he embraces simplicity in materials while crafting complex, soulful pieces that eschew real-world references, instead inviting viewers to connect on a purely emotional and spiritual level. With a career shaped by early struggles and steadfast dedication, Masullo’s distinctive method and enigmatic numeric titles have earned him a place in prominent exhibitions and galleries, underscoring his commitment to making paintings that live as individual “souls” open to interpretation.

Hong Kong, celebrated as the world’s newest art capital during the fourth annual Art Basel, offers not only a rich cultural experience but also a vibrant culinary scene reflective of its cosmopolitan spirit. From the edgy yet tradition-respecting Cantonese comfort dishes at Mott 32 to Ammo’s European classics infused with local creativity, the city’s dining options are as diverse as its art. Duddell’s blends fine Cantonese cuisine with an artistic atmosphere, while Ronin’s refined Japanese izakaya delights with expertly crafted small plates and a lively vibe. For breathtaking views paired with innovative cocktails, Ozone at the Ritz-Carlton boasts the highest bar on the planet, creating an unforgettable backdrop to Hong Kong’s dynamic food and art scene.

In 1994, British artist and curator Matthew Higgs invited a group of artists at London’s Cabinet Gallery to create their own top ten lists on topics of their choice, featured in his publishing project Imprint 93. Among these, painter Peter Doig shared his favorite artists known for their depictions of houses, highlighting figures from Gustave Courbet and Edward Hopper to René Magritte and Ed Ruscha. This curated selection celebrates the unique ways these painters capture domestic architecture, blending atmosphere, history, and personal vision in their work. For further insight into Doig’s artistic perspective, Phaidon’s monograph from their Contemporary Artist Series offers an in-depth exploration.

Herbert Muschamp, the influential New York Times architecture critic known for championing avant-garde artists, explores Robert Mapplethorpe’s stunning floral photography in this evocative essay. Muschamp reveals how Mapplethorpe’s flowers—ranging from humble daisies to luxurious orchids—embody a democratic beauty that transcends class and design, capturing fleeting moments of life as ritualistic, almost sacred acts. The photographs evoke a spiritual dimension, recalling religious symbolism and the intimate interplay of desire and memory, culminating in an intimate reflection on mortality through a simple yet profound tulip arrangement sent by Mapplethorpe before his death. This essay offers a compelling glimpse into the sensuality, reverence, and complexity behind Mapplethorpe’s iconic floral images.

Renowned for his provocative and intimate portraits, Robert Mapplethorpe also mastered the art of floral photography, revealing a different facet of his creative genius. Phaidon’s new compendium, *Mapplethorpe Flora: The Complete Flowers*, showcases ten stunning images that highlight his exceptional use of light and shadow to elevate flowers into powerful, elegant compositions. From orchids and tulips to calla lilies and roses entwined with smoke, these photographs capture the delicate beauty and striking presence of each bloom, inviting viewers to appreciate Mapplethorpe’s artistry beyond his usual bold subjects.

Renowned for his provocative black-and-white photography, Robert Mapplethorpe also revealed a stunning mastery of color in his floral images, beautifully captured in Phaidon's new compendium, *Mapplethorpe Flora: The Complete Flowers*. This collection showcases ten vibrant photographs of flowers like African Daisy, Orchid, Calla Lily, and Rose, highlighting Mapplethorpe’s remarkable ability to transform botanical subjects into vivid visual poetry. Celebrated for his meticulous composition and rich palettes, these images invite viewers to experience a different dimension of his artistry, blending boldness with delicate elegance.

Mexican artist Edgardo Aragón channels the vibrant and complex spirit of Mexico’s rural landscapes into his politically charged performances, sculptures, and videos. Blending humor with history, folklore, and personal narratives, Aragón’s work explores themes like migration, corruption, and cultural memory. From his evocative video Invisible Man to upcoming projects tracing Pancho Villa’s legendary route, he fuses art with storytelling and social critique. Inspired by books, music, and everyday rumors, and fueled by his love of mezcal and mountain biking, Aragón navigates his creative journey with a playful yet profound approach, challenging viewers to rethink the world through his unique, multidisciplinary lens.

Graphic design transforms mere advertisements into enduring cultural icons, as showcased in Phaidon’s updated collection A Smile in the Mind: Witty Thinking in Graphic Design. From the timeless bounce of the Michelin Man to Piero Fornasetti’s imaginative porcelain plates, and the cheeky sophistication of Esquire’s playboy symbol, these designs blend creativity and cleverness that withstand the test of time. Highlights include the haunting transformation in the United Nations’ Freedom from Hunger poster, the iconic IBM stripes inspired by nature, and FedEx’s famously hidden arrow that redefined logo brilliance. Each piece captures a unique wit that continues to engage and inspire, proving great design’s lasting impact on culture.

Discover six captivating artworks that fall into two enticing categories: irresistible steals and worthy splurges. From Marilyn Minter’s sensually obscured photograph at an exceptional bargain price to Vera Molnár’s groundbreaking computer art piece charged with historical significance, this curated selection offers something for every collector. Enjoy Richard Serra’s elegantly framed lithograph or John Baldessari’s witty and beautifully hand-painted photograph, each a testament to their creators’ extraordinary talents. Meanwhile, Tessa Perutz’s cleverly graphic “Ten Hashtags” brings a smart pop of personality to any space, and Ellen von Unwerth’s sophisticated yet subtly sexy silver gelatin print evokes the glamour and playfulness of classic Americana with a contemporary edge. Whether you’re chasing a deal or embracing a significant investment, these artworks every art lover can appreciate and admire.

Hal Foster stands as a towering figure in contemporary art history, blending rigorous academic insight with a broad cultural perspective that spans from avant-garde modernism to today's design and architecture. Known for his foundational role in defining postmodernism, Foster challenges the notion that it signifies modernism’s failure, instead viewing it as a vital continuation of modernism’s radical spirit. His influential works, including *The Anti-Aesthetic* and *The Return of the Real*, explore the evolving relationship between art, culture, and commerce, while later writings delve into the fusion of art with architecture and the shifting roles of museums and curators in a post-9/11 world. Throughout his career, Foster remains committed to critically engaging with the tensions between high and low culture, maintaining a sharp awareness of art’s place within capitalism and society’s urgent cultural challenges.

Susan and Michael Hort eagerly embrace New York’s Armory Week to discover and celebrate captivating works by emerging artists, blending their passion for collecting with philanthropy. Their selections from the Armory Show and Volta New York highlight striking pieces like Jannis Varelas’s bold and symbol-laden paintings, Claire Tabouret’s lush fabric-collage portraits exploring gender, and Annie Lapin’s serious, evocative canvases. They also champion Matthias Bitzer’s haunting beauty and William Bradley’s vibrant abstracts, alongside Dawit Abebe’s dramatic, introspective figures, all reflecting the dynamic energy and diverse voices shaping today’s art scene.

Oliver Enwonwu, director of Lagos’s Omenka Gallery and son of legendary Nigerian artist Ben Enwonwu, continues his father’s legacy by championing contemporary Nigerian and African art in a rapidly evolving city. Founded in 2003 in his father’s former home, Omenka Gallery reflects Lagos’s dynamic and diverse art scene, fueled by a growing population and new wealth that are transforming art into both cultural expression and investment. Embracing a broad spectrum of styles from traditional figurative to bold abstraction, Enwonwu and his team focus on nurturing artistic growth and fostering collaboration, exemplified by their showcase of rising talents like Nengi Omuku. With a vision rooted in cross-cultural innovation, Omenka Gallery stands at the forefront of Nigeria’s vibrant artistic future.

The Armory Show dazzled this year with a vibrant international array of artists and galleries, showcasing compelling works from across the globe. Highlights included Norbert Bisky’s haunting oil-on-paper depictions of human tragedy, Tomoko Kashiki’s dreamlike, textured paintings from Japan, and Namsa Leuba’s striking Nigerian portraits blending tradition with futurism. David Reed’s intricate abstract studies caught the eye of critics, while Agnieszka Kurant’s levitating meteorite sculpture offered a witty take on urban real estate. Rising talents like Colombian Sebastian Fierro and Peruvian José Vera Matos explored psychological and historical narratives through surreal and text-based works. Camille Henrot captivated with multi-sensory installations, whereas legendary figures Thomas Bayrle and Betty Woodman presented bold intersections of industrial design and ceramics. Danish artist Kirstine Roepstorff’s poetic fabric and metal collages hinted at the subconscious, setting the stage for her Venice Biennale debut. Altogether, the fair proved a dynamic celebration of crossroads between cultures, media, and ideas.

Independent New York, known for its bold and experimental approach, shifts gears this year with a vibrant focus on paintings and “ain'tings” showcased in the bright new space at Spring Studios. Highlights include Marina Adams’ sensual gouaches inspired by Picasso and Bernini, Allison Katz’s clever anamorphic sphere, and Robert Barber’s evocative "Freeway Paintings" from the 1970s that capture the American highway system. The fair also spotlights vivid Vietnam-era suburbia in Peter Saul’s acidic palette, Donna Huanca’s body-painted performance installation, and Ann Craven’s intimate studio-inspired canvases. Monumental works by David Diao return after decades, while Borna Sammak blurs lines between painting and video art. Alexandra Bircken’s stitched zipper tapestries combine decadence and function, and political commentary emerges in Pope.L’s provocative fusion of abstraction and found objects steeped in racial imagery, offering a rich, diverse snapshot of contemporary artistic innovation.

In a cultural moment where the idea of progress feels increasingly uncertain, the art world is witnessing a renewed fascination with the past, as collectors and institutions seek authenticity beyond the flashy trends fueled by market excess. At the recent ADAA Art Show and the Met Breuer, there’s a clear shift toward celebrating older, often overlooked artists—postwar African American, women, gay, outsider, and conceptual artists—whose work has matured away from commercial pressures and offers a fresher, more virtuous artistic vision. This retrospection challenges the contemporary art scene’s sometimes superficial glamour, highlighting instead enduring masterpieces from figures like Milton Avery, Beauford Delaney, Jean Dubuffet, Hedda Sterne, Willem de Kooning, and Helen Frankenthaler. These artists remind us that true innovation and depth often come from the margins and the overlooked, inviting us to reconsider what progress means in art and inspiring collectors and audiences alike to dig deeper into history for the breakthroughs of today.

Spring/Break, the curator-driven New York art fair held at Moynihan Station, defies typical startup art fair labels by offering a vibrant, thesis-show atmosphere where artists share fresh, thought-provoking work outside mainstream pressures. Highlights include Azikiwe Mohammed’s thrift-store installation imagining a hopeful African-American community through evocative objects; the satirical and hilarious sitcom set of “Grossmalerman’s Studio” by Guy Richards Smit and Joshua White; and “Blue-Sky Thinking,” a striking exploration of office mundanity transformed into subtle acts of rebellion through photography and digital art. The “4RL” booth showcases innovative appropriations of cultural texts and consumer nostalgia, while “Glory Hole” boldly merges themes of sexuality and spirituality in immersive, provocative environments. Together, these diverse presentations capture the fair’s spirit of discovery, humor, and social commentary.

The annual Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) Art Show is a pivotal event where both emerging and veteran artists gain renewed recognition, reflecting a growing trend to spotlight underrated 20th-century masters. This year, the fair embraces a diverse lineup, including Barry Le Va’s meticulously planned “Scatter Art” installations, Carolee Schneemann’s provocative feminist performance photographs, and McArthur Binion’s subtle, autobiographical Minimalist grids. The show also celebrates Beauford Delaney’s vibrant Abstract Expressionism, Hedda Sterne’s bold urban abstractions, and Jules Olitski’s evolution from Color Field painting to innovative, textural abstractions. These carefully curated rediscoveries invite collectors and critics alike to rethink art history and appreciate the dynamic range of artistic voices shaping contemporary discourse.

Kapwani Kiwanga, the commissioned artist for the 2016 Armory Show's “Focus: Africa” presentation, brings a rich, transglobal perspective shaped by her Tanzanian heritage, Canadian upbringing, and life in Paris. With a background in anthropology and comparative religion, her work blends rigorous research with imaginative narratives, often exploring African history and futurism through multimedia projects. Her Armory commission investigates diplomatic gifts received by 1950s U.N. Secretary-General Dag Hammarskjöld, using this lens to delve into political relationships and temporal shifts across past, present, and prehistory. Known for innovative works like “Afrogalactica,” where she embodies an African anthropologist from the future, and “Flowers for Africa,” a floral homage to postcolonial independence, Kiwanga challenges conventional archives and highlights the ephemeral nature of memory and sovereignty. Through her multifaceted approach, she fosters a dialogue between diverse cultural languages and ways of knowing, steering away from static monuments toward living, evolving histories.

SPRING/BREAK Art Show offers a fresh alternative to the big-budget New York art fairs by showcasing curator-designed booths featuring emerging and lesser-known artists with exciting, approachable works. Since its inception in 2012 by Ambre Kelly and Andrew Gori, the fair has embraced theme-based formats like "Copy & Paste" and "Transaction," infusing its spaces with a youthful, dynamic energy. Notable highlights over the years include Russell Tyler’s mesmerizing 8-bit inspired gradients, Rachel Rossin’s immersive VR installations, and rare early Basquiat drawings paired with intimate photographs by Alexis Adler. The fair has also spotlighted bold figures like Myla Dalbesio exploring themes of femininity, Jordan Eagles’s haunting blood-based abstractions protesting blood donor bans, and the innovative multimedia group Fall On Your Sword, whose interactive works consistently captivate attendees. Celebrated for its risk-taking and fresh perspectives, SPRING/BREAK continues to be a vital platform for discovering art at the cutting edge of culture and creativity.

London-based Brazilian artist Alexandre da Cunha fuses a neoformalist European aesthetic with a distinct Latin American sensibility, transforming found everyday objects into sculptural works that blur the line between modernism and daily life. Rooted in Brazil’s rich Neo-concrete tradition, his art explores the improvisational spirit of ordinary items—like old skateboards and household utensils—imbued with personal histories and cultural narratives. Through playful decontextualization and “tropicalization” of readymades, da Cunha reveals layered stories behind seemingly mundane materials, while his more recent work critically examines national identity by reimagining leisure symbols as provocative flag-like constructs, challenging stereotypes of tropical exoticism.

David Altmejd, renowned for his monumental and intricately conceptual sculptures, takes a surprising turn with his Ringers portfolio—his first-ever series of prints. Developed over a year at Columbia University’s LeRoy Neiman Center for Print Studies, these mini-portraits begin as simple photos of staff and students, which Altmejd ingeniously flips and transforms using Photoshop, collage, hand drawings, and various printmaking techniques. The resulting works blend humor and formal elegance, exploring themes of identity and transformation with a playful yet rigorous approach. Praised for their lively spirit and thoughtful craftsmanship, these small-scale pieces offer an accessible glimpse into Altmejd’s complex artistic universe.

Contemporary art in the 21st century boldly challenges viewers by pushing ethical and aesthetic boundaries, often sparking controversy and debate. From Martin Creed’s minimalist work that transforms a simple empty lit room into a provocative experience, to Santiago Sierra’s unsettling social critiques using marginalized individuals as living canvases, these pieces force confrontations with uncomfortable realities. The Chapman Brothers’ playful yet subversive sculptures question cultural appropriation and commodification, while Yoko Ono’s public artworks revisit intimate human themes with unapologetic honesty. Wim Delvoye’s tattooed pigs blur the line between living creatures and art objects, provoking discussions about ethics, and Damien Hirst’s diamond-encrusted skull starkly reminds us of mortality amidst luxury. Hans-Peter Feldmann’s installation of carefully displayed cash underscores the uniqueness buried within mass production. Together, these works exemplify how contemporary artists use shock, wit, and conceptual rigor to explore power, society, and the meaning of art itself.

Glenn Ligon is spotlighted with two exhibitions in New York this February, showcasing his powerful engagement with identity, race, and language through art. A leading figure from the 1990s who challenged simplistic notions of blackness, Ligon’s work explores the construction of identity and the limits of communication. His iconic text-based paintings from the 1990s—featuring stenciled literary excerpts rendered increasingly illegible by thick layers of paint and coal dust—create a tension between the desire to read and the frustration of obscured meaning. Highlighted is his seminal piece Untitled (“I am an invisible man”), inspired by Ralph Ellison, which uses visual layers to reflect cultural blindness and the complexities of invisibility, making his art both intellectually provocative and visually compelling.

Marcel Broodthaers, a Belgian artist who began as a frustrated poet, transformed the art world with his quirky and deeply intellectual works that blurred the lines between language, art, and institutions. Declaring himself director of his own “Museum of Modern Art, Department of Eagles,” he used eagle imagery to question authority and challenge museum conventions with wit and melancholy romance. His retrospective at MoMA reveals a complex figure who critiqued not only the art establishment but also the legacy of colonialism and the shifting meanings of art itself—combining playful irony, poetic obscurity, and a secret nostalgic longing for a bygone Europe. Through immersive installations and assemblages, Broodthaers invites us to reconsider art, language, and history in ways both elusive and richly seductive.

Enlarging everyday objects into monumental sculptures has long been a compelling gesture in contemporary art, revealing new formal qualities and often infusing works with playful or ironic grandeur. From Adel Abdessemed’s flying, oversized skeleton blending humor with meditations on life’s fragility, to David Altmejd’s dissolving humanoid forms that blur inside and out, these grand-scale works captivate viewers with their scale and symbolism. Louise Bourgeois’s towering spider evokes maternal strength mixed with vulnerability, while Katharina Fritsch’s bright blue cockerel gestures slyly at historic male dominance in public monuments. Meanwhile, Gelitin’s colossal pink rabbit sprawled across an Italian mountaintop invites whimsy and impermanence. Brian Jungen transforms discarded consumer goods into tribal-inspired marvels, and Jeff Koons’s floral puppy melds kitsch with themes of life and decay. Claes Oldenburg’s giant hamburger playfully critiques consumer culture, while Adrián Villar Rojas’s enormous whale sculpture poignantly reflects on environmental fragility and the passage of time. Together, these striking sculptures demonstrate how magnifying the familiar can challenge perceptions, evoke emotion, and spark reflection on culture, identity, and the ephemeral nature of existence.

From dynamic text-based paintings by Despina Stokou that channel musical notation and graffiti legends to Ross Iannatti’s mesmerising brass etchings evoking prehistoric cave art, this collection showcases a thrilling range of contemporary artistry. Hermann Nitsch’s provocative prints recall the radical spirit of Viennese Actionism, while Fischli and Weiss’s groundbreaking Rube Goldberg film set remains a beloved landmark of art and animation. Heidi Hahn’s enigmatic, occult-tinged figures invite deep psychological exploration, and Zanele Muholi’s evocative portraits stand as powerful testaments to resilience and identity within South Africa’s LGBTI community. Together, these compelling works offer both visual intrigue and rich cultural narratives that will captivate savvy collectors.

Gianni Jetzer, renowned for his visionary curatorial work, explores the evolving relationship between the human body and digital technology in his exhibition "Suspended Animation" at the Hirshhorn Museum. Focusing on leading young artists like Ed Atkins, Antoine Catala, and Ian Cheng, the show delves into themes of embodiment, disembodiment, and digital representation, challenging traditional notions of physicality as these artists use animation and digital modeling to create new realities. Jetzer highlights how these works engage with contemporary media culture, from ASMR-inspired digital lips to immersive video-game-like environments, questioning the stability of the body in a world increasingly saturated by digital consciousness. Far from mere technological displays, these artworks provoke deep reflections on identity, memory, and the future of human presence in an era where the boundaries between flesh and digital form are blurring.

Ana Mendieta, a pioneering Cuban-American artist of the 1970s and ’80s, forged a powerful connection between body, earth, and femininity through her evocative Land Art and performance works. Her Mujeres de piedra (Stone Women) series, carved into limestone caves at Escaleras de Jaruco national park, honors the sacred Taíno female deities, celebrating themes of fertility, identity, and the motherland. Mendieta’s deeply personal art reflects her exile from Cuba as a child, her exploration of ritual, and her feminist vision, fusing organic forms with profound cultural and political resonance. This haunting series, set against a backdrop of Cuban history and natural beauty, continues to inspire and draw visitors, underscoring Mendieta’s lasting impact on contemporary art and cultural memory.

In 2015, Austrian architect-turned-curator Katharina Schendl and art historian Isabella Ritter embarked on a bold venture by opening LambdaLambdaLambda in Prishtina, Kosovo, transforming a shuttered bookstore into a vibrant gallery space that champions the country’s dynamic yet little-known contemporary art scene. Their passion for Kosovo’s emerging artists—who navigate a culture still shaped by recent conflict and conservative values—breathes fresh energy into the Balkans, blending local creativity with European influences and fostering cultural exchange. Showcasing daring works like Dardan Zhegrova’s intimate voodoo doll sculpture that invites viewers to engage with love poems amid Kosovo’s societal challenges, the gallery is amplifying voices previously absent from the global art dialogue. As Kosovo gains recognition, evidenced by recent Oscar nods and international shows, LambdaLambdaLambda plays a pivotal role in opening doors for its artists onto the world stage.

Six years ago, Colombian artists Mariana Murcia and Santiago Pinyol launched Laagencia, an alternative space in Bogotá focused on community-driven art and residencies, yet without profit. To sustain their practice, they teamed up with fellow artists Adriana Martínez and Juan Sebastián Peláez of Miami to create Carne, a gallery dedicated to selling their own work. Carne operates as a self-representative project where each founder directs pop-up shows and fairs, inviting a guest artist whose themes resonate with their own explorations of humor, imagery, and economic systems. Since its successful 2014 debut, Carne has exhibited at key fairs like Art BA and aims to expand internationally, even opening a permanent space. Their inventive offerings at Mexico City’s 2016 Material Art Fair included riot shields branded like NASCAR uniforms and a price-fluctuating floor piece tied to real estate values—clever works that blend critical commentary with community-driven enterprise.

Pablo Leon de la Barra, the Guggenheim’s UBS MAP Global Art Initiative Curator for Latin America, highlights a vibrant selection from this year’s Material Art Fair in Mexico City, featuring visionary works that blend history, culture, and innovative techniques. Colombian-Korean artist Gala Porras-Kim’s sculptures draw on ancient Peruvian ritual objects, inviting future reinterpretations, while Istanbul-based Emre Hüner uses local volcanic materials to explore utopia and architecture through evocative forms. French-Mexican Yann Gerstberger reinvents traditional tapestries with a unique fiber-gluing method inspired by Modernist and Mexican patterns. Brazilian artist Cibelle Cavalli Bastos merges painting and sculpture by creating "spaintings" on timber, revealing raw emotional states. Meanwhile, Bogota cult figure José Aramburo fuses pop culture and futuristic landscapes in compelling collages that challenge artistic identity. Together, these artists offer a dynamic glimpse into the evolving landscape of contemporary Latin American and global art.

Mexico City, crowned the top travel destination for 2016, is not only a cultural hub with its vibrant art fairs Zona Maco and Material but also a paradise for food lovers. The city’s dining scene offers everything from the iconic seafood of Contramar, famous for its tuna tostadas and micheladas, to the hidden sophistication of Jules Basement, a speakeasy with inventive mezcal cocktails and a sleek black-and-white design. La Capital blends modern style with traditional cantina fare, while Licorería Limantour, an art deco gem in Roma, serves award-winning cocktails alongside a lively atmosphere. Meanwhile, Limosneros redefines Mexican cuisine with creative dishes and a beautifully restored colonial setting steeped in authentic local artistry, making Mexico City a must-visit for both art and epicurean adventures.

Dorothée Dupuis, an influential art writer and curator based in Mexico City, highlights a vibrant array of contemporary artists featured at the Material Art Fair. From Adriana Martínez’s insightful explorations of cultural contradictions to Ariana Papademetropoulos’s empowering portrayals of women, the fair showcases bold, thought-provoking work. Tania Perez Cordova redefines Mexican sculpture with a unique voice, while Eduardo Sarabia blends art history and pop culture in captivating installations. Emre Hüner’s rare sculptures mirror his complex mind, and Ann Hirsch celebrates collaborative femininity through painting. Nico Colón’s military-material-based works confront the Americas’ violent realities, and Erika Ceruzzi’s fetishistic metal sculptures evoke relational aesthetics with a cool intensity. Emerging Mexican talents like Hernáin Bravo capture urban nuances, and Polly Apfelbaum champions the handmade craft movement as a powerful counterpoint to minimalism. Together, these artists embody the dynamic, diverse pulse of contemporary Latin American art today.

The Sundance Film Festival continues its rich tradition of spotlighting compelling documentaries and features about artists and their work, showcasing a diverse array of stories this year. Highlights include *Mapplethorpe: Look at the Pictures*, a thoughtful exploration of the late photographer’s life and legacy through intimate interviews and striking visuals; *Plaza de Soledad*, a powerful film by Maya Goded that brings to life the stories of elderly sex workers in Mexico City with empathy and depth; Werner Herzog’s *Lo and Behold, Reveries of the Connected World*, a sweeping meditation on the Internet’s origins, impact, and future; *Sky Ladder: The Art of Cai Guo-Qiang*, which captures the breathtaking ambition behind the Chinese artist’s pyrotechnic masterpiece amid political tensions; and *Cemetery of Splendor*, Apichatpong Weerasethakul’s hypnotic, dialogue-driven narrative blending myth and reality around a mysterious illness in Thailand. Each film offers a unique window into creativity, persistence, and the human spirit.

Simon Denny’s "Products for Organising" at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery is a thought-provoking dive into the post-Snowden communications landscape, blending art, technology, and surveillance in a sharply analytical museum-like experience. The exhibition contrasts the rigid hierarchies of big corporations with the fluid, underground ethos of hackers, exploring how entities like Apple, Zappos, and the secretive GCHQ merge these worlds under the guise of innovation and control. Through a mix of quirky tech accessories, imagined manuals, and visual data, Denny invites visitors into a playful yet unsettling realm where the boundaries between truth and fiction, freedom and surveillance, constantly shift—making each visitor question the hidden mechanics behind the tools and organizations that shape our digital lives.

Photography has transformed dramatically over the past two centuries, evolving from a scientific curiosity to a pervasive and powerful art form. This article highlights eight compelling works from the past 15 years that showcase the diversity and depth of fine art photography today. From Thomas Struth’s reflective museum scenes capturing cultural engagement, to Wolfgang Tillmans’ abstract explorations of light, and Catherine Opie’s intimate portraits documenting marginalized communities, each artist offers a unique vision. Luisa Lambri invites viewers into intimate architectural spaces, while Louise Lawler challenges how art is perceived through context. Thomas Ruff provocatively plays with digital representation, Hiroshi Sugimoto captures the ephemeral nature of time and electricity, and Dayanita Singh poetically preserves fading archives of India’s bureaucratic past. Together, these works reveal photography’s ongoing evolution as it bridges history, technology, and personal narrative to reveal new ways of seeing the world.

Julio César Morales, founder and co-curator of Queens Nails and curator at Arizona State University Art Museum, shares his vibrant picks from the Material Art Fair, highlighting standout works that blend sculpture, architecture, and social narratives. From Kate Bonner’s innovative manipulation of materials to Juan Sebastián Peláez’s energetic sculptures charged with dark humor, Morales reveals the illuminating spirit of artist-run spaces like Bogota’s Carne. He praises Gala Porras-Kim’s delicate, haunting sculptures and Eduardo Sarabia’s poetic fusion of Mexican craft with contemporary social themes. Morales also discovers a nostalgic gem in Masaru Aikawa’s hand-painted CD covers, which evoke the powerful role of music in shaping identity amid shifting formats.

Mexico City-based artist Pia Camil explores the interplay between commerce, art, and social interaction through her participatory installation "A Pot for a Latch" at the New Museum, inspired by traditional exchange systems and the bustling markets of her hometown. Building on her previous work at Frieze New York, where she distributed colorful wearable art freely, Camil delves deeper into the transactional nature of art by inviting visitors to exchange personal items, challenging conventional art market dynamics. Her work engages with themes of urban life, economic systems, and the evolving role of social media in art, while reflecting on her city’s chaotic yet inspiring spirit and the evolving Mexico City art scene amid the rise of commercial fairs.

Installation art has blossomed in the 21st century, pushing the boundaries of how artists engage audiences through immersive, interactive experiences. From Monika Sosnowska’s disorienting labyrinth of identical rooms evoking institutional claustrophobia, to Song Dong’s poignant memorial of his mother’s lifelong thrift, these works transform spaces and objects into profound narratives. Micol Assaël charges a room with electrostatic energy to explore the unseen forces affecting the human psyche, while Roger Hiorns crystallizes an entire flat in dazzling blue minerals, blending beauty with unease. Miroslaw Balka’s massive, dark steel container evokes haunting memories of history and loss, contrasting with Phyllida Barlow’s towering, rough-hewn scaffold sculpture reflecting urban life’s transience. Finally, Yinka Shonibare reimagines da Vinci’s Last Supper with Afro-Victorian flair, infusing post-colonial commentary with playful irreverence. Together, these installations illuminate contemporary art’s power to challenge perceptions and evoke deep emotional responses.

Outsider art captivates with stories of artists driven by deep personal passion rather than formal training or commercial success. From the secretive, systematic creations of physics professor Jean-Daniel Allanche to the spiritual medium Agatha Wojciechowsky channeling otherworldly forces onto paper, these artists defy conventional paths. Young prodigy Henry Hess expresses his theatrical imagination quietly through delicate, handmade character figures, while Robert Adele Davis combines healing practices with automatic, intricate string art born from intuitive gestures. Meanwhile, Alyson Vega transforms adversity into vibrant, textured soft sculptures, exploring memory and identity after a life-altering stroke. Together, their works illuminate the raw, unfiltered essence of creativity outside the mainstream art world.

Rudolf Stingel’s groundbreaking work challenges traditional painting by inviting viewer interaction and redefining artistic boundaries. From his early DIY painting guides to his immersive installations, Stingel blends conceptual rigor with sensual experience, often using industrial materials like enamel and acid to strip painting of ego and sentimentality. His most radical piece, Untitled, features gallery walls lined with foil-coated insulation that visitors are encouraged to scratch, write on, and transform—turning the space into a dynamic, collective canvas reminiscent of cave paintings or makeshift altars. Presented at the Venice Biennale and major museums, this evolving installation captures a communal spirit through spontaneous markings and messages, revealing a sacred quality within everyday materials and transforming the act of viewing into an act of creation.

New York artist Lucky DeBellevue is renowned for his inventive use of humble materials—from pipe cleaners to pistachio shells—transforming everyday objects into compelling works of art. His latest shift from labor-intensive sculptures to semi-geometric patterned prints and sculptures marks an organic evolution in his practice, emphasizing playfulness and exploration. Beyond his own art, DeBellevue curates large-scale exhibitions like "Redeux (Sort of)" at Kai Matsumiya Gallery, fostering creative communities. Reflecting on art history, the market, and contemporary challenges, he embraces a hands-on, material-driven approach that elevates the ordinary without hierarchy, drawing inspiration from past cultural moments like Weimar Germany. Currently, he’s experimenting with installations incorporating found objects and unconventional supports, continuing his adventurous dialogue between material, form, and meaning.

From January 21 to 24, Singapore’s Suntec Convention Centre will debut Singapore Contemporary, the city-state’s first major art fair of 2016, spotlighting its growing stature in the contemporary art scene alongside its rich multicultural heritage. While in the Lion City, indulge in five standout fine-dining experiences, from the artistic French-Mediterranean creations at Restaurant André in Chinatown to Pollen’s lush, herb-filled oasis nestled in Gardens by the Bay. Savor sweeping skyline views and vibrant nightlife at Cé La Vi atop Marina Bay Sands, enjoy the dizzying angled vistas with local celebrities at New Asia bar, or immerse yourself in innovative contemporary Chinese fare amidst rainforest-inspired décor at Forest on Sentosa Island. These culinary destinations perfectly complement Singapore’s evolving art and cultural landscape.

From provocative sculptures rooted in Soviet-era history to vibrant, snack-inspired paintings and evocative explorations of underground nightlife, these handpicked works showcase a dynamic range of contemporary art poised to captivate collectors. Highlights include Katarina Burin’s intricately detailed ink drawing that channels avant-garde typographic history, Katherine Bernhardt’s playful and colorful silkscreens that have taken the art world by storm, and Prem Sahib’s daring laser prints reflecting London’s edgy queer scene. Meanwhile, Andrew Laumann’s abstract spray-paint works signal Baltimore’s rising art scene, Nicole Wermers’ sleek, stainless steel sculptures reimagine everyday office objects as elegant artworks, and the collaborative piece by Paulina Olowska and Bonnie Camplin weaves feminist storytelling into surreal, oceanic imagery. Together, these selections underline an exciting moment where history, culture, and bold creativity intersect for discerning collectors.

Sarah Meyohas, a Yale-trained artist with a background in finance, boldly merges the worlds of art and investment in her groundbreaking projects. Her recent show, “Stock Performances,” transforms the stock market into a live canvas, where she trades smaller stocks not for profit but to create gestural drawings that visually represent market fluctuations. Meyohas’s work probes the intersection of finance and aesthetics, making the intangible movements of the market tangible and physical through her oils and unique artist books painted with gold nanoparticles. Embracing the contradictions of her dual identity as artist and economic agent, she challenges traditional perceptions of art’s relationship to capitalism—eschewing critique for active participation, inviting viewers to reconsider value, representation, and creativity within both art and finance. Her intimate apartment gallery further blurs boundaries, fostering a space where uncommercial, experimental art thrives within a personal, community-focused setting.

As we approach 2016, it’s fascinating to reflect on the evolution of painting over the past 15 years through twelve masterpieces that capture the spirit of the twenty-first century. From Peter Doig’s haunting canoe scenes evoking ghostly journeys, to Luc Tuymans’s muted portraits that grapple with historical memory, and Julie Mehretu’s vibrant, layered abstractions mapping cultural identity, these works embody the diverse voices shaping contemporary art. The collection also showcases Ibrahim El-Salahi’s fusion of Islamic, African, and Western aesthetics, Maria Lassnig’s poignant explorations of the aging body, and George Condo’s grotesque yet captivating social allegories. Each artist, whether through hyper-realistic detail, as in Ellen Altfest’s intimate studies of the human form, or Tomma Abts’s geometric abstractions, invites viewers into a world where tradition meets innovation, provoking thought about identity, history, and the very nature of painting itself.

Blurring the lines between the peculiar and the hilarious, this exhibition curated by Samantha Best celebrates the fusion of comedy and contemporary art through a vibrant collection of works that challenge viewers to decide whether they are “funny strange” or simply “funny ha ha.” From Marcel Dzama’s mischievous bears and John Baldessari’s abstracted facial expressions to Cindy Sherman’s iconic clown-inspired disguises and Harmony Korine’s unsettling rabbit-eared creatures, the show explores humor beyond words through provocative objects and visual narratives. With contributions from artists like Laurie Simmons, Dave Eggers, and John Waters, the pieces invite audiences to embrace the weird, the witty, and the wonderfully uncanny in a playful yet thought-provoking dialogue about art’s capacity to amuse and unnerve.

Marcel Duchamp’s revolutionary concept of transforming everyday objects into art paved the way for generations of artists who challenge traditional notions of creativity and value. From Duchamp’s iconic "Fountain," a simple urinal presented as high art, to Salvador Dalí’s surreal "Lobster Telephone" that blends absurdity with sensual symbolism, these works invite viewers to reconsider the ordinary. Joseph Cornell’s nostalgic box assemblages, Robert Rauschenberg’s fusion of painting and found textiles, and Atsuko Tanaka’s electrifying wearable sculpture highlight the rich diversity and innovation within found-object art. Contemporary pieces like Tony Cragg’s poetic urban landscapes, Sarah Lucas’s provocative body-inspired food sculptures, Doris Salcedo’s poignant chair installations embodying social and political trauma, and Subodh Gupta’s striking domestic-metal mushroom cloud all continue this legacy, blending humor, critique, and beauty to reflect within and beyond their cultural contexts. Together, these works weave a compelling narrative about art’s power to transform, question, and reveal hidden meanings in the commonplace.

In 2015, the art world embraced a profound sense of atemporality, blurring the lines between past and present in ways that challenged traditional chronological narratives. From MoMA’s controversial “The Forever Now” exhibition to Jeff Koons’s time-bending “Gazing Ball Paintings,” artists and galleries reimagined history with playful skepticism and meta-commentary. Major shows and fairs revisited overlooked figures and movements, while museums like the Guggenheim and the Whitney disrupted linear storytelling through innovative presentations that intertwined early and contemporary works. As the Met prepares to launch the Met Breuer with a focus on merging historical context and contemporary art, the ongoing dialogue about time, presence, and art history continues to unfold, reflecting a dynamic, open-ended view of cultural creation that defined the art scene of 2015.

Phaidon’s new book *Do It Yourself* showcases easy and creative projects from top contemporary artists, including an engaging tutorial by American artist Sarah Sze on crafting faux rocks inspired by her 2013 Venice Biennale installation *Triple Point*. Sze’s “Paper Rock” challenges perceptions of authenticity by transforming simple crumpled paper printed with a rock texture into a deceptively realistic sculpture that begs viewers to question what is natural versus artificial. With just a camera, printer, and paper, you can create your own lightweight, fragile “rock” that pays tribute to the complexity and perfection of nature—highlighting how modern technology can simulate but not truly replicate the organic world.

Throughout the tumultuous 20th century, artists radically reimagined the human figure to capture the era’s profound struggles and transformations. From Ernst Ludwig Kirchner’s distorted and tense Expressionist self-portrait reflecting pre-war anxiety, to George Grosz’s biting satirical visions of post-war chaos, the human body became a raw canvas of psychological and social upheaval. Frida Kahlo’s visceral self-portraits reveal enduring personal pain, while Wifredo Lam blends Afro-Cuban spirituality with modernist forms to challenge stereotypical representations. Dorothea Tanning’s surreal doorways invite us into symbolic realms marked by vulnerability and loss of innocence. Meanwhile, Lucian Freud’s stark, unflinching nudes expose the flawed reality of flesh, and Cecily Brown’s fragmented, chaotic compositions fuse sensuality with horror, confronting and reinterpreting art’s nude traditions. These seven paintings encapsulate a century of intense artistic exploration where the fragile human body embodies both suffering and resilience.

The Dia Art Foundation’s exhibition “Robert Ryman: Real Light, 1958–2007” invites viewers to reconsider the famed white-on-white painter as part of the “Light and Space” movement, emphasizing how light activates his nuanced monochromes. Illuminated solely by natural daylight, Ryman’s works reveal their textures, materials, and subtle color shifts in ever-changing conditions, blending thick oils on linen with works on Plexiglas, aluminum, and fiberglass. This show highlights Ryman’s meticulous attention to materials—oil, gesso, enamel, graphite, and more—alongside his embrace of industrial fittings and installation tools, underscoring a tactile joy that grounds his ethereal surfaces. Far from mere white paintings, his “achromatic surfaces” transmit light without breaking it into visible color, making each viewing a unique encounter where the realness of the work and its surroundings merge in a dynamic play of light, space, and materiality.

Phaidon’s new book *Do It Yourself* invites readers to unleash their creativity with simple, engaging projects from contemporary artists and designers. In this excerpt, Italian artist Maurizio Cattelan and collaborator Paola Manfrin share a playful guide to creating your own magazine by repurposing pages from existing publications. By selecting, tearing out, and rearranging favorite magazine pages, you can craft a personalized, second-generation publication called *Permanent Food* that reflects your unique vision. The process involves basic materials like magazines, glue, gauze, and cardstock, turning a casual skimming session into a collaborative artistic act that can be shared, enjoyed, and passed on to inspire new creations. This DIY project blurs the lines between art, publishing, and social interaction, encouraging endless reinvention and creative expression.

The recent awarding of the Turner Prize to the London-based architecture collective Assemble sparked debate over whether architecture qualifies as art, prompting a look at notable artist-architects throughout history. From Theaster Gates’s socially engaged transformations of Chicago’s South Side to Frank Gehry’s sculptural, museum-defining structures and Steven Holl’s poetic, light-infused buildings, the boundary between art and architecture is beautifully blurred. Pioneers like Robert Irwin’s interplay with light and space, Frederick Kiesler’s avant-garde visions, Maya Lin’s iconic memorial designs, and historic figures like Michelangelo and Vladimir Tatlin further illustrate this fusion. Contemporary voices, including Ai Weiwei’s provocative installations rooted in architectural practice, continue to challenge and expand the dialogue, proving that art and architecture have long been intertwined creative forces shaping both spaces and societies.

When Australian skateboarder Oliver Percovich arrived in Kabul in 2007, he didn't plan to change the world—just pursue his science career. But skating with local kids, especially girls eager to join in a male-dominated culture, opened his eyes to skateboarding's power to build trust, confidence, and community among Afghanistan’s youth. What began as informal sessions grew into Skateistan, an NGO that combines skateparks with education and creative arts to empower at-risk children across Afghanistan, Cambodia, and now South Africa. Through innovative programs and partnerships with art-world figures like Charles-Antoine Bodson and artists including Paul McCarthy, Skateistan harnesses skateboarding and art to break down social barriers and inspire the next generation to rebuild their countries from the ground up.

Artists’ magazines emerged as vibrant platforms in the 1960s, challenging traditional art forms and gallery limitations by embracing experimentation, immediacy, and multimedia formats. Iconic publications like Aspen broke new ground with immersive issues combining music, film, and visual art, while Art-Language fostered critical discourse around Conceptual Art through provocative texts. Avalanche elevated artists’ voices by prioritizing interviews and documentation over criticism, spotlighting groundbreaking Earth and performance art. High Performance championed the then-undervalued Performance Art movement, particularly on the West Coast, while Tellus innovated by distributing experimental sound art via cassette tapes. Still ongoing, Andy Warhol’s Interview magazine blended alternative film culture with commercial success, highlighting the enduring power and diversity of artists’ magazines as experimental and influential cultural vessels.

Alexander S. C. Rower, president of the Calder Foundation and grandson of the celebrated artist, shares his insightful picks from Art Basel Miami, highlighting diverse works that span from Marcel Duchamp’s iconic early 20th-century drawings to the bold outsider art of Eugene Von Bruenchenhein. Rower admires the fresh architectural optimism of Russian VkhUTEMAS student prints, the sculptural word paintings of Ricci Albenda, and grapples with Philip Guston’s unsettling yet captivating imagery. Each piece reflects a unique narrative and creative vitality, offering a vivid snapshot of both historical significance and contemporary innovation in the art world.

The Fontainebleau Hotel, a landmark of Miami Modernism designed by Morris Lapidus, is not only an architectural icon but also a vibrant showcase of world-class contemporary art. Curated by Jackie Soffer, the hotel’s collection features museum-quality works from renowned artists like Ai Weiwei, James Turrell, Tracey Emin, and John Baldessari. Highlights include Ai Weiwei’s monumental chandeliers that reimagine classic designs with stunning scale and detail, alongside James Turrell’s innovative “Tall Glass” light installations, which transform the hotel lobby into a meditative space of shifting color and light. By carefully selecting durable, visually impactful pieces that elevate the guest experience, the Fontainebleau transcends typical “hotel art,” presenting a dynamic fusion of history, art, and cutting-edge creativity within one of America’s most iconic hotels.

Pulse Miami offers a refreshing contrast to the high-gloss extravagance of larger fairs like Art Basel, spotlighting emerging galleries and overlooked artists with striking and thought-provoking work. Highlights include Barton Lidicé Beneš’s conceptual relics blending social commentary and personal history; Cristina Cordova’s powerful, large-scale clay sculptures exploring vulnerability and strength; Ramiro Gomez’s incisive paintings that foreground often invisible laborers within the fabric of affluent domestic scenes; and the innovative collaboration between Markus Linnenbrink and architect Nick Gelpi, who transform resin and 3D printing into functional art. Meanwhile, Marion Wilson’s mesmerizing moss-themed digital prints invite viewers to reimagine nature’s smallest wonders as surreal, otherworldly landscapes, demonstrating Pulse Miami’s unique capacity to surprise and inspire with art that challenges and delights.

Michele Robecchi, editor of Phaidon's Contemporary Artists Series and former managing editor of Flash Art, offers a compelling glimpse into the cutting-edge works showcased at NADA Miami Beach. From Adrián S. Bará's captivating video art that challenges temporal perception, to Rafal Bujnowski’s quietly revolutionary paintings, the selections highlight artists who push boundaries while honoring tradition. Tom Friedman’s works evoke deep contemplation like Zen aphorisms, while Theaster Gates’ powerful pieces respond thoughtfully to historical narratives. The futuristic yet nostalgic creations of Henry Gunderson, JPW3’s fresh take on the American flag, and Cole Sayer’s clever nods to the readymade enrich the fair’s diverse landscape. Sculpture comes alive in Erika Vogt’s delicate spatial explorations, Michael Wang intriguingly captures personal histories, and Rose Wylie’s vibrant, uninhibited paintings bring an elemental honesty to contemporary art. Through these picks, Robecchi reveals a vibrant snapshot of today’s dynamic art scene.

NADA Miami Beach this year showcased a fascinating surge of textile-based art that blurs the lines between craft and fine art, transforming everyday materials into compelling creative statements. From Brendan Fowler’s eco-conscious embroidered textile collages and Amy Yao’s delicate silk flower curtains to Josh Faught’s hand-woven tapestries exploring marginalized emotions, artists are reimagining fabrics in innovative ways. The fair also featured boundary-pushing wearable art like Jaanus Samma’s politically charged sweaters and Cary Leibowitz’s humorous architect-themed socks, alongside Amanda Ross-Ho’s monumental paint-stained garments. Rug art took center stage with Anna Betbeze’s boldly burnt and painted shaggy canvases and Samara Scott’s massive carpet painting, while other artists like William J. O’Brien and Johanna Unzueta experimented with felt in geometric wall works and soft sculptures. Together, these plush, tactile pieces invite viewers to reconsider the artistic potential of fibers in forms both intimate and monumental.

Increasingly, art dealers are discovering remarkable talent not from traditional MFA programs but from overlooked corners of art history, often guided by artists themselves. This shift has brought to light a new category of emerging artists—those often over 60—who have honed unique styles away from the mainstream spotlight, allowing their work to mature quietly. Among these artists are Mason Williams, who melded a prolific career in entertainment with printmaking; Alice Mackler, who began creating intensely emotional sculptures and collages in her 60s and now dazzles the market at 84; Silvianna Goldsmith, a once-radical feminist filmmaker rediscovered through ink paintings made late in life; Katherine Bradford, whose subtle, enigmatic paintings of divers and ships have ignited enthusiasm among collectors; and Dona Nelson, a painter known for innovative two-sided canvases that engage viewers physically and conceptually. Together, they exemplify how perseverance and authenticity can command new recognition and invigorate the contemporary art scene with deeply resonant work.

Art Basel Miami dazzles with a spectrum of striking works, from Joan Miró’s playful bronze sculptures that reimagine found objects with a Surrealist twist, to the provocative GCC collective’s futuristic satire on Gulf region politics through sleek digital app concepts. Highlights include Jean Paul Riopelle’s richly textured abstractions, Sigmar Polke’s ironic explorations of mass persuasion, and Andrei Koschmieder’s paper-crafted marijuana displays that tease and subvert reality. David Smith’s vibrant painted sculptures and spray-paint canvases reveal unexpected facets of the Modernist master, while Matt Hoyt’s meticulously crafted epoxies offer a meditative respite amid the fair’s visual feast. Nicholas Magnan’s sun-powered video installation poetically links ancient and scientific cycles of power, and Nicolas Party’s colorful portraiture brings playful charm, punctuated by his imaginative use of Miami’s lack of rocks. The showstopper, Jimmie Durham’s monumental volcanic rock crushing a Dodge Spirit, fuses Native American heritage with raw elemental force, underscoring the fair’s blend of conceptual rigor and visceral impact. Together, these works showcase the dynamic pulse of contemporary art’s boldest voices.

Chicago couple Robert and Nancy Mollers are passionate longtime collectors who have embraced NADA art fairs as a lively, approachable alternative to the high-priced mega-fairs. With a vast, eclectic collection amassed on a modest budget, they appreciate NADA’s emphasis on young, emerging artists and friendly dealers, where access and excitement often trump exclusivity. Their home, filled floor to ceiling with discoveries from NADA and beyond, reflects decades of deep engagement with contemporary art—from Chicago Imagists to Funk Art and beyond. For the Mollers, collecting is a dynamic, ongoing journey rooted in living with art, supporting living artists, and fostering connections with both art students and dealers. They encourage new collectors to dive in without intimidation, emphasizing that art appreciation evolves over time and that NADA’s inclusive atmosphere makes it an ideal starting point for anyone eager to explore contemporary art.

The Untitled art fair on South Beach showcases a vibrant mix of international galleries and emerging talents, offering a captivating blend of quirky and thought-provoking works. Highlights include Hassan Hajjaj’s playful portraits infused with hip-hop flair, Alejandro Diaz’s humorous and political art riffs, and Nina Chanel Abney’s powerful explorations of race relations. Meticulous painter Anoka Faruqee mesmerizes with hypnotic concentric circles, while John Wesley’s surreal seascapes twist Americana with eerie twists. Digital innovator Austin Lee pushes boundaries with interactive, animated paintings, and Alain Séchas charms with existential cat figures. Adriana Minoliti bridges realism and abstraction with politically charged, dreamlike scenes, and Yara Pina evokes performative traces of self-engagement. Even a small piece by late photorealist Howard Kanovitz offers a subtle nod to artistic tradition amid the fair’s dynamic contemporary pulse.

Artspace and NADA collaborate once again to present limited editions from two rising stars of contemporary painting, Katherine Bernhardt and Michael Bauer, both known for their unique takes on the intersection of figuration and abstraction. Bernhardt’s signature style features playful, graffiti-inspired “pattern paintings” that spotlight everyday objects like fast food and coffee, celebrating vibrant colors and shapes without over-intellectualizing her work. Meanwhile, Bauer’s dynamic canvases weave together modernist influences with spontaneous “telephone drawings,” creating layered compositions that blend Cubist, Pop, and Surrealist elements. This exciting release offers a compelling glimpse into the inventive processes and distinct visual languages driving today’s artistic vanguard.

Since its bold inception in 2002, the New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) has transformed from a scrappy collective of young dealers gathering in a Chelsea pub into an influential global force reshaping the contemporary art fair landscape. Launching its flagship Miami fair just as Art Basel Miami Beach was emerging, NADA carved out a distinct identity by championing fresh, authentic talent and fostering a vibrant, party-fueled community spirit. Over the years, it expanded internationally with offshoots in New York and Cologne, survived the Great Recession with innovative strategies, and maintained its commitment to the small, the experimental, and the unexpected—even as Miami’s art scene swelled with luxury brands and celebrity spectacle. Today, housed in the glamorous Fontainebleau Hotel and representing galleries from around the world, NADA stands proudly as the most successful alternative art fair, a testament to its maverick roots and relentless dedication to emerging art.

Mark Beasley, a multifaceted artist, writer, and curator known for his dynamic collaborations and wide-ranging projects, shares his picks from this year’s NADA Miami Beach art fair. From John Hiltunen’s striking collages that blend surreal imagery with vibrant landscapes, to Aramis Gutierrez’s energetically moving paintings that evoke a punk attitude, Beasley highlights pieces that challenge and engage. He also explores the Rob Tufnell gallery’s mind-bending print series featuring iconic contemporary artists, reflects on the evocative sculptures of Jerry the Marble Faun, and admires Puppies Puppies’ approachable, artist-made furniture that blurs the line between art and everyday life. This selection reflects Beasley’s discerning eye for contemporary art that is as thought-provoking as it is accessible.

From Estonia’s hottest young artist knitting provocative sweaters to an 81-year-old British painter suddenly thrust into the spotlight, the upcoming art fair showcases a dazzling array of talent. Jaanus Samma’s bold, graffiti-emblazoned knitwear and collages of Soviet pools push boundaries, while Heidi Hahn’s dreamy, self-aware canvases offer a fresh take on classical figuration. Zach Harris captivates with visionary mixed-media paintings that feel both surreal and psychedelic, and Rose Wylie’s charmingly simple, award-winning works prove age is no barrier to fame. From Aleksandra Domanović’s post-Internet critiques of gender and politics to Larissa Bates’s vibrant, symbolic reflections on colonial legacy, the show is a rich tapestry of global voices. Meanwhile, Cary Leibowitz’s cheeky, text-based paintings provide comic relief, Naotaka Hiro’s biomorphic drawings exude fresh intensity, and Yevgeniya Baras’s abstract oils evoke a quiet spirituality. Tying it all together, Magdalena Suarez Frimkess’s whimsical ceramics fuse pop culture with heartfelt expression, ensuring this fair offers something irresistibly compelling for every art lover.

Miami’s annual art week is a whirlwind of creativity and celebration, but amidst the frenzy, five standout dining spots offer a delicious respite. From the hidden gem Drunken Dragon, blending Korean BBQ with English pub vibes, to Mignonette’s chic oyster bar in a vintage gas station, each venue impresses with unique flavors and atmospheres. Chef Michelle Bernstein’s Seagrape delights with seafood and fresh farm veggies in a retro pastel setting, while MC Kitchen in the Design District serves refined Italian fare with a stylish minimalist touch. For an elegant night out, Cypress Tavern channels a 1920s hunting lodge vibe paired with locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails, making Miami’s food scene as vibrant as its art.

Casey Jane Ellison masterfully straddles the line between comedy and performance art, creating hilarious yet incisive videos that tackle the absurdities and violence of sexism within the art world. Her acclaimed web series *Touching the Art* featured engaging talk-show style conversations with female artists and positioned her as a standout voice in the New Museum Triennial. Now, in collaboration with NADA Miami Beach and Art+Culture Projects, Ellison presents her latest digital video, *Casey Jane Ellison Personal Trimmer Internal Promo*—a sharp satire of women’s hygiene commercials. This innovative work is uniquely delivered on a thumb drive housed in a custom resin case bearing Ellison’s image, playfully challenging what it means to own digital art. The video screens on December 3rd at Beaches Bar, promising another thought-provoking addition to Ellison’s boundary-pushing oeuvre.

Since returning from his tenure at MOCA, Jeffrey Deitch is redefining his role in the art world by championing a vibrant resurgence of figurative painting and innovative pop-up exhibitions. His upcoming collaborative show “Unrealism” at Art Basel Miami Beach highlights a dynamic mix of legendary ’80s artists alongside fresh talents who are reimagining figuration for today’s cultural moment. Alongside this, Deitch is curating “Overpop,” a groundbreaking international exhibition exploring Pop influences within Post-Internet art, set to debut in Shanghai. Embracing a model that balances commercial savvy with artistic experimentation, Deitch reflects on the evolving New York art scene, the crucial role of performance in contemporary practice, and the shifting cycles of abstraction and figuration, all while emphasizing authenticity, collaboration, and the expanding reach of art in contemporary culture.

From captivating mixed-media odes to iconic video game symbols to dreamlike seascapes that pulse with vibrant color, this curated selection of artworks highlights rising stars and established visionaries alike. Featuring Alex Da Corte’s surreal blend of pop culture and design, Katherine Bradford’s fresh yet timeless paintings of ships and skies, Jeff Koons’ provocative early campaign to craft his image, and Mary Simpson’s witty abstract compositions gaining fast traction, these pieces offer a dynamic glimpse into contemporary art’s pulse. Also spotlighted are Analia Saban’s innovative explorations of painting’s boundaries through technology-infused imagery and Pamela Jorden’s breakout abstract tondos that bend traditional forms, all poised to energize any collection with their bold creativity and unique voices.

Forrest Nash offers a captivating tour through NADA Miami Beach, highlighting standout works that blend humor, emotion, and profound insight. From Ken Kagami's darkly comedic take on human-animal relationships to Kaoru Arima’s mysterious glowing hats, and Tyson Reeder’s romantic yet humorous scenes, the fair brims with inventive expressions. Sam Lipp’s haunting portraits evoke cinematic alienation, while Anicka Yi’s delicate tempera-fried flower sculptures make art more accessible. Greg Parma Smith’s eerie “Angels” challenge boundaries between heaven and earth, and Lin May Saeed’s powerful animal liberation themes inspire reflection. Ulrich Wulff’s figurative return, Heather Guertin’s dualistic paintings, and D’Ette Nogle’s intellectually rich video work round out a compelling snapshot of contemporary creativity that is both deeply personal and broadly resonant.

Bill Arning, director of the Contemporary Art Museum Houston, offers a vibrant snapshot of his top five favorite artworks from this year’s NADA Miami Beach, revealing a deep personal and professional connection to each piece. From David Noonan’s nostalgic nod to 1960s New York avant-garde culture to Noa Eshkol’s mesmerizing dance-based wall hangings discovered on a trip to Tel Aviv, Arning’s selections brim with intimate stories and artistic fascination. He praises Nancy Shaver’s quietly seductive work, delights in Jeremy DePrez’s perfectly imperfect, eye-catching paintings that disrupt the art-fair haze, and recalls the punk-infused energy of Wynne Greenwood’s feminist art-rock legacy. Together, these works paint a rich, eclectic portrait of contemporary art’s dynamic edge through the eyes of a seasoned curator.

Corey Lee, the Korean-born culinary maestro behind San Francisco’s three-Michelin-starred Benu, brings the same precision and artistry to his passion for contemporary art as he does to his groundbreaking cuisine. In Phaidon's new monograph, Lee reveals his favorite artworks that inspire him—from Chuck Close’s richly detailed portraits to Jockum Nordström’s evocative folk art collages, Wim Wenders’ dreamlike urban photography, and Sol LeWitt’s geometric masterpieces that play with light and form. Highlighting a blend of avant-garde and tradition, Lee also reflects on the dynamic energy of Beijing’s contemporary scene, embodied by the timeless work of Ai Weiwei and Herzog & de Meuron. Through this curated collection, Lee offers a glimpse into the interplay between his culinary vision and the visual creativity that fuels it.

The reclining nude, an enduring motif spanning over 5,000 years of art history, continues to inspire groundbreaking reinterpretations as highlighted in Phaidon's new book *Body of Art*. From Marcel Duchamp’s provocative *Étant donnés*, which challenges traditional female nudity with its secretive and unsettling gaze, to Henry Moore’s monumental *Reclining Figure: Angles* that fuses primitive and classical forms into a dialogue with the landscape, each work reimagines the human form through unique lenses. Marlene Dumas blurs reality and myth in her ambiguous *Snow White and the Broken Arm*, while Yasumasa Morimura dismantles cultural and gender binaries by inhabiting iconic Western paintings as an Asian male. The Guerrilla Girls expose entrenched sexism in the art world with their biting poster *Do Women Have to Be Naked to Get into the Met Museum?*, and Mark Morrisroe’s intimate self-portraits confront the raw vulnerability of life and illness. Hannah Wilke’s *Intra-Venus Triptych* poignantly documents her battle with cancer, melding personal trauma with the historical idealization of the female body. Lucian Freud’s unflinching realism in *Benefits Supervisor Sleeping* celebrates the flesh and form of a real woman, while Zhang Huan’s daring performance *To Add One Meter to an Anonymous Mountain* uses the naked human body to challenge perceptions of space and presence. These works together reveal the reclining nude not simply as a static image but as a vibrant site of cultural critique and artistic innovation.

Brazilian artist Laura Lima brings an enchanting and unpredictable interspecies spectacle to New York City with her Performa 15 commission, "Gala Chicken and Ball," merging vibrant costumed chickens with a live reenactment of a 17th-century courtly scene. Rejecting traditional performance norms, Lima crafts a dynamic, evolving installation where brightly feathered chickens mingle amidst period-dressed humans, music, and ornate décor, creating a festive yet unscripted atmosphere. The piece explores themes of transformation and interaction, as the birds adjust to their feathered embellishments and natural behaviors intersect with conceptual art, resulting in a captivating exploration of life, beauty, and social dynamics that blurs the boundaries between artist, animal, and audience.

Egyptian-born artist Ghada Amer, celebrated for her provocative embroidered paintings addressing female sexuality and oppression, has recently embraced sculpture, particularly ceramics, as a new expressive medium. Moving beyond painting and embroidery, Amer explores hands-on experimentation with clay, discovering the spontaneity and physicality of ceramics—a shift that has influenced her approach to color and form across all her work. Despite initial challenges and industry skepticism, she has gained recognition for her ceramic pieces, including a recent show inaugurating Leila Heller’s Dubai gallery. Navigating cultural restrictions, Amer continues to push boundaries through feminist themes, blending sensuality, collaboration, and a fresh, automatic creative process that invigorates her evolving artistic practice.

Hank Willis Thomas’s conceptual photography series “Unbranded: Reflections in Black by Corporate America 1968-2008” strips away text from African-American targeted ads, spotlighting the models and prompting reflection on the commodification of Black bodies over four decades. Moving beyond photography into installation and sculpture, Thomas continues to explore framing and perspective, challenging popular representations of Black identity with subtle yet powerful works held by major museums. Influenced by artists like Renee Cox, who empowered the Black female body as resilient and heroic; Eadweard Muybridge, whose photographic studies reveal the fluidity of movement; David Hammons, whose body prints on the American flag blend identity and political critique; and Carolee Schneemann, whose raw, visceral performances confront the body’s political and psychological dimensions, Thomas’s art invites fresh interpretations of history, culture, and embodiment. His work underscores the importance of engaging with uncomfortable truths to awaken a fuller experience of life and identity.

In “30/130: Thirty Years of Books and Catalogs, Etc.,” Bob Nickas offers a compelling reflection on his extensive career as an art writer, curator, and publisher, blending personal archives with a vibrant installation that breaks away from conventional displays. This unique exhibition, part memoir and part one-man book fair, showcases a dynamic intersection of artists’ books, catalogs, records, and commissioned works, highlighting the evolving landscape of art publishing amid market shifts and digital transformations. Nickas candidly explores the challenges and ironies of art criticism, the complex entanglement of writing with the art market, and the power of humor and subversion as tools of critique. Through his engagement with overlooked artists, speculative collecting, and the preservation of art history, he reveals both the difficulties and the vital importance of remaining active and thoughtful in the art world—a world where books and printed materials remain accessible, meaningful artifacts amidst a rapidly changing cultural economy.

Exploring the human body through absence and suggestion, this collection highlights groundbreaking works from Phaidon’s *Body of Art* that redefine how artists engage with corporeal presence. From Jackson Pollock’s submerged figure beneath chaotic drips in *Full Fathom Five* to Yves Klein’s provocative use of human bodies as living paintbrushes, each piece challenges traditional representation. Richard Long’s line etched by his footsteps, the solemn *Aboriginal Memorial* reflecting colonial trauma, and Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s shifting pile of sweets mourning AIDS reveal deeply personal and political narratives. Tracey Emin’s *My Bed* confronts intimate vulnerability, Teresa Margolles’s floating soap bubbles disturbingly connect life and death, and Carey Young quantifies her body’s elemental worth in a sharp critique of commodification. Together, these works illustrate how art can evoke the body’s presence through absence, gesture, and metaphor, inviting profound reflection on identity, memory, and societal values.

As New York’s fall art season heats up, culture enthusiasts are not only hunting for masterpieces but also savoring the city’s diverse culinary scene. From the Venetian-Japanese fusion cicchetti at All’onda in Greenwich Village to Chefs Club’s intimate rotating chef “studio” in the historic Puck Building, foodies have plenty of exciting options. Enjoy Chef Enrique Olvera’s vibrant Mexican flavors at Cosme’s Gramercy hideaway, sip on expertly curated draft wines at Lois in Alphabet City, or indulge in the luxurious cocktails and rich comfort food at The NoMad Bar. These hotspots combine distinct atmospheres and innovative menus that perfectly complement the city’s artistic energy.

Nestled quietly on Baltimore’s Huntingdon Avenue, the Rowhouse Project is a peeling blue row house that serves as a raw, ever-evolving laboratory for contemporary art, where each season is dedicated to a single artist before the building is sold and renewed. Ajay Kurian’s exhibition, "Work Harder Under Water," transformed the dilapidated space with bold structural alterations, embracing the house’s relentless decay as both challenge and collaborator. The intense and unpredictable installation process became a dance of surrender and creation, tempered by the mantra “the house always wins,” which defined the show’s spirit. The opening brought together a vibrant community of friends, artists, and collaborators, underscoring the deeply personal, messy, and generous nature of artistic friendship that fuels creativity beyond the market’s glare. Through this intimate and gritty engagement with space, material, and companionship, Kurian reveals how art lives as a dialogue between artist, place, and the people who make it possible.

This article explores the profound and evolving challenge to traditional gender binaries as reflected through art across history, revealing a rich tapestry of gender fluidity that transcends time and culture. From the ancient, sensuous Sleeping Hermaphroditos, blending male and female forms, to the transformative Guanyin of Chinese Buddhism shifting from masculine to feminine traits, the pieces highlight how artists have long questioned and redefined gender. The article also spotlights striking modern works—from Magdalena Ventura’s dignified portrait defying norms, to Constantin Brancusi’s provocative Princess X, Claude Cahun’s performative self-portraits, and Lynda Benglis’s bold critique of male dominance. These compelling artworks, alongside Robert Gober’s frail hermaphroditic torso and Louise Bourgeois’s powerful hybrid creature, collectively underscore a vibrant history of artistic inquiry into identity, sexuality, and the fluid nature of the body and gender.

Periscope is revolutionizing how art is shared and experienced by bringing live-streaming video into the creative world in a way that Instagram and traditional photo-sharing apps can’t. This dynamic platform allows users to broadcast real-time performances, exhibitions, and artist talks, capturing the immersive and ephemeral nature of contemporary art—from concerts and gallery openings to intimate conversations about sculpture and installations. The author shares their firsthand experiences using Periscope at events like the Musée d’Art Modern de la Ville de Paris and Frieze, highlighting how the app fosters genuine engagement and dialogue with viewers worldwide. While it transforms art viewing into an interactive, 360-degree experience, there’s also a thoughtful reflection on the implications of constant live documentation. Ultimately, Periscope emerges as an exciting new frontier for capturing and sharing the raw, unedited moments that define today’s vibrant art scene.

From the gilded mask of Egypt’s Tutankhamun to the hauntingly spiritual Fang Ngil mask of Equatorial Guinea, masks have played a vital role in human culture for millennia, serving as powerful symbols in rituals, ceremonies, and social performances around the world. This vibrant exploration highlights ten remarkable masks, from the silver helmet of ancient Syria designed for both battle and ceremony, to the intricate turquoise mosaics of the Mexica, and the sacred, spirit-imbued forms of the Northwest Coast tribes. Each mask reveals a unique blend of artistry, spirituality, and cultural identity, demonstrating how masks transcend mere disguise to connect communities with history, myth, and the supernatural forces that shape their lives.

Historically symbolizing strength and virility, the male nude also reveals beauty, vulnerability, and complex expressions of identity and eroticism. From ancient Greek kouroi statues inspired by Egyptian proportions to monumental Roman sculptures like the Farnese Hercules embodying heroic fatigue, the male form has been a powerful subject in art. Renaissance works such as Antonio Pollaiuolo’s “Battle of the Nudes” celebrate human anatomy with dynamic muscularity, while Jean-Antoine Houdon’s flayed man offers a striking anatomical study. Photography innovator Eadweard Muybridge captures movement with groundbreaking precision, and contemporary artists like Lucas Samaras and Ron Mueck push the boundaries of form and scale, exploring raw emotion and psychological depth. Indigenous carvings and provocative installations by Glenn Ligon further challenge traditional narratives, making the male nude a continually evolving canvas for exploring power, identity, and vulnerability across history and cultures.

Lauren Geremia, founder of Geremia Design, merges art and design to transform Silicon Valley offices into inspiring, collaborative spaces that reflect the innovative spirit of tech companies like Dropbox and Instagram. With a background in painting from RISD, Geremia uniquely blends her passion for contemporary art and design to create personalized environments where functional art and thoughtfully selected pieces by artists such as Uta Barth and Olafur Eliasson soften the corporate atmosphere. Her work balances the practical demands of fast-growing tech firms—whose offices often feature open-plan layouts and high adaptability—with the emotional and intellectual resonance that art brings to workplaces, fostering connection, creativity, and productivity. As Silicon Valley’s culture evolves, Geremia’s approach highlights how art not only enhances the aesthetic but also meets the dynamic needs of tech leaders and their teams, bridging the gap between artistic expression and the cutting-edge tech world.

This year, the art world witnessed the debut of Paris Internationale, a stylish and intimate new fair boasting just 41 exhibitors compared to FIAC’s sprawling 175. With an aristocratic flair and a location near the Arc de Triomphe, this fresh and clever event quickly captured attention as the cooler younger sibling, drawing in influential figures like Hans Ulrich Obrist and Simon Castets. The fair showcased stellar contributions from emerging artists, including Ry Rocklen’s refined craftsmanship, striking paintings by Adam Gordon, and an intriguing mix of contemporary works. Highlighting a carefully curated selection of about 50 standout pieces, Paris Internationale proved itself a promising and vibrant addition to the global art scene, sparking admiration and excitement among collectors and art lovers alike.

Alexander S. C. Rower, president of the Calder Foundation, shares his insightful journey through Paris during FIAC, highlighting remarkable art experiences including the installation of Calder’s monumental sculpture *Five Empties* and a captivating performance of the Russian Futurist opera *Victory Over the Sun* at the Fondation Louis Vuitton. Rower reflects on architectural marvels, like the balletic steel structures of the Grand Palais, and celebrates artists such as Monika Sosnowska, Sarah Sze, Julio González, Constantin Brancusi, and Glenn Brown, whose innovative sculptures, drawings, and historic photographs enrich the contemporary art landscape. Through his keen eye, the intersection of tradition and avant-garde emerges vividly, revealing profound moments of creativity and artistic legacy in the heart of Paris’s vibrant art scene.

This vibrant selection from Phaidon's *Body of Art* explores the multifaceted nature of work through seven compelling artworks, each capturing different dimensions of labor—from the grueling toil of Russian barge haulers and Parisian floor scrapers to the tender care of childcare and the surreal dynamics of modern production lines. From Ilya Repin’s humanizing realism to Mary Cassatt’s intimate domestic scene, and from Philip Guston’s raw self-portrait revealing the struggles of creative labor to Mika Rottenberg’s witty critique of industrialization and femininity, these pieces probe the physical, emotional, and societal facets of work. Josh Kline’s haunting 3D-printed sculptures and Pierre Huyghe’s dystopian film featuring a monkey-as-worker challenge us to rethink human identity and the mechanization of labor in today’s world, making this collection a powerful meditation on the enduring impact of work on our lives and humanity.

At Officielle, a palpable revival of passionate, politically charged art from past decades takes center stage, revealing a yearning for boldness amid today’s complacency. From Norman Zammitt’s radiant Light & Space paintings captured with scientific precision, to Claude Viallat’s revolutionary use of industrial materials challenging painting’s traditions, the fair showcases works that radiate historical significance and vibrant energy. Elżbieta Cieślar’s evocative photographs imbued with red ink trace haunting memories of political repression, while Sanja Iveković’s compelling portraits give voice to anti-fascist women whose stories blend stark imagery with profound resilience. Meanwhile, Marcin Dudek channels the raw aggression of his youth in Kraków through magnetic tape paintings that critique failed ideologies and stark urban realities. Together, these artists weave a rich narrative of resistance, memory, and aesthetic daring that reverberates powerfully in today’s art scene.

As FIAC opens in Paris, art lovers can also indulge in the city’s vibrant culinary scene with top recommendations from Phaidon’s Wallpaper* City Guide. Highlights include Saturne, where young Chef Sven Chartier crafts elegant six-course meals paired with exquisite natural wines in a minimalist setting; Monsieur Bleu at Palais de Tokyo, offering a stylish lunch stop amid contemporary art’s thrilling disarray; and the ever-buzzing Le Mary Celeste, famed for its creative cocktails and adventurous daily menu. For seafood enthusiasts, Clamato serves globetrotting ocean fare in a cozy, cabin-inspired atmosphere, while Brasserie Thoumieux buzzes with chic Parisian energy under the guidance of a Michelin-starred chef, blending haute cuisine and a sophisticated social scene. Each spot promises a unique taste of Parisian flair alongside the city’s thriving art world.

The Sunday Art Fair in London revealed a mood of dystopian unease among emerging artists grappling with technological anxiety and existential ambivalence. Highlights included Louisa Gagliardi’s post-internet portraits imbued with a ’90s techno-club vibe and unsettling textures, Joanna Piotrowska’s haunting family photographs that unsettle with their uncanny sensuality, and Alex Rathbone’s playful yet spooky paintings featuring ghostly motifs. Spiros Hadjidjanos merged classical naturalist photography with cutting-edge 3D printing to create enigmatic sculptures and holographic prints, while Darja Bajagić’s provocative collage-paintings confront dark cultural taboos through a raw mix of social media imagery, pornographic and violent iconography, and haunting personal references. Together, these artists presented a complex, often eerie vision of contemporary life filtered through technology, memory, and identity.

At this year’s Frieze London, a handful of artists are pushing contemporary painting into urgent and innovative territories. Trevor Shimizu captivates with childlike yet deeply personal narratives rendered in his distinct style, while Ed Fornieles uses whimsical animal personas to explore the complexities of modern identity in the social media age. Laure Prouvost blurs the lines between the digital and physical worlds through text-based, tactile artworks that spring from her multimedia practice. Mira Dancy boldly revises art history by portraying women as empowered protagonists who confront the viewer with defiant presence, reclaiming a space often dominated by the male gaze. Meanwhile, the late Sylvia Sleigh’s evocative paintings of the ruined Crystal Palace serve as a poignant reminder of overlooked female talent, with her long-overdue recognition highlighting the ongoing revaluation of artists marginalized in their time. Together, these artists mark a vital dialogue between past and present, reality and representation, charting a compelling course for painting today.

From prehistoric figurines to contemporary paintings, the human body has long been a powerful canvas reflecting shifting ideals of beauty across cultures and eras. This selection from Phaidon’s Body of Art showcases nine masterpieces, each challenging and redefining what beauty means—from Malta’s sophisticated Sleeping Lady symbolizing fertility or divine healing, to the Yoruba Ife Shrine Head embodying spiritual and physical essence, and Marie-Guillemine Benoist’s groundbreaking portrait that confronts race and gender politics in post-revolutionary France. Other highlights include Vallotton’s daringly cropped Study of Buttocks, Foujita’s ethereal portrayal of bohemian muse Kiki de Montparnasse, and Matisse’s vibrant Blue Nude cut-outs that fuse color and form with joyous simplicity. The collection also spotlights Sylvia Sleigh’s gender-reversing Turkish Bath, Orlan’s provocative Carnal Art performances challenging fixed notions of femininity, and Dana Schutz’s playful yet poignant take on the reclining nude, subverting traditional male gazes through a post-apocalyptic lens. Together, these works invite us to reconsider conventional beauty, embracing diversity, identity, and the body as a dynamic and expressive art form.

Frieze London, known as a curator-friendly fair founded by art critics, this year leans heavily toward elegant, abstract-leaning paintings that cater to collectors seeking sophisticated, above-the-couch art. With soaring booth prices making it the priciest fair per square inch, the emphasis is on tasteful works across a broad spectrum—from mirrored selfie-ready pieces to classic Abstract Expressionism and innovative textile art—all designed to grace stylish walls. While the blue-chip aisles overflow with large-scale, refined paintings, the fair also highlights a variety of engaging, edgy works from younger galleries near the entrance. Showcasing a diverse roster of artists such as Mary Weatherford, Joan Mitchell, Do Ho Suh, Yayoi Kusama, and Robert Rauschenberg, Frieze London presents a rich, visually stunning narrative of contemporary art, blending tradition with fresh, cerebral approaches.

From captivating lithographs by MacArthur genius Sarah Sze to the architectural precision of Candida Höfer’s intimate Philip Johnson Library photograph, this curated selection spotlights standout contemporary works primed for savvy collectors. Highlighted are Conor Backman’s playful exploration of painting’s materiality, Olafur Elíasson's perceptual photogravure linked to social impact, and Trudy Benson’s bold, computer-art-inspired canvases pulsating with color and texture. The collection concludes with Sam Gilliam’s masterful relief print, reflecting his trailblazing legacy in Color Field painting. Each piece, thoughtfully chosen, offers a compelling blend of conceptual depth and visual allure, embodying moments of innovation across modern art’s evolving landscape.

Painting today is experiencing an exhilarating revival of figuration, moving beyond the abstraction-heavy trends of recent decades. This return is richly explored in Phaidon's new book *Body of Art*, which celebrates the human body’s diverse and complex representations across cultures and history. From the intimate portraits of contemporary artists like Sandro Kopp, who captures loved ones via Skype, to the bold, unflinching depictions of Marilyn Minter’s provocative work, figuration offers a visceral, deeply human connection that challenges traditional boundaries of taste and beauty. As digital images flood our lives yet often vanish into obscurity, painted portraits demand devotion and attention, embodying real presence and emotional truth. In a world where identity, technology, and artistic expression intersect, the figure remains an irresistible subject, forever compelling us with its flaws, stories, and intimate power.

Rachel Rose is making waves this month as the winner of the Frieze Artist’s Award, debuting an innovative installation at the London art fair alongside her ongoing work at the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, and preparing for her first solo U.S. museum show at the Whitney. Her creative practice blends conceptual filmmaking with immersive installation, exploring perception through the lens of body and environment as architecture. At Frieze, she transforms a scaled replica of the fair’s tent into a sensory space where visitors experience music and light filtered through the hearing and vision of animals like foxes and robins, encouraging a shift beyond human perception. Rose’s work thoughtfully engages with architecture and natural surroundings, using physical space to deepen the viewer’s connection to the artwork and evoke metaphysical reflections on limitation and experience—whether through the interplay of projection and sunlight at the Whitney or the carefully designed landscapes in her Serpentine show. Driven by curiosity and collaboration, she integrates research and materiality to turn intimate feelings about time, nature, and vulnerability into profound visual and auditory journeys.

Contemporary art gallery websites often stick to a familiar formula, but a new wave of spaces is pushing the boundaries with experimental and playful designs that mirror the shifting aesthetics of Post-Internet art. From Marlborough Contemporary’s mysterious floating Tetris block to Know More Games’ GIF-filled homage to internet culture, these sites transcend the usual gallery portal. Galerie Gabrielle Maubrie surprises with a pixelated dolphin and a faux hacked search page, while Moiety offers intuitive, image-driven navigation that feels refreshingly novel. Los Angeles’s Chin’s Push embraces alt culture with Pokémon-themed exhibitions and webcam projects that defy expectations, and London’s Cabinet gallery layers enigmatic videos and puzzling page layouts that challenge conventional online gallery experiences. These inventive websites prove that the digital presentation of art can be as engaging and thought-provoking as the exhibitions themselves.

Across ancient civilizations, goddesses played essential roles, embodying themes from fertility and nature to power and mystery, captured in some of the most exquisite artworks preserved to this day. From the voluptuous Venus of Willendorf’s Paleolithic icon of fertility to the enigmatic Babylonian Queen of the Night, whose divine identity still sparks debate, these sculptures reveal rich spiritual and cultural symbolism. The Minoan Snake Goddess with her serpentine companions hints at ritualistic ceremonies, while the hybrid styles of the Syriac cosmetics box reflect a vibrant exchange of Mediterranean influences. Spain’s Lady of Elche and Italy’s Etruscan statuettes showcase regional interpretations of divine femininity, blending local and classical elements. The celebrated Venus di Milo exemplifies Hellenistic grace and innovation, and India’s Yakshi figures glow with sensuous realism and sacred honor, bridging artistic traditions across vast empires. Together, these stunning figurines and reliefs trace the diverse and enduring reverence for the feminine divine in human history.

Phaidon’s new book *Do It Yourself* spotlights imaginative and accessible projects from today’s most exciting artists, featuring an exclusive excerpt by Ai Weiwei. Known for his provocative blend of art and activism, Ai guides readers through crafting charming stuffed sock puppets infused with a rebellious spirit. Inspired by the caonima—an alpaca-themed symbol of internet censorship resistance in China—this project transforms simple materials into playful yet potent statements against authority. With straightforward step-by-step instructions, Ai invites you to create these whimsical puppets that carry a powerful message beneath their cute exterior, reflecting his commitment to human rights and creative dissent.

Painters have long used projection tools, from the camera obscura to modern light technologies, to enhance their work, but today’s artists are boldly integrating projection directly into their paintings to create dynamic, hybrid artworks. German painter Albert Oehlen overlays films onto abstract canvases, challenging viewers’ perceptions, while Josiah McElheny blends film, painting, and sculpture through layered projections on textured surfaces. Collaborative duo Dave Miko and Tom Thayer merge stop-motion animation with vibrant enamel panels, crafting rich narratives within abstraction. Ken Okiishi reimagines painting on flat-screen monitors, merging brushstrokes with glitchy video imagery to explore digital translation, and Sanya Kantarovsky animates his cartoon-like figures with colorful projections and music, creating immersive environments that address creative struggles. Together, these artists demonstrate how projection breathes new life and narrative depth into painting, pushing the boundaries of the medium.

From prehistoric Neolithic sculptures like the ambiguous Thinker of Cernavoda to the haunting expressionism of Edvard Munch’s The Scream, this selection from Phaidon's *30,000 Years of Art* reveals some of history’s most poignant and somber masterpieces. It includes the mysterious captured nobleman from ancient Mexico, the weighty Romanesque Lewis Chess Piece queen exuding quiet contemplation, Masaccio’s raw depiction of Adam and Eve’s agonizing expulsion from Paradise, and Albrecht Dürer’s intricate engraving *Melancholia I*, a profound meditation on artistic genius and despair. Together, these works capture the universal human experiences of sorrow, loss, and existential reflection across time and cultures, making for a deeply moving journey through art’s darker moods.

Each spring and fall, Berlin transforms into a vibrant epicenter of contemporary art, drawing an eclectic mix of artists, collectors, and enthusiasts to events like Gallery Weekend, Berlin Art Week, and abc art berlin contemporary. These festivals offer a dynamic blend of gallery openings, performances, and installations that celebrate both high-minded creativity and a sense of communal participation. From provocative public art by figures like Paul McCarthy to the bustling gallery scenes in Kreuzberg and Neukölln, Berlin’s art world thrives on its diverse cultural influences and the influx of international talent. While the city may not boast a vast number of collectors, its welcoming atmosphere and affordable opportunities make it a haven for both emerging artists and savvy buyers. With its relaxed vibe, rich artistic energy, and innovative fairs set in unique industrial spaces, Berlin offers an immersive and invigorating experience that keeps people returning season after season.

The Broad Museum in downtown Los Angeles, a $140 million gift from Eli and Edythe Broad, opens with a strikingly familiar yet impressive 200-piece exhibition drawn from their expansive 2,000-piece collection. The chronological showcase highlights iconic works from Pop art to contemporary masters like Cindy Sherman, Basquiat, and Jeff Koons, capped by Yayoi Kusama’s mesmerizing Infinity Mirrored Room. While some critics note the exhibition’s conventional breadth, the museum’s architectural marvel, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, steals the show with its distinctive "veil" façade that filters L.A.'s sunlight and a "vault" that stores the collection at its core, creating an innovative yet inviting cinematic experience. Free to the public and strategically situated to energize Grand Avenue’s cultural scene, The Broad offers Angelenos an accessible introduction to blue-chip contemporary art in a space that skillfully balances urban engagement with curatorial precision.

Pope Francis's recent visit to the United States has reignited interest in the rich history of papal representation in art, inspiring a curated selection of masterpieces spanning over six centuries. From Sassetta’s 15th-century portrayal of Saint Francis renouncing earthly ties, through Holbein’s intricate dual portrait symbolizing power and mortality, to El Greco’s visionary depiction of a holy funeral, these works reveal the multifaceted relationship between spirituality, authority, and human emotion. The collection also explores Baroque sculpture by Algardi, the haunting intensity of Francis Bacon’s modern reinterpretation of a papal portrait, and Manzù’s serene mid-20th-century reflection on religious office. Maurizio Cattelan’s provocative installation of Pope John Paul II struck down by a meteorite caps this journey, blending satire with profound commentary on infallibility and fate, highlighting how artists across eras have continuously grappled with the complex symbolism of the papacy.

From Los Angeles’s critically acclaimed Laura Owens to the delightfully irreverent Scott Reeder, this curated selection of white-hot contemporary artworks showcases a vibrant array of styles and ideas collectors should watch closely. Owens mesmerizes with her masterful printwork and playful references, while Reeder’s conceptual wit delivers compelling, laugh-out-loud minimalism. Gina Beavers carries forward the tradition of pop painting with bold, textured nudes that practically leap off the canvas, and Jean-Baptiste Bernadet conjures abstract dreams that shimmer with synesthetic inspiration. Mark Leckey’s cerebral, pop-culture-infused prints invite endless discovery, and Elise Ferguson blends geometric abstraction and architectural intrigue in accessible, prize-winning pieces. Together, these artists represent a thrilling moment in art where innovation, humor, and craftsmanship intersect.

From ancient cave paintings to the opulent splendor of the Vienna Secession, love scenes have long fascinated artists and viewers alike, capturing humanity’s tender, complex emotions across cultures and centuries. This curated journey through Phaidon's *30,000 Years of Art* highlights diverse and evocative depictions of love—from the sacred Bronze Age ritual of “The Lovers” in Sweden, to the vibrant May Day celebrations of the Limbourg brothers’ Gothic illumination, the intimate Buddhist deities of Mongolia, and the symbolic symmetry of Madagascar’s Sakalava couple. Journeying through Gainsborough’s genteel British portraiture, Fragonard’s playful Rococo masterpiece *The Swing*, the refined eroticism of Japanese Ukiyo-e, and Redon’s haunting Symbolist Cyclops, the collection culminates in Klimt’s shimmering, gold-imbued *The Kiss*, an enduring emblem of passion and transcendence. These artworks reveal love’s myriad faces—proud, playful, sacred, and sensual—offering a rich tapestry of human connection and artistic expression across time and place.

Forrest Nash, founding editor of Contemporary Art Daily, shares his insightful picks from EXPO CHICAGO, showcasing a compelling array of contemporary artworks. From Pier Paolo Calzolari’s delicate salt water clock that quietly measures time, to Tomma Abts’s complex, editioned paintings, each piece reveals layers of meaning and craftsmanship. Nash explores paradox and identity in Julian Hoeber’s geometric sculptures, while Nicole Wermers’s theatrical chairs blur the lines between art, design, and function. Richard Rezac’s refined compositions and Will Benedict’s satirical commentary bring diverse perspectives, as Anna Ostoya’s performative paintings engage viewers in time and presence. Julia Fish offers moments of quiet introspection amidst the fair’s bustle, and the haunting dolls of Jos de Gruyter & Harald Thys evoke a dark historical narrative. Nash’s selections illuminate the dynamic and thought-provoking spirit of this year’s fair.

Michelle Grabner, an influential artist and professor, shares her highlights from EXPO CHICAGO, showcasing a dynamic range of contemporary art that pushes boundaries and invites deep reflection. From Pablo Rasgado’s poetic drywall installations reflecting cultural histories to Mike Andrews’s innovative sculptures blending craft with industrial materials, each piece challenges traditional forms. Uta Barth’s evocative photographs explore the intimate and the hidden, while Claire Sherman reinvigorates landscape painting with complexity and abstraction. Mary Corse’s luminous canvases play with light and perception, and Julian Hoeber’s crafted objects provoke intellectual curiosity through subtle philosophical references. Sara Greenberger Rafferty intersects stand-up comedy with psychoanalytic humor, and Dan Gunn melds craft technique with abstract painting genius. Jessica Jackson Hutchins delights with her assemblage of everyday materials, and Nate Young’s wooden constructions evoke reverence and contemplation. Together, these artists represent a vibrant dialogue at the forefront of contemporary art practice.

At the heart of the Whitney Museum’s dynamic new downtown presence is curator Jay Sanders, who is passionately reviving the museum’s storied tradition of performance art through provocative, boundary-pushing programming. From transforming gallery spaces into stages for avant-garde dance, music, and theater to reawakening legendary East Village acts like the iconic duo Dancenoise, Sanders is blending nostalgia with cutting-edge experimentation. By fostering in-person, immersive experiences that challenge how audiences engage with art, he aims to create vibrant artistic communities reminiscent of the underground scenes of the 70s and 80s, while responding to the digital age’s fractured cultural landscape. With a lineup ranging from Fluxus retrospectives to future collaborations with figures like Laura Poitras, Sanders is spearheading a bold vision that celebrates performance as a powerful force of connection, disruption, and radical creativity at the Whitney.

Art history teems with mythical and hybrid creatures, showcased vividly in seven remarkable works spanning ancient to medieval times. From the awe-inspiring Neo-Assyrian human-headed winged bulls guarding royal palaces in Mesopotamia, to the life-sized, battle-worn bronze Chimera of Arezzo embodying Etruscan artistry, each piece tells a tale of culture, belief, and craftsmanship. The exquisite Eastern Zhou dynasty figure from China, with its intricate antlers and cosmic symbolism, connects Central Asian nomadic influences to sacred traditions. In Italy, spirited winged horses adorn an Etruscan temple, exuding power and grace, while a mysterious 11th-century Islamic griffin sculpture in Pisa blurs cultural lines with its stylized abstraction and enigmatic purpose. The Yuan Dynasty David Vases demonstrate the pinnacle of Chinese porcelain artistry with flourishing dragons and phoenixes, symbols of fortune and mystique. Finally, the lush Unicorn in Captivity tapestry from the Netherlands weaves a complex allegory of love, faith, and resurrection, rich with symbolic flora and medieval devotion. Together, these artworks invite us to explore the enduring allure of mythical beasts as embodiments of human imagination and spiritual meaning across centuries and civilizations.

Deborah Aaronson, Phaidon's insightful publisher, shares her top picks from EXPO CHICAGO, showcasing works that stir curiosity and emotion across mediums. From Ai Weiwei’s wooden handcuffs embodying tension and desire, to Amy Cutler’s enigmatic forest scene bubbling with mystery, each piece captivates in unique ways. Highlights include Tony Tasset’s bold bronze cup, Laurel Roth Hope’s tender pigeon sculptures, May Wilson’s sharp and humorous “Ridiculous Portraits,” and Bridget Riley’s vibrantly pulsating green painting. This curated selection reveals a dynamic interplay of beauty, wit, and thoughtful design, reflecting Aaronson’s finely tuned eye for art that resonates deeply.

As the Istanbul Biennial attracts art lovers from around the world, the city’s vibrant dining scene offers an irresistible complement to its cultural allure. Visitors can immerse themselves in a rich culinary journey, from the pulsating nightlife and expertly crafted cocktails at Anjelique, to the sleek, art-inspired ambiance and innovative Turkish cuisine at Müzedechanga. For those seeking alfresco mezze with a soundtrack of vinyl records, Münferit provides a stylish and relaxed setting, while the upscale terrace of Mangerie in Bebek delights with stunning Bosphorus views and fresh, healthy dishes. Meanwhile, Naif charms with its friendly vibe and thoughtfully simplified new Turkish cooking, making it a perfect spot to recharge between gallery visits. Each venue showcases Istanbul’s dynamic blend of tradition and modernity, inviting visitors to savor the city’s irresistible flavors.

Jibz Cameron’s one-woman show “Good Morning Good Evening Feelings” exemplifies a vibrant fusion of contemporary art and standup comedy, where absurdity, satire, and performance blend into a compelling new art form. This emerging genre, embraced by artists like Casey Jane Ellison and Kate Berlant, challenges traditional boundaries by using humor to critique social issues, art world elitism, and identity politics with sharp wit and experimental flair. Amidst a renewed cultural interest in comedy as a space for political expression and personal resistance, these artist-comedians navigate themes of marginalization and power, creating performances that are as intellectually provocative as they are entertaining. As institutions increasingly showcase this hybrid art, the balance between maintaining its raw, rebellious edge and adapting to the spectacle-driven art scene remains a crucial conversation.

Before World War II, Paris stood as the vibrant epicenter of the international avant-garde, where artists like Picasso, Brancusi, and Apollinaire thrived alongside pioneering photographers who elevated black-and-white photography to an art form. From Eugene Atget’s hauntingly surreal cityscapes to Man Ray’s inventive, boundary-pushing experiments, this period produced some of the most iconic and influential photographic works. André Kertész’s elegant study of Mondrian’s personal items, Claude Cahun’s challenging and gender-bending self-portraits, and Henri Cartier-Bresson’s intimate scenes of everyday life all embody the spirit of innovation and cultural transformation that marked prewar Paris, capturing its creative energy and profound impact on the history of photography.

Alexander Calder, renowned as one of the greatest American artists of the 20th century and inventor of the iconic mobiles, partnered with the prestigious French porcelain maker Bernardaud in 2014 to create a limited-edition series of plates inspired by six of his most significant mobiles from the 1940s and ‘50s. These exquisite plates capture Calder’s signature blend of elegance and innovation, reflecting his diverse artistic pursuits that spanned from sculptures and jewelry to tapestries and even airplane designs. Today, Calder’s timeless work enjoys renewed attention through record-breaking auction sales and major exhibitions like the upcoming Tate Modern retrospective, solidifying his enduring influence on both collectors and the art world at large.

Sixty-five years ago, photographer Hans Namuth captured the elusive Jackson Pollock in a groundbreaking series of photographs and a short film that revealed the intense physicality behind Pollock’s drip paintings. The iconic 1951 film, featuring Pollock painting on a glass pane for a mesmerizing view of his process, helped launch the Process Art movement and solidified Pollock as the archetype of the tortured artistic genius. With his brooding presence and rebellious spirit, Pollock became one of the first celebrity artists shaped by mass media. Yet, this intimate glimpse into his creative world also hints at the darker toll of fame and artistry, foreshadowing his tragic decline just years later.

Keltie Ferris’s vibrant abstract paintings, characterized by their bright, airbrushed patches and pixel-like marks, evoke the digital age’s luminous, layered visuals while maintaining a deeply physical connection to painting. Recently, Ferris has shifted focus to an intimate, process-driven series of body prints, where she uses her own oil-doused, clothed body as a living brush, creating richly textured self-portraits that are both personal and strikingly present. Inspired by David Hammons’s techniques, these works embody a raw performance, offering a literal imprint of the artist herself. Alongside evolving her painting scale and exploring atmospheric haze through layering spray paint, Ferris balances narratives of digital abstraction with the tactile, historical essence of touch in art. Her work navigates the space between the mechanical and the handmade, past and future, raising questions of identity while reaffirming the vitality and autonomy of her paintings as living entities.

Conceptual art, defined by Sol LeWitt as prioritizing the idea over the physical creation, revolutionized art by shifting focus from aesthetics to concepts, using mediums like text, found objects, and documentation. From Marcel Duchamp’s provocative “Fountain,” which challenged traditional art by presenting a signed urinal, to René Magritte’s surreal questioning of representation in “The Treachery of Images,” this movement spans a century of innovative thought. Artists like On Kawara reflect on time through date paintings, while John Baldessari’s playful narratives invite us to “look between things.” Works such as Jenny Holzer’s illuminated aphorisms, Sophie Calle’s intimate hotel diary, Felix Gonzalez-Torres’s poignant clock metaphor, and Thomas Demand’s reconstructed scene probe identity, memory, and reality itself. Together, these pieces highlight conceptual art’s enduring power to challenge perceptions and provoke reflection beyond the tangible artwork.

From rising stars to established legends, this curated selection showcases artworks that savvy collectors won’t want to miss. Highlighted are Basim Magdy’s vibrant, thought-provoking blends of photography and painting that illuminate alternative Middle Eastern histories; Rachel Harrison’s quirky yet commanding photographic series inspired by Darwin’s curiosity about human representation; and Bruce Nauman’s mind-bending exploration of perception, poised for a major MoMA retrospective. Also featured is Jesper Just’s immersive neo-noir filmic photography, William Anastasi’s lively conceptual Minimalism with its stormy neural-like scrawls, and Cornelia Parker’s dramatic meteorite-scorched map that grapples with humanity’s fragile place in the universe. Each piece carries a powerful story and investment potential, reflecting the diverse and dynamic world of contemporary art.

Hidden within the vibrant offerings of the inaugural Seattle Art Fair is Gary Hill’s understated video art piece, Liminal Objects #6 [fan and pants], a quietly captivating 3D animation from 1998 that features a rotating hand fan seemingly slicing through trousers. A Seattle-based pioneer in conceptual art and new media since the late 1960s, Hill’s work explores themes of translation, the interplay between language and technology, and pushes the boundaries of video installation through inventive manipulation of electronic devices. Celebrated for his curiosity and early embrace of computer-based art, Hill’s Liminal Objects series melds digital forms into uncanny, nearly believable hybrid images that invite deep reflection. Amid the fair’s flashy contemporary digital displays, Hill’s piece offers a compelling, thoughtful respite that stands as a testament to his enduring influence and innovation in the evolving landscape of electronic art.

In his exhibition “Excuse Me!?!...I’m Looking for the ‘Fountain of Youth’” at Greene Naftali, video and performance artist Michael Smith humorously confronts the cultural obsession with youth as he navigates his own middle age. Featuring his Everyman character “Mike,” a mild-mannered, awkward middle-manager who awkwardly dances alongside youthful ballet apprentices, Smith uses satire to explore themes of aging, conformity, and the art world’s bias toward younger talent. The show’s blend of witty videos and mock-chivalric installations highlights the tension between generational expectations and personal identity, playfully critiquing society’s relentless quest for eternal youth against the backdrop of Smith’s own artistic evolution.

In a world where artists wield extraordinary creative powers, the contemporary art scene unfolds like an epic battle between heroes and villains vying for influence and control. From Damien Hirst’s unsettling experiments and Bruce Nauman’s dark provocations to Banksy’s guerrilla art activism and Ai Weiwei’s fearless fight against censorship, these larger-than-life figures shape the fate of art history with dramatic flair. Whether it’s Takashi Murakami rallying troops of fantastical creatures for emerging artists or Jenny Holzer projecting messages of hope across city streets, each player’s unique vision ignites a thrilling clash of ideals and ambitions in the global art arena.

Installation art has reshaped the boundaries of creativity over the past century, offering immersive and provocative experiences that challenge traditional aesthetics. From Christo & Jeanne-Claude’s monumental fabric-wrapped Pont Neuf, which invites viewers to see familiar landmarks anew, to Gordon Matta-Clark’s daring architectural “cuts” that reimagine urban spaces, each piece disrupts conventional forms. Mike Kelley’s unsettling taxonomy of discarded dolls reveals society’s underbelly, while Martin Kippenberger’s eclectic furniture installation playfully envisions a utopian future inspired by Kafka. Yayoi Kusama’s hypnotic polka-dotted mirrored rooms express infinite repetition and personal neurosis, contrasted by Robert Smithson’s raw, site-specific Land art that transforms natural landscapes. Kara Walker’s haunting paper silhouettes confront the brutal complexities of slavery and race, blending beauty with unsettling truths to provoke reflection. Together, these boundary-breaking works exemplify the limitless possibilities and emotional depth of installation art.

Just a short trip from Chelsea, the Hudson Valley reveals a vibrant arts landscape where nature and contemporary creativity intertwine. Renowned spots like Dia Beacon and Storm King are complemented by hidden gems such as Wave Farm, a serene hub for transmission art set on 30 acres, and ‘T’ Space in Rhinebeck, a tranquil venue crafted by architect Steven Holl that hosts celebrated artists like Ai Weiwei and Martin Puryear. The eclectic town of Hudson offers surprises like Henry, a whimsical found-object emporium blending art and antiques, while The School in Kinderhook transforms a historic schoolhouse into a dynamic space for diverse global artists, currently showcasing a major retrospective by Ghanaian legend El Anatsui. Opus 40 in Saugerties stands as a monumental earthwork sculpted with ancient techniques into a sprawling labyrinth of bluestone, and the expansive Omi International Arts Center in Ghent combines a sculpture park and studio residencies, fostering creativity amidst rolling hills. Together, these destinations paint the Hudson Valley as an essential summer pilgrimage for art lovers seeking inspiration beyond the city.

As Chelsea undergoes a dramatic transformation with luxury high-rises reshaping the skyline and galleries migrating elsewhere, two compelling summer exhibitions explore the evolving relationship between art and real estate through the medium of wall painting. At Gladstone Gallery, "Hello Walls" revisits conceptual wall art with works by pioneers like Mel Bochner, Sol LeWitt, and Lawrence Weiner, alongside contemporary artists scaling up the tradition in playful and provocative ways. Meanwhile, Andrew Edlin Gallery’s “Anthems for the Mother Earth Goddess” confronts environmental urgency and social issues through site-specific wall paintings slated for destruction as the building is demolished for condos. From Michael Craig-Martin’s oversized everyday objects to Chris Doyle’s apocalyptic Chelsea flood vision and Rigo 23’s socially conscious murals, these shows capture wall painting as a dynamic canvas reflecting both artistic heritage and pressing cultural concerns in a rapidly changing neighborhood.

Over the turbulent 20th century, the human figure in sculpture became a dynamic canvas for artists to explore fragility, strength, and transformation. From Constantin Brancusi’s elemental embrace in *The Kiss*, embodying abstract purity and timeless vitality, to Aristide Maillol’s serene revival of Classical grace in *The Three Nymphs*, the century saw diverse interpretations of the human form. Henry Moore’s *Recumbent Figure* carved nature’s power into solid, rounded shapes, while Alberto Giacometti’s skeletal *Walking Man* hauntingly captured isolation and existential fragility. Dame Elisabeth Frink’s menacing *Goggle Head* evokes modern anxieties with raw intensity, contrasting with Louise Bourgeois’ *Here I Am, Here I Stay*, where tactile materials evoke enduring human presence amidst chaos. Finally, Charles Ray’s hyper-realistic *Family Romance* distorts scale to unsettling effect, challenging notions of family and power. Together, these sculptures reveal a century’s profound dialogue on what it means to be human.

Before Los Angeles became the sprawling, hyped art hub it is today, it was an intimate, gritty scene centered around Chinatown, energized by the trailblazing China Art Objects Galleries. Founded in 1999 by a group of determined artists including Steve Hanson and Giovanni Intra, the gallery fostered a raw, collaborative spirit that propelled L.A.’s multidisciplinary art culture forward. From modest beginnings in a small basement on Chung King Road to becoming the heartbeat of a vibrant, if chaotic, artistic community marked by late-night creativity and wild parties, China Art Objects shaped the city’s art landscape. Despite tragic losses and the eventual migration of galleries to Culver City, the gallery’s story reflects the evolution of L.A.’s art scene—from tight-knit underground circles to a booming, multifaceted ecosystem now attracting collectors and galleries worldwide, all while maintaining roots in community and artistic risk-taking.

The Hirshhorn Museum’s retrospective “Shirin Neshat: Facing History” delves into the rich complexities of the Iranian artist’s photographic and film work, which explores the layered intersections of gender, religion, and cultural identity. With her iconic black-and-white portraits of Iranian women adorned in chadors and inscribed with Persian poetry, Neshat challenges simplistic interpretations by revealing themes of resistance, creativity, and power within social constraints. Her acclaimed series, including “Women of Allah,” “The Book of Kings,” and films like “Turbulent” and “Rapture,” present institutional and gender divisions not just as boundaries but as spaces for nuanced artistic expression and resilient defiance. Through striking dual-channel installations and powerful imagery, Neshat invites viewers to confront history and tradition while contemplating the unresolved questions that shape her personal and cultural narrative.

From ancient cave paintings to modern installations, artists have long grappled with depicting animals, reflecting the changing scientific and artistic trends of their times. This selection from *The Art Book* explores diverse approaches, from Jacques-Laurent Agasse’s detailed portrayal of exotic giraffes reflecting 19th-century fascination with far-off lands, to Umberto Boccioni’s dynamic, Futurist depiction of horse and rider alive with motion. George Catlin’s sensitive flamingoes illustrate nature’s fragility amid human threats, while Edward Hicks’s *The Peaceable Kingdom* symbolizes harmonious coexistence inspired by Quaker ideals. In opulent 17th-century Dutch still lifes, Willem Kalf’s meticulous textures evoke luxury and refinement, contrasting with Henri Rousseau’s imaginative jungles bursting with vibrant life and naïve charm. Finally, David Alfaro Siqueiros combines surrealism and political activism in a powerful muralistic scene, challenging viewers to confront deeper social meanings. Together, these artworks reveal shifting perspectives on animals that blend naturalism, symbolism, and imaginative expression across history.

Zoe Leonard’s monumental series *Analogue* (1998-2009), displayed in full at the Museum of Modern Art, poignantly documents the closure of small shops across New York’s Lower East Side, Harlem, and Brooklyn, tracing the afterlife of their wares as they journey to resale markets in Cuba, Mexico, Poland, and Uganda. Captured with a vintage 1940s Rolliflex camera, Leonard’s 412 color and black-and-white prints reveal a delicate interplay between loss and renewal, blending nostalgic homage to disappearing local commerce with a celebration of creativity, resourcefulness, and environmental mindfulness. From bold hand-painted storefront signs to repurposed goods arranged like art, *Analogue* challenges the narrative of obsolescence, showing how these items find new life and meaning across the globe, while subtly reflecting on the fading era of analog photography itself.

From vibrant textile collages capturing tropical sunsets to poignant explorations of survival and power, this selection highlights groundbreaking works from today’s most compelling artists. Featuring Lauren Luloff’s delicate fabric paintings, Jenny Holzer’s impactful text pieces, and General Idea’s powerful AIDS-era commentary, the collection spans a range of media and messages. Meanwhile, Julie Heffernan’s richly allegorical self-portraits, Imi Knoebel’s abstract color studies on plastic, and Jose Dávila’s architecturally inspired glass sculptures round out a roster of smart, evocative art destined to engage both collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Displaying contemporary art in a home requires more than just hanging pieces on walls—it demands a thoughtful integration of architecture and art that respects both the domestic space and the artworks themselves. Chris Stone and David Fox of Stonefox specialize in designing modern living spaces tailored to collectors, working closely with clients like Amy and John Phelan and Mickey and Jeanne Klein to ensure that walls and rooms are crafted around specific pieces in their collections. Their unique approach balances the luxury of a lived-in home with the intellectual impact of contemporary art, challenging the minimalist "museum-like" aesthetic by embedding artworks in intimate, meaningful contexts. Through projects like the Whisper Raum—a gem-inspired architectural retreat—they explore new dimensions of art and design, pushing the boundaries of how art can function socially and visually within homes. As passionate collectors themselves, Stone and Fox emphasize the importance of narrative and surprise in art, fostering an ongoing dialogue between artists, architecture, and everyday life that makes spaces both vibrant and deeply personal.

Porpentine Charity Heartscape stands as a pioneering and provocative figure in avant-garde game design, challenging the male-dominated gaming culture with deeply personal and unconventional works created on the Twine platform. Her games, such as the acclaimed 2012 title *howling dogs*, eschew violent tropes for intensely introspective narratives that explore themes of depression, trauma, and identity through fragmented, poetic storytelling. This groundbreaking approach has earned her both critical acclaim and backlash, reflecting the tension between traditional gaming expectations and the rise of experimental, emotionally resonant interactive fiction. Following *howling dogs*, Porpentine’s 2015 piece *This World Is Not My Home*, co-created with Brenda Neotenomie, offers a more meditative, visually immersive journey filled with affirmations and surreal imagery, signaling a hopeful progression in her exploration of deeply personal, transformative gaming experiences.

The art world has fully embraced Instagram as a vibrant platform for galleries, advisors, critics, and collectors to share their passions, discoveries, and personalities. From Simon de Pury’s jet-setting auctioneer selfies with celebrities to 89plus’s dynamic showcases of post-1989 creators, these key figures offer intimate glimpses into cutting-edge art scenes. Thea Westreich Art Advisory curates exclusive looks at private collections and major fairs, while Daniel Turriani blends expert insights with personal moments. Distinguished critic David Rimanelli revives masterpieces old and new, and Jerry Saltz injects sharp wit and provocative commentary that keeps followers laughing and thinking. Meanwhile, Stefan Simchowitz stirs debate by championing emerging artists and the art-flipping trend. Together, these Instagram tastemakers provide an indispensable, entertaining window into the contemporary art world.

Aura Rosenberg’s art boldly navigates the provocative intersections of childhood and erotic imagery, challenging conventions with a unique blend of humor and critical theory. From her early “Dialectical Porn Rocks” series—where appropriated pornographic images adorn natural stones—to her later paintings revisiting the “Golden Age” of porn, Rosenberg’s work interrogates the cultural contexts and mediated nature of sexuality. Parallel to these explorations, her deeply personal projects like “Berlin Childhood” and “Who Am I? What Am I? Where Am I?” capture intimate moments with her daughter Carmen and Berlin’s urban landscape, interweaving themes from philosopher Walter Benjamin’s writings. These thoughtfully staged photographs, many involving the playful yet complex interaction between children and renowned artists, reveal layers of identity, agency, and cultural memory, making Rosenberg’s oeuvre a compelling reflection on the body, childhood, and the shifting boundaries of art and obscenity.

From the playful irreverence of Gilbert and George’s prankish poses to the intense emotional depth of Vincent van Gogh’s asylum-era self-reflection, self-portraits offer fascinating windows into artists’ psyches across centuries. This vibrant exploration highlights works from masters like Judith Leyster’s intimate Dutch Golden Age portrait, Rembrandt’s haunting late-life introspection, and Cindy Sherman’s subversive photographic narratives that challenge traditional representations of identity. Featuring diverse styles from Neo-Classical honesty in Mengs to Velázquez’s courtly masterpiece Las Meninas, these self-portraits reveal how artists use their own images not just to depict appearance but to convey stories, comment on society, and explore the complexity of selfhood—offering timeless inspiration for anyone looking to capture their own likeness beyond the surface.

Los Angeles-based artist Max Hooper Schneider creates captivating sculptures that blur the boundaries between biology, landscape architecture, and technology, infusing his work with a Post-Internet sensibility that embraces remixing and unexpected juxtapositions. Using innovative materials like his homemade phosphorescent paint and incorporating live animals—from beta fish to leeches—his pieces challenge viewers to rethink the relationship between organic life and art. Whether illuminating a beluga whale skeleton or pairing live leeches with a porcelain wedding cake, Hooper Schneider’s work playfully explores animist ideas and merges science with creativity, inviting us to contemplate where the art truly exists: in our minds or in the subtle lives of the creatures within.

At this year’s exceptional edition of Art Basel, two fascinating trends emerged: contemporary works are increasingly mingling with historical art, while secondary-market galleries are uncovering fresh gems from overlooked corners of art history. Highlights include Francis Picabia’s vibrant “Transparencies” series, Lothar Hempel’s provocative sculptural installations blending epochs and subcultures, and Giacomo Balla’s lyrical Futurist seascape. Terry Haggerty’s neo-formalist canvases, Agnes Martin’s rare early self-portrait, and Ai Weiwei’s painstakingly crafted glass Crystal Cube also stood out. From Egon Schiele’s sensuous drawings to Franz Erhard Walther’s interactive sculptures, Jana Euler’s bold figurations, and Jeff Koons’s provocative “Cat on a Clothesline,” the fair offered a dynamic mix of innovation, history, and dazzling artistry that promises to shape the contemporary art market for years to come.

Alexander S. C. "Sandy" Rower, president of the Calder Foundation, shares his top five favorite works from Art Basel 2015, offering a captivating glimpse into the art world. From Fred Sandback’s innovative use of string to bisect space, to Jack Youngerman’s elegant sunflower linked to Calder, each piece holds a unique story. Rower highlights Julian Stanczak’s mesmerizing Op Art that transcends mere visual trickery, reflecting resilience in the face of adversity. Barbara Hepworth’s sculptures embody a graceful fusion of two and three dimensions, carrying a living presence beyond their form. Lastly, David Smith’s sprayed steel "drawings" evoke mystery and depth with their shadowy silhouettes, pushing the boundaries between drawing and sculpture with photographic allure.

British artist Peter Millard offers a refreshing counterpoint to today's digital animation wave with his hand-drawn, jazz-infused shorts that burst with color, motion, and quirky characters. Eschewing sleek computer-generated imagery, Millard’s work embraces the charm of imperfection through oil pastels and paint, bringing to life impressionistic, rough-edged figures like anthropomorphized fruits that explode, morph, and vocalize in sync with lively jazz soundscapes. His acclaimed 2013 film *Fruit Fruit* exemplifies this vivid sensory experience—where fruit characters stretch and shatter amid vibrant chaos before settling into a contemplative stillness that hints at the deeply tactile roots of animation. Through Millard’s playful yet raw aesthetic, animation regains its handcrafted soul, inviting viewers into a world where spontaneity and creative freedom rule.

Since its 2014 launch as Sell You Later, rebranded to Art Rank, Carlos Rivera’s platform has stirred waves by quantifying the elusive art market with data-driven clarity. Combining an insider’s gallery experience and financial savvy, Rivera transformed art collecting from guesswork into strategic investing, using variables like social media trends, auction data, and market saturation to classify emerging artists as “Buy Now,” “Sell Now,” or “Liquidate.” Rejecting traditional subjective hype, Art Rank offers unprecedented transparency, empowering collectors worldwide—especially newcomers and Asian markets—with actionable insights. Rivera’s innovative approach challenges long-held notions about art’s value, emphasizing market dynamics and opportunity cost over pure aesthetics, while anticipating increased regulatory scrutiny as the art world’s financial underpinnings come into sharper focus.

From Renaissance masters to modern innovators, self-portraiture has long been a powerful means for artists to explore identity, emotion, and societal roles. This article highlights seven compelling self-portraits that trace the evolution of the genre, from Albrecht Dürer’s reverent status-asserting images and Marie-Louise-Élisabeth Vigée-Lebrun’s radiant, idealized depictions, to Gustave Courbet’s raw realism that challenged academic norms. It delves into Francesco Clemente’s expressive neo-Expressionism with symbolic birds, Oskar Kokoschka’s anguished defiance amid political oppression, and Chuck Close’s meticulous photorealism that redefined portraiture using photographic grids. Together, these works offer a rich, vivid journey through how artists have turned their gaze inward over centuries to reveal both themselves and the world around them.

Jen DeNike’s video art weaves her American identity with subtle magical themes, creating evocative pieces that blend the rhythms of suburban life with quiet mysticism. Her work eschews the jarring clichés of video art, favoring simple, symbolic actions captured in natural settings with a minimalist aesthetic. Notable works like "Happy Endings" feature poetic gestures laden with enigmatic meaning, while "Flag Girls" explores patriotism and connection through an intimate ritual around the early American flag. Perhaps her most acclaimed piece, "Wrestling," joyfully captures the rough-and-tumble innocence of teenage play without oversimplifying its emotional complexity, earning a place in MoMA’s permanent collection and underscoring the timeless humanity in her art.

Agathe Snow, a vibrant force from the raw 1990s New York art scene, has always blurred the lines between art, life, and community through her wild dance marathons, impromptu dinner parties, and exuberant trash sculptures. Rising from her early uncertainty about her artistic identity—shaped by the impact of 9/11 and fueled by deep friendships and shared creativity—Snow’s work captures the intimate power of togetherness and playful rebellion. Now, her decade-old footage of a legendary 24-hour party near Ground Zero is being revived at the Guggenheim, offering a rare, immersive glimpse into a unique post-9/11 moment of youthful abandon, loss, and lasting camaraderie. As she embraces motherhood and a new chapter on Long Island, Snow reflects on growth, nostalgia, and the evolving spirit of New York’s art community, celebrating a fresh generation marked by kindness and global awareness.

Our tweets, those fleeting bursts of wit and self-expression, may vanish quickly in the relentless Twitter timeline, but Shane’s Tweet Heaven transforms them into monumental, three-dimensional sculptures in a captivating digital space. This interactive online experience turns your ephemeral tweets into towering tributes, breathing new life and grandeur into your once-overlooked posts. Navigating your personal tweet landscape, accompanied by robotic voices and quirky avatars, you explore a surreal cyber mausoleum that both celebrates and immortalizes your digital musings in a way Twitter never could.

After a nine-year hiatus from New York’s exhibition scene, Lisa Ruyter returns with a striking new series that revisits the Farm Security Administration’s iconic photo archive through her signature large-scale paintings in vivid neon hues. Blending appropriation with her own artistic vision, Ruyter explores themes of American identity, economic upheaval, and the complex relationship between photography and representation, all while challenging traditional notions of abstraction. Reflecting on her decade in Vienna and her evolution from gallerist to artist, she brings fresh energy to her work and new ambitions, including a monumental stained glass project that reconnects with her early craft. This two-venue show marks a vibrant homecoming for an artist who continues to push the boundaries of image, memory, and cultural narrative.

From the enigmatic and sensual installations of Venice Biennale breakout star Pamela Rosenkranz to the iconic, all-American text paintings of Ed Ruscha, this curated collection offers a vibrant snapshot of contemporary and modern art at its finest. Featuring the intricately crafted bottle-cap tapestries of Ghanaian sculptor El Anatsui, bold and empathetic portraits by Chantal Joffe, and the understated yet profound landscapes of Wayne Thiebaud, these works embody a rich diversity of styles and stories. Adding to this dynamic mix is Tseng Kwong Chi’s witty and poignant exploration of East-West cultural contrasts, making this selection a must-see for canny collectors eager to engage with art that resonates across generations and geographies.

Chiswell Langhorne’s SoHo apartment is a masterclass in inventive art display, blending his passion for collecting with a keen sense of spatial creativity. Living in a glass-walled Philip Johnson building, Langhorne maximizes every inch of wall space by integrating artwork seamlessly with his surroundings—sliding a television behind a painting, and layering smaller works over shelves packed with art books and curiosities. His collection, spanning artists from Cy Twombly and Paul McCarthy to emerging talents like Erica Baum and Darren Bader, reflects his eclectic taste and writer’s eye for narrative and text-based art. Langhorne’s home is not just a gallery but a living wunderkammer, where art, literature, and personal interests like Stanley Kubrick merge into a dynamic, ever-evolving environment that inspires and delights.

Meet Miss Pickle, the charming art dog and VIP guide at NADA New York, offering a playful and unique perspective on this vibrant contemporary art fair. From cozy naps at The Apartment to quirky encounters with sculptures behind glass, Miss Pickle’s whimsical commentary brings the art scene to life with humor and curiosity. As she sniffs out favorite installations from galleries like Jack Hanley, Nicole Klagsbrun, and Kristen Lorello, her playful observations—from pondering “funky toes” to questioning why art moves—invite readers to experience NADA through the eyes of an art-loving pup who’s just as captivated by the creativity as her human companions.

At this year’s NADA New York, artists boldly embrace unconventional materials, channeling a spirit of “Weirdo Realism” or “Browser Conceptualism” by transforming everyday and internet-culture objects into thought-provoking gallery pieces. From Adrian Wong’s shimmering lenticular box portraits inspired by a dinosaur skull’s past lives, to Puppies Puppies’ playful, meme-infused readymades like painted horseshoe crabs and masked mannequins, the fair is a vibrant celebration of creativity and context-shifting. Magic Flying Carpets offers ancient Moroccan rugs as contemporary art treasures, while Caroline Chandler’s hand-knit yarn works intimately explore gender transition. Jesse Greenberg’s resin sculptures invite tactile curiosity despite their hardness, and Chloe Wise intriguingly blends Judaic bread with luxury brand motifs in urethane. Environmental commentary flows through Michael Assiff’s vinyl collages, and Clive Murphy crafts confusing yet familiar forms from repurposed cardboard boxes. Andrew J. Greene reimagines urban flotsam with studio-crafted perfection, while Jill Baroff’s Yves Klein blue wooden sculptures mesmerize with light and texture. Together, these ten diverse works illuminate the playful, perceptual, and conceptual possibilities at the intersection of art and everyday life.

For its inaugural New York edition, the 1:54 contemporary African art fair takes center stage at Red Hook’s Pioneer Works, showcasing vibrant and diverse works from 16 galleries representing artists across Africa and the diaspora. From Bille Zangewa’s intimate silk tapestries and Edson Chagas’s striking photographic portraits to Olu Amoda’s inventive assemblages of industrial materials and Theo Eshetu’s mesmerizing video art, the fair offers a rich tapestry of creativity. Highlights include William Kentridge’s compelling linocuts, Fabrice Monteiro’s stylish portraits blending fashion and anthropology, and Chéri Samba’s powerful social realist paintings. Emphasizing both emerging talents and established voices, 1:54 opens a fresh window into Africa’s dynamic contemporary art scene, inviting visitors to explore profound narratives, innovative techniques, and the continent’s vibrant artistic pulse.

Collectors and philanthropists Susan and Michael Hort share their insightful picks from the May 2015 NADA and Frieze art fairs, highlighting a dynamic range of contemporary artists. From Alexander Nolan’s quirky, well-crafted drawings and Lauren Luloff’s mixed-media collages to Max Frintrop’s evolving, exuberant brushwork, the Horts celebrate artists pushing boundaries and exploring new territories. They introduce fresh talent like Chris Hood, who paints innovatively on canvas reversals, alongside established names such as the bold, three-dimensional works of Ron Gorchov and the playful, abstract pieces of Ellen Berkenblit. Their selections reflect a deep appreciation for both artistic growth and distinctive styles, offering a vibrant snapshot of today’s cutting-edge art scene.

Ajay Kurian, known for his sci-fi-inflected sculptures that balance wit and urgency, reflects on the evolving culture of art fairs and the intuitive undercurrents shaping contemporary art. Highlighting artists from the NADA New York fair, he praises Lukas Geronimas’s evocative graphite-covered bathtubs, Puppies Puppies’s nuanced post-Internet vernacular, and Hayley Silverman’s atmospheric sculptural noodle bowls, among others. Kurian explores intuition not as a relic of past art movements but as a complex synthesis of experience and insight that drives innovation and authentic expression. Through his keen eye, he reveals a new generation of artists who blend rigor with instinct, creating work that is both critically engaging and subtly powerful.

Candace Worth, founder of Worth Art Advisory, highlights her top picks from this year’s NADA New York art fair, showcasing a vibrant selection of contemporary artists pushing creative boundaries. From Lucas Ajemian’s innovative “laundered” paintings that transform works by his artist friends into layered abstractions, to Tomoo Gokita’s hauntingly surreal, monochromatic compositions blurring figuration and abstraction, the fair pulses with fresh energy. Jay Heikes offers complex mixed-media pieces inspired by musical scores and avant-garde influences, while Misaki Kawai injects humor and pop culture wit with her colorful, superflat-inspired sculptures. Florian Meisenberg explores the intersection of analog and digital through minimalistic gestures and video art commissioned by a cutting-edge online platform, and Brie Ruais breaks new ground in ceramics, crafting large, performative sculptures that resonate with her physical presence. Together, these artists weave a captivating narrative of contemporary art’s evolving forms and ideas.

The photogram, a cameraless photographic technique dating back to pioneers like William Henry Fox Talbot, has been revitalized by contemporary artists seeking a tactile, analog experience and a return to darkroom experimentation. At NADA New York 2015, artists like Katherine Bauer, Shannon Bool, and Tatiana Kronberg showcased inventive photogram works that blend performance, collage, and surrealist influences. Bauer’s dramatic live performances involve dressing photo-sensitive paper with liquids while exposed to film light, creating vivid, crystal-studded images. Bool’s layered photograms combine historical fashion photography with exotic patterns, crafting enigmatic figures that blur gender and cultural boundaries. Kronberg’s large-scale, folded-paper photograms conjure eerie, playful compositions populated by pressed body parts and unexpected objects, evoking the spirit of Surrealist games and Man Ray’s iconic Rayograms. These artists breathe new life into an old art form, blending history, mystery, and modern creativity.

Rob Teeters, a former architect turned sought-after art consultant in New York, spotlights his favorite discoveries at this year’s NADA New York through his art advisory and exhibition space, Front Desk Apparatus. Among the highlights are French painter Claude Viallat, a key figure in the post-1968 Supports/Surfaces movement; Paul Chan, known for his inventive installation work involving deconstructed books; and Gerald Davis, whose psychologically charged paintings evoke dark, misanthropic narratives with echoes of Guston and Ensor. Teeters also features Cameron, an occult-influenced Los Angeles artist whose mystical figurative linework captivates; David Rappeneau’s distorted, digital-filter-inspired drawings of youthful angst; and Imi Knoebel, a protégé of Joseph Beuys whose layered, sculptural paintings command a strong physical presence. This curated selection celebrates a rich spectrum of contemporary and historic voices infused with bold experimentation and evocative storytelling.

Art fairs often pose challenges for video art due to noise and crowds, but NADA New York 2015 showcased innovative approaches that reimagine the medium. Siebren Versteeg at bitforms presented algorithmically-generated paintings that blend physical gestures with dynamic digital rendering, while Michael Manning’s 3-D printed canvases and interactive transparent LCD screen installation invite viewers into a tactile, sculptural experience. Meanwhile, Daata Editions launched a fresh platform for digital art sales, featuring exclusive video and sound works by contemporary artists like Jon Rafman, whose hypnotic footage of a crowded wave pool offers a serene, almost Impressionistic escape. These forward-thinking exhibits highlight how artists are pushing the boundaries of digital video art in exciting new directions.

The Venice Biennale’s recent vernissage laid bare the persistent global inequities embedded in our history and still shaping the future, but Frieze New York offers a refreshing antidote with an abundance of captivating paintings. From Lesley Vance’s richly textured abstractions to Rudolf Stingel’s evocative carpet works that meditate on time’s wear, the fair showcases a stunning range of contemporary art. Ryan McLaughlin’s fusion of abstraction and cryptic signage, Loredana Sperini’s tactile encaustic slabs, and Dan McCarthy’s vibrant, spontaneous rainbows add layers of sensory and emotional depth. Irma Blank’s intricate pen drawings and Kasper Bosmans’s poetic, narrative boards engage the intellect, while Viktor Kopp’s playful letter canvases tease the collector’s dilemma. Among the highlights are Gabriele De Santis’s witty reimagining of Picasso’s motifs and Korakrit Arunandonchai’s bold, painted massage chairs, inviting visitors to unwind in style. This dazzling array of artworks offers joy, reflection, and a comforting balm for the soul amid a turbulent world.

At this year’s NADA New York art fair, painter Jackie Saccoccio received the prestigious 2015 Artadia NADA award for her captivating work, *Portrait (Cosmic Baroque)*. Selected by leading curators Tom Eccles and Kelly Taxter, the piece dazzles with its vibrant, sensuous colors and abstract composition, while subtly nodding to Italian Renaissance portraiture through hints of figuration. Now gaining recognition beyond New York, Saccoccio’s art has recently entered notable collections like the Rose Art Museum and MCA Chicago, with a solo show on the horizon. Her award-winning painting, embodying a joyous blend of abstraction and classical inspiration, was available for purchase at the fair, reflecting her rising status in the contemporary art world.

Artist Jeanette Hayes brings her playful and witty perspective to this year’s NADA New York art fair, sharing her top picks in painting and mixed media with infectious enthusiasm. From the hauntingly beautiful works of Genieve Figgis to the captivating figurative paintings by Jansson Stegner, Hayes highlights pieces that ignite her passion as a painter. She also celebrates the innovative 3D creations of her friend Michael Manning, praises the vibrant compositions of Adrian Wong, and admires the consistent brilliance of Sibren Versteeg and Anthony Miller. With a nod to all the artists participating, Hayes invites art lovers to explore the fair in person and discover those secret gems that make art such an exciting adventure.

This year's Frieze New York fair takes visitors on a deliberately disorienting journey inspired by Fluxus artist George Maciunas’s 1976 Flux-Labyrinth, featuring a series of playful and perplexing installations. Highlights include Samara Golden’s eerie secret chamber beneath the tent filled with infinity mirrors and blacklights; Aki Sasamoto’s maze that tests visitors’ personalities through subtle choices; Pia Camil’s vibrant wearable art pieces echoing Brazilian samba culture; and Korakrit Arunanondchai’s calming denim-covered massage chairs offering respite from fair fatigue. Outside, Allyson Viera’s imposing structure made from compressed plastic waste challenges notions of consumerism, while the tribute Flux-Labyrinth installation invites visitors into a whimsical obstacle course blending historical Fluxus pieces with new artist-designed hurdles. Together, these projects disrupt the fair’s usual rhythm, inviting reflection, play, and unexpected encounters.

This year’s Venice Biennale unfolds as a contemplative journey through evocative, immersive works that challenge and captivate. Berlin-based artist Hito Steyerl’s German Pavilion delivers a dense, sci-fi-infused video exploring surveillance, corporate control, and virtual realities with haunting urgency. Meanwhile, Sarah Lucas’s British Pavilion boldly confronts themes of sex, power, and gender through provocative, humor-laced sculptures overflowing with raw physicality and subversion. The French Pavilion offers a breath of fresh air with Céleste Boursier-Mougenot’s serene installation where mobile trees, powered by sap and light, drift gracefully, blending technology with nature in an elegant, hopeful vision for the future. Together, these standout pavilions epitomize a Biennale steeped in reflection, intensity, and poetic innovation.

NADA New York 2015 promises a vibrant showcase of contemporary art, featuring a diverse lineup of compelling artists. Katherine Bradford captivates with her playful, sci-fi-inspired landscapes blending heroic and aquatic imagery, while José León Cerrillo offers thought-provoking conceptual works that merge philosophy and modern art. Lucky DeBellevue dazzles with his inventive, decorative paintings, and Genieve Figgis transforms refined scenes into delightfully unsettling visions. The fair also highlights Dan Herschlein’s eerie installations, Josef Hofer’s raw, emotive figure drawings, and Mariah Robertson’s expansive, experimental photographic prints. Elham Rokni explores identity through intimate, pattern-rich works, while Amalia Ulman critiques consumer culture with her striking conceptual pieces. Spanish artist Luis Úrculo presents intriguing architectural explorations with a twist. Together, these artists make NADA 2015 an unmissable event rich with innovation, edge, and diverse artistic voices.

Joan Jonas’s haunting installation at the Venice Biennale’s American Pavilion invites viewers into a world where transcendence and animism intertwine through evocative video projections and ceremonial imagery. Featuring children in ethereal white garb interacting with elements like bees, fish, and wind, the multi-room exhibit channels a spirit both ancient and mystical, underscored by ghostly narratives and ritualistic performances. Drawing from workshops with New York schoolchildren, Jonas transforms the pavilion into a dreamlike space filled with symbolic artifacts, masked figures, and nature-inspired gestures, culminating in a poignant moment where the artist herself connects with the natural world. This immersive experience offers a spellbinding meditation on communion, movement, and the unseen forces that animate life.

Jenny Holzer's 2007 special benefit edition, MONEY CREATES TASTE, revisits her groundbreaking “Truisms” series—around 300 aphorisms originally penned between 1977 and 1979 to challenge the clichés fed by advertising. These thought-provoking statements have since become iconic, appearing on marble, public buildings, embassies, and more. For this edition, Holzer engraved the phrase “Money Creates Taste” onto a silver soup spoon, cleverly riffing on the idea of being born with a silver spoon and the nuances of taste itself. Holzer’s influence is profound: in 1990, she made history as the first woman to represent the U.S. at the Venice Biennale, winning the Golden Lion with an installation that streamed her “Truisms” on electric tickers throughout the pavilion.

Since February, the Dulwich Picture Gallery in London has hosted a clever art experiment by American artist Doug Fishbone, who secretly installed a meticulously crafted replica of a classic painting among its Old Master collection. Titled *Made in China*, the project challenged visitors to use their connoisseurship skills to spot the imposter. After much speculation, the reveal showcased Fishbone’s contemporary copy of Jean-Honoré Fragonard’s *Portrait of a Young Woman* alongside the original, prompting reflections on authenticity, art forgery, and perception. This playful yet thought-provoking installation invites art lovers to question the boundaries between original masterpieces and masterful reproductions.

Tseng Kwong Chi, a trailblazing Chinese-born photographer of the late 1970s and ’80s, captivated New York’s art and social scenes with his theatrical self-portraits and clever performances donning a thrifted Mao suit. Blending satire, cultural critique, and vibrant East Village nightlife, Tseng uniquely captured moments from exclusive Met galas to provocative political encounters, challenging perceptions of identity and belonging. His influential work, mingling staged diplomacy with candid club portraits and reflective landscapes, lives on through artists like Ai Weiwei and is celebrated in the nationwide exhibition “Tseng Kwong Chi: Performing for the Camera,” honoring a career cut tragically short by AIDS in 1990.

The Whitney Museum of American Art’s much-anticipated move to a stunning Renzo Piano-designed building in the Meatpacking District heralds a transformative chapter for the institution and the New York art scene. Doubling its exhibition space and introducing innovative features such as expansive column-free galleries, outdoor terraces as urban stages, and versatile performance spaces, the museum embraces a renewed mission centered on living artists and an open, porous approach to American art history. With a rich collection that now more fully represents diverse voices—including women and artists of color—the Whitney balances honoring its legacy with a forward-looking vision that reflects America’s evolving cultural fabric. The new building not only fosters deep artist engagement and experimental programming but also responds thoughtfully to the complexities of today’s digital and market-driven art world. As the Whitney reimagines its iconic Biennial and deepens its role as a social and creative hub, it stands poised to redefine what it means to be a museum of American art in a global, interconnected era.

The Whitney Museum’s new downtown location celebrates its inaugural exhibition, “America Is Hard to See,” with a dazzling 600-piece showcase that brings to light decades of previously hidden works from its permanent collection alongside fresh acquisitions. Spanning an eclectic array of American art, from James Daugherty’s Futurist-inspired baseball scenes to Chiura Obata’s serene Japanese woodblock landscapes and powerful social realist drawings tackling lynching, the exhibition offers a diverse and vibrant panorama. Highlights include Carmen Herrera’s hard-edged abstractions, Malcolm Bailey’s poignant reflections on history through Pop art, and immersive new works by Karen Kilimnik and Nicole Eisenman, reflecting identity, politics, and contemporary struggles. This bold installation not only honors canonical masters like Warhol and Pollock but also shines a spotlight on overlooked voices and fresh perspectives, redefining the American artistic narrative for a new generation.

The fifth annual Brooklyn Artists Ball at the Brooklyn Museum was a vibrant celebration honoring retiring director Arnold Lehman, whose visionary leadership transformed the institution over nearly two decades. Guests were greeted by life-sized decals of Lehman dancing through the museum’s revolving doors, setting a festive tone for the evening. Artists contributed extraordinary works and designed exuberant tables, featuring creations from acclaimed figures like OLEK, Swoon, FAILE, and Dustin Yellin, adding a burst of creativity to the benefit auction. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the museum community came together to pay tribute to Lehman’s legacy and support the future of this cultural landmark.

Since its launch in 2011, the Google Art Project has transformed the way we experience art online by integrating immersive Street View technology with museum and heritage site tours. Its latest achievement is an impressive collection of 303 high-definition 3-D digital models from six international museums, offering viewers the rare opportunity to explore ancient artifacts and natural history specimens from every angle. Highlights include Emperor Augustus’ bust, a 4,000-year-old Egyptian hippopotamus figure, and Itzhak Danziger’s modernist sculpture Nimrod. The California Academy of Sciences contributes an extensive array of vertebrate skulls, showcasing fascinating natural forms from eels to elephants, including quirky examples like the English bulldog’s skull and the bizarre babirusa with its unconventional nasal “horns.” With detailed textures and a seamless interface, this digital trove invites art lovers and curious minds alike to virtually handle these priceless pieces of human and natural history like never before.

Roger Ballen, the New York-born photographer based in Johannesburg, takes us on a psychological and existential journey through his haunting black-and-white images that expose the raw realities of impoverished South Africans. Beyond his own work, Ballen shares his admiration for a diverse collection of artists—from Elliott Erwitt’s subtle humor and Pierre Molinier’s surreal sexuality to Jean-Michel Basquiat’s powerful archetypal forms and Weegee’s timeless New York scenes. He finds deep connections with the psychological intensity of Francis Bacon, the textural echoes of Edvard Munch in Peter Doig’s paintings, and the primitive energy in Leon Golub’s modernist works. Ballen’s reflections extend to Keith Haring’s decorative abstraction, William Kentridge’s Johannesburg-inspired charcoal work, and Tony Oursler’s multimedia sculptures that blend the real with the surreal—each artist illuminating facets of the human condition that resonate with his own artistic vision.

This April, art collectors have a thrilling opportunity to acquire standout works from some of today’s most captivating artists. From Shezad Dawood’s mystical and avant-garde paintings heating up the market, to Lisa Yuskavage’s provocative prints that parallel her famed erotic canvases, the selection is dazzling. Angel Otero’s innovative abstract process and rising market presence offers an intriguing investment, while Pablo Picasso’s iconic 1968 etching from his “374 Suite” brings a historic, playful edge linking modern and contemporary art eras. Christopher Wool’s minimalist, conceptual print delivers exceptional value from an acclaimed market star, and Tauba Auerbach’s ultramodern geometric tabletop piece and collaborative portfolio epitomize refined craftsmanship and cutting-edge creativity. Now is the perfect moment to deepen your collection with these exceptional and diverse pieces.

Philip-Lorca di Corcia’s latest series, “East of Eden,” showcases his masterful blend of staged and spontaneous photography, exploring themes of loss, innocence, and disillusionment through intensely cinematic and symbolic imagery. Inspired by the financial crisis of 2008 and nodding to biblical and literary narratives, the work features carefully posed subjects—ranging from blind couples to nude pregnant women—and incorporates overt references to Cain and Abel, encapsulating a distinctly American tale of fall and redemption. Departing from his earlier street photography, di Corcia experiments with landscapes and digital manipulation to heighten the narrative, creating moody, evocative scenes that challenge viewers to find meaning beyond the obvious. Throughout the project, he balances meticulous control with the unpredictability of chance, weaving personal connections and fashion commissions into a poignant meditation on contemporary culture and inequality.

Thomas Nozkowski, a veteran abstract painter renowned for his modestly scaled works, exemplifies creative freedom within self-imposed constraints. Rejecting the grandiose scale of his contemporaries, he embraced intimate canvases that fit in small apartments and cars, allowing rapid experimentation and a deep connection to everyday life. Drawing inspiration from his surroundings, especially the Hudson Valley’s Shawangunk mountains, Nozkowski’s paintings and drawings blend subtle color shifts and evolving forms without adhering to a fixed style. His approach is rooted in sincerity, improvisation, and a respect for materials, seeking to capture not grand narratives but the quiet, complex beauty of commonplace moments. Through decades of evolving practice, he challenges the idea of a signature style, instead celebrating each work’s unique problem and embrace of the unknown, finding liberation in the act of making art that reflects both place and personal experience.

Paul Chan’s *The Libertine Reader* (2011) is a striking work that merges his passion for books with his conceptual art practice, reimagining a Great Depression-era textbook cover with a decadent twist inspired by the Marquis de Sade. As the winner of the Guggenheim’s Hugo Boss Prize and a notable figure in global art circles including the Whitney and Venice biennials, Chan brings a politically charged and multidimensional approach to his creations. Beyond his art, he founded the innovative publishing press Badlands Unlimited, producing provocative works like collections of Saddam Hussein’s speeches and his own critical essays. His powerful contributions extend beyond the studio, with projects in conflict zones and post-disaster areas that engage local communities in unique, socially conscious performances. This piece and others from his expansive oeuvre recently formed the centerpiece of a major exhibition at the Schaulager Museum in Basel, cementing Chan’s status as a visionary artist who blends intellectual rigor with profound human empathy.

Net art, an Internet-based art movement from the 1990s, harnessed the emerging web to explore new realms of creativity far beyond traditional galleries. Artists like Heath Bunting and Yael Kanarek embraced the digital frontier with projects that encouraged participation, chance encounters, and immersive storytelling. The radical explorations varied widely—from Bunting’s interactive phone-in at London’s King's Cross to Kanarek’s expansive online diary weaving love letters and retro-futuristic landscapes. Iconic works such as Jodi.org’s intricate HTML “text-drawings,” Olia Lialina’s emotionally charged browser-based netfilm, John F. Simon Jr.’s mathematically infinite Every Icon, and Vuk Cosic’s digital reimagining of *Deep Throat* in ASCII highlight the creativity and conceptual depth of early net art. With artists like Young-Hae Chang Heavy Industries pioneering rhythmic text animations synced to jazz, this movement not only broke conventions but anticipated today’s digital and participatory art landscapes, blending code, narrative, and communal experience into a truly unique artistic legacy.

Berlin-based artist Paul McDevitt, known for his precise draftsmanship and playful subversion of his own talents, pushes drawing beyond solitary practice into collaborative, multi-disciplinary realms including publishing, music, and curation. In conversation, McDevitt reflects on the fluctuating appreciation for technical skill in art, his embrace of quicker, larger works, and the creative tension and surprise that collaboration brings—especially with longtime partner Cornelius Quabeck. Their ventures extend into artist books and the unique record label Infinite Greyscale, blending art and music in innovative ways. Drawing influence from figures like Henry Moore and Piet Mondrian, McDevitt’s work navigates cultural history, urban change, and artistic failure, exemplified in his latest series inspired by abandoned UK storefronts and their ghostly whitewashed windows. Rooted in drawing as a primal, direct form of expression, his practice remains a dynamic dialogue between medium, context, and chance.

Piotr Uklański, the Warsaw-born New York artist known for his provocative blend of humor and critique, is currently spotlighted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art with two distinct exhibitions: a focused survey of his photography and an artist-curated selection from the Met’s collection exploring themes of sex, death, and memory. Reflecting on his journey from the underground art scene with flashing disco floors to mainstream recognition, Uklański embraces both amateur-friendly techniques and complex historical narratives. His photographic work, often infused with “cheerful pessimism,” revisits ideas from the Kodak manual “The Joy of Photography” and appropriated imagery, while his curated selection challenges traditional museum hierarchies and highlights underrepresented perspectives, including the scarcity of Eastern European and female artists. With installations that mix eras and media, and a signature ironic undertone, Uklański invites viewers to rethink the roles of photography and art history within the grand scope of human experience and mortality.

Attracting over 60,000 visitors, Art Basel Hong Kong showcased 233 galleries from 37 countries, spotlighting emerging contemporary artists in the vibrant "Discoveries" sector. Highlights included Atif Khan’s intricate Chinese-style scrolls blending Mughal history with modern themes, and Yang Yongliang’s captivating photographic montages that transform urban landscapes into traditional Chinese ink paintings. Hong Kong’s Samson Young impressed with a sound-and-art installation exploring the power of music in wartime, while Trevor Yeung’s inventive botanical installations combined photography and mixed media to intriguing effect. Australian Coen Young challenged boundaries between painting and photography with his experimental layered surfaces, and Joey Ka-yin Leung amazed with surreal mixed media pieces fusing comic illustration and classical Chinese ink traditions, creating playful yet profound cross-cultural dialogues.

Amy Phelan, trustee and prominent contemporary art patron, transforms her Aspen home into a vibrant art haven each summer during Aspen ArtCrush, drawing celebrated artists and collectors together. Central to her curatorial vision is the striking Stonefox Architects-designed stairwell, where new acquisitions and cherished works create a dynamic showcase. This luminous, multi-level space features a lively mix of Pop paintings by Warhol and Murakami, dreamlike sculptures by Jim Hodges and Ron Mueck, and statement pieces like the DZINE chandelier. Thoughtfully arranged with careful planning and a keen sense of color and atmosphere, the collection evokes an engaging, positive energy that celebrates both the spirit of Aspen’s art scene and the recent opening of the Aspen Art Museum.

Performance and video artist Jacolby Satterwhite reflects on the profound impact Icelandic avant-pop star Björk has had on contemporary visual and sonic aesthetics, crediting her innovative approach to concept albums and collaborations as a crucial source of inspiration for his own artistic development. Celebrating her boundary-pushing sound experiments and iconic music videos, Satterwhite highlights how Björk’s work blurs the lines between pop culture and fine art, challenging traditional notions of Modernism while fostering new creative lexicons for younger artists. He praises her fearless fusion of technology, surrealism, and personal narrative, arguing that her contributions deserve serious recognition—even as some critics remain hesitant to fully embrace her museum retrospective. Ultimately, Satterwhite champions Björk’s legacy as a daring visionary who transforms eccentricity into art, provoking necessary friction within the cultural landscape.

This article highlights a dynamic array of contemporary and modern artists whose work challenges and redefines artistic boundaries. From Eileen Quinlan’s captivating interplay of analog and digital photography that blurs the line between representation and abstraction, to Sam Francis’s exuberant posthumous resurgence blending Abstract Expressionism with Japanese ink painting influences, each artist offers a unique lens on creativity. Pedro Vélez critiques societal issues through blistering, text-based art rooted in political discourse, while Sherrie Levine provocatively questions the nature of originality and authorship by appropriating masterpieces as her own. Dario Robleto’s intricate prints meld pop culture with dark meditations on mortality, subverting ’60s aesthetics into haunting narratives. Finally, Barbara Kruger’s powerful visual slogans disrupt media conventions, challenging viewers to reconsider gender, identity, and the often predatory art world itself. Together, these works invite reflection on the evolving dialogue between art, culture, and society.

Laurie Simmons, renowned for her haunting “plastic portraits” of dolls and dollhouses, has spent decades exploring the psychological depths of her subjects—whether inanimate objects or real people—through carefully staged tableaux. Emerging as part of the Pictures Generation in the late 1970s, Simmons carved a distinctive niche by infusing female dolls with fraught emotions and highlighting the contradictions of traditional domestic roles through subtle feminism. Over the years, her work evolved from photographing dollhouses and ventriloquist dummies to experimenting with human-object hybrids and adult-themed life-size dolls. Her recent exhibition at the Jewish Museum, "How We See," marks a compelling shift to real human subjects disguised in surreal, doll-like costumes, blurring the line between lifelessness and humanity, and reflecting a full-circle journey that challenges how we perceive identity and empathy.

The Armory Show 2015 showcased a dynamic array of contemporary artists whose works blend personal history, cultural critique, and innovative materials. Highlights include Alan Vega’s electrifying homage to Van Gogh, crafted from tangled electric detritus; Elias Sime’s intricately woven canvases made from scavenged urban refuse in Addis Ababa; and Ian Tweedy’s near-photorealistic paintings inspired by WWII memorabilia. Jonathan Marshall’s data-driven visual narratives captivate with their graphic intensity, while Nina Beier and Simon Dybbroe Møller’s eerie painted hand sculptures offer a macabre twist on classical forms. Przemek Pyszczek’s architectural metalwork evokes Poland’s past, and Zippora Fried’s delicate abstract mark-making delights with its textured beauty. Emerging talents like Jesse Stecklow push conceptual boundaries through layered photographic work, while Michael E. Smith’s battle-worn sculptures confront the decay of industrial Detroit. The venerable Huguette Caland, once a bold voice of Middle Eastern eroticism, commands renewed attention with her colorful, free-hanging canvases as global institutions recognize her legacy. Together, these artists demonstrate a vibrant cross-section of today’s art world, merging history, identity, and raw materiality into compelling contemporary expressions.

New York’s Armory Week buzzes with collectors and art lovers, but it’s the scrappy, curator-driven satellite fairs like The (un)SCENE and Spring/Break that inject fresh energy into the scene. The (un)SCENE offers an intimate space filled with provocative performances and intricate works, such as Thomas Deininger’s mesmerizing sculptural self-portrait and Moon Ribas’s stunning earthquake-inspired dance. Meanwhile, Spring/Break transforms the historic Farley post office into a maze of discovery, showcasing playful and immersive installations like Myla DalBesio’s New Age-inspired environment, Philip/Pippa Garner’s whimsical retro inventions, and Brent Birnbaum’s hypnotic kinetic treadmill sculpture. These vibrant, unconventional fairs provide a compelling counterpoint to the more polished main events, celebrating innovation, humor, and the unexpected.

Michael and Susan Hort, renowned patrons of emerging contemporary art and founders of the Rema Hort Mann Foundation, share their favorite discoveries from New York’s vibrant art fairs. From Armin Boehm’s intimate night scenes rich with detail to Peter Linde Busk’s electrifying blend of abstract and figurative chaos, their collection showcases a dynamic range of artistic expression. They highlight the exquisite craftsmanship in Fuyuki Maehara’s hand-painted wooden sculptures, the diverse abstracts of Jon Pestoni, and Gabriel Pionkowski’s painstakingly threaded canvases. The Horts also celebrate Lisa Ruyter’s strikingly colorful yet flat portraits of ordinary people and Dan Voinea’s hauntingly detailed, moody paintings, exemplifying their passion for art that challenges, intrigues, and captivates.

The ADAA Art Show this year showcased a dynamic mix of celebrated solo artists and exciting new discoveries, highlighting the rich interplay of art history and contemporary expression. Standout presentations included the geometric abstractions of Lebanese artist Saloua Raouda Choucair making her U.S. solo debut, and Jan Groover’s philosophical still-life photographs that transform the mundane into Surrealist compositions. Al Held’s early gestural works revealed a fresh side of the hard-edge abstractionist, while Tsuyoshi Maekawa’s textured Gutai paintings echoed connections to Arte Povera. Claudio Parmiggiani’s haunting soot-infused assemblages, Christina Ramberg’s intimate, diagram-like explorations of constrained femininity, and Anton van Dalen’s gritty graphite scenes of the East Village nightlife all added depth to the fair’s narrative. Together, these presentations created a compelling dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation.

After a decade at the Whitney, Shamim M. Momin embraced the vibrant, boundary-pushing spirit of Los Angeles to found LAND, a nonprofit dedicated to innovative public art beyond traditional museum walls. Rooted in L.A.'s unique culture of spontaneous, artist-led projects, LAND has realized ambitious ventures like the Eugenia Butler retrospective and the nomadic Manifest Destiny Billboard Project spanning the U.S. interstates. With no fixed exhibition space, each project unfolds in fresh venues, fostering dynamic collaborations and community engagement. Highlighting L.A.’s intimate and evolving art scene, Momin reflects on its contrast with New York’s established hierarchy, celebrating the city’s openness and grassroots creativity while charting LAND’s exciting trajectory as it brings contemporary art directly into public life.

Embarking on a career as a professional artist demands more than just talent—it requires discipline, resilience, and a strong network. Akademie X: Lessons in Art + Life, a fresh anthology featuring 36 accomplished artists and writers, offers invaluable insights into navigating art school, the challenges of creative practice, and the art world’s realities. Contributors share personal stories and practical advice, from embracing your unique creative rhythms and learning to work for yourself, to understanding when to present your work seriously and how to cultivate supportive relationships with fellow artists. With guidance ranging from managing insecurity and reading between the lines in rejection letters to setting unconventional “homework” like listening to Miles Davis or watching Buster Keaton films, this collection serves as an inspiring, honest roadmap for emerging artists ready to forge their own paths.

Sarah Sze, renowned for her intricate installations that weave everyday objects into towering, complex networks, invites viewers to explore themes of consumption, excess, and global interconnectedness. Her 2005 print, Untitled, distills these sprawling sculptural systems into a captivating two-dimensional work set against a serene periwinkle background, making her ambitious vision accessible in a new form. Notably, her eco-conscious approach gained international acclaim at the 2013 Venice Biennale, where she transformed the U.S. pavilion into a dynamic, nature-inspired landscape that extended beyond the building’s façade, blurring the lines between art, architecture, and environment.

This curated selection highlights some of the most compelling contemporary artists redefining photography and performance art today. Sandy Kim captures intimate, edgy portraits with raw vitality, while Anicka Yi’s innovative use of unconventional materials blurs the lines between art and the organic. Ryan McNamara channels digital culture through immersive dance performances that resonate with meme-like intensity. Rochelle Feinstein’s work fuses abstraction with graffiti-like diary entries, creating vibrant, unpredictable canvases. James Welling offers a contemplative, conceptually rich photographic homage to art history, and Zoe Leonard’s globally minded images serve as anthropological explorations of marginalized urban landscapes. Together, these works underscore the diverse, evolving nature of modern artistic expression.

From the romantic solitude of classic studios to the dynamic, boundary-pushing workspaces of today’s artists, the concept of the studio has evolved but remains central to creativity. The Gagosian Gallery’s "In the Studio" exhibition in New York showcases this rich history, featuring stunning works—from Jean-Baptiste Simeon Chardin’s intimate still life of artistic tools to Constantin Brancusi’s mythical Paris atelier layered with light and shadow. Lucian Freud’s focus on a humble sink reveals a psychological depth, while Josef Sudek’s photographs capture the tension between confinement and escape within his Prague workspace. Jasper Johns blurs the line between painting and reality, inviting viewers into an elusive artist’s sanctum. Together, these pieces celebrate the studio not just as a physical space, but as the heart of artistic process and identity.

Minimalism emerged in the 1960s as a groundbreaking artistic movement defined by its raw, geometric forms, industrial materials, and immersive scale, marking a stark departure from the emotive brushwork of Abstract Expressionism and the irony of Pop Art. Pioneered by artists like Donald Judd, Carl Andre, Dan Flavin, and Robert Morris, Minimalism emphasized the physical presence of objects—often large, symmetrical sculptures—that challenged viewers to engage with space and form without traditional symbolism or narrative. Critics were divided, some dismissing it as cold or overly reductive, while others recognized its radical break from artistic conventions, inviting a new conversation about the boundaries of art. Through the use of commonplace materials such as metal, neon, and wood, and a focus on shape, size, and materiality, Minimalism transformed galleries into environments of spatial awareness and conceptual clarity, forever altering the trajectory of contemporary art.

“Come As You Are: Art of the 1990s” at the Montclair Art Museum offers a vibrant and expansive exploration of a transformative decade in art, stretching from 1989 to 2001 and reaching beyond New York to highlight the rise of Los Angeles and global influences. Curated by Alexandra Schwartz, the exhibition spotlights seminal works and movements such as early Internet art, the emergence of Relational Aesthetics, and the dynamic intersection of identity politics and globalization. Featuring standout pieces like Aziz + Cucher’s digitally altered “Man With a Computer,” Jason Rhoades’s chaotic “scatter art,” Daniel Joseph Martinez’s provocative political paintings, and Alex Bag’s prescient video satire, the show captures the restless creativity and cultural shifts of the era. From Elizabeth Peyton’s haunting portraits of Kurt Cobain to Mark Dion’s institutional critiques and Mendi & Keith Obadike’s viral Internet intervention on race, the exhibition reveals how ’90s art continues to influence and challenge contemporary conversations in unexpected and compelling ways.

Judith Hopf, the effortlessly cool Berlin-born artist and professor at Frankfurt’s Städelschule, captivates with her playful yet thought-provoking films and sculptures that blend slapstick humor with sharp social critique. Her work, featuring whimsical motifs like cement sheep and people in egg costumes, slyly addresses issues of politics, identity, and collective experience while embracing what she calls “productive stupidity” as a form of creative freedom. Emerging artistically during the transformative post-Berlin Wall era, Hopf balances a tongue-in-cheek approach with earnest hope, inviting viewers to laugh at art and life’s absurdities without taking things too seriously. From alternative spaces to prestigious biennials, her experimental and accessible pieces challenge conventions and celebrate the joy and embarrassment inherent in artistic expression.

Alexis Bittar, a trailblazing jewelry designer renowned for his hand-carved Lucite® pieces, celebrates 25 years of transforming this material into wearable art with a special auction featuring works by four acclaimed artists. His journey began on New York’s streets as a teenager and evolved into a global presence, blending sculptural artistry with fashion in a way that redefined jewelry’s role. Deeply connected to the LGBT Community Center of New York, Bittar not only champions innovative design but also advocates for community and self-expression. Sharing insights on his craft, artistic influences, and the evolving landscape for young designers, he underscores the importance of originality, patience, and dedication in building a meaningful career.

Mexico City's Material Art Fair offers a fresh, youthful alternative to traditional art fairs, spotlighting emerging talents who blend contemporary culture with art history in innovative ways. From K.R.M. Mooney's alchemical sculptures that blur craft and fine art, to David Rappenau’s elegant, Manga-inspired drawings capturing modern ennui, the fair is a vibrant playground for discovery. Marco Braunschweiler’s evocative floral photographs and time-lapse videos meditate on impermanence, while Jeanette Hayes cleverly merges Instagram aesthetics with high Modernism through playful, meme-infused paintings. Meanwhile, the artist-run bar Beverly’s redefines the boundaries of art and labor through a social media-driven installation, making the fair a dynamic intersection of creativity, technology, and culture.

At Zona Maco 2015, a dynamic array of contemporary Latin American and international artists captivated audiences with works that challenge tradition and explore time, identity, and history. Laura Owens dazzled with her innovative “Clock” paintings combining diverse mediums into mechanized compositions that reflect her career’s breadth. Mexico City’s Jorge de la Garza invited viewers to remix historical images via projected slides, while Mauricio Ianês’s blood-red flags vividly evoked Latin America’s revolutionary past and future struggles. Mariana Telleria’s enigmatic “Slow Time Machine” and Tatiana Pérez Córdova’s subtly spinning, disco-motor ceiling fan toyed with paradoxes and altered perceptions of time. John McCallister brought luminous fauvist paintings rooted in classical influences, and emerging sculptor Jose Dávila balanced industrial materials with delicate precision, inspired by art historical collaborations. Photography and archival treasures also shone, from Jitka Hanzlová’s candid animal portraits to Ge Galería’s prized André Breton collection, spotlighting surrealist Mexico and its enduring legacy. Overall, the fair presented a vibrant cross-section of innovative voices redefining contemporary art’s narratives and techniques.

Set against the nostalgic backdrop of an old Hollywood frontier town, the Paramount Ranch art fair in Los Angeles showcased a vibrant mix of indie contemporary art that felt both timeless and fresh. Founded by artists Liz Craft and Pentti Monkkonen in collaboration with Freedman Fitzpatrick gallery, the event featured exceptional, approachable works that captured a playful yet thoughtful atmosphere. Highlights included Aleksander Hardashnakov’s eerie “necro-pastoral” paintings, Jake Cruzen’s ironic yet tender dolphin homage, and Sanya Kantarovsky’s reflective, timeless figures. The fair also spotlighted Dingam’s innovative surfboard installations merging art and lifestyle, alongside Max Hooper Schneider’s haunting vitrines filled with soil and neon signs that confront themes of disease and decay—all contributing to an unforgettable celebration of creativity where past and future seamlessly collide.

This year’s Outsider Art Fair at Center 548 in Chelsea highlights the evolving and vital nature of outsider art, showcasing a dynamic blend of self-taught and developmentally disabled artists alongside a few “insiders.” The fair reflects a shift in focus from biography to geography, featuring artists like James Castle, Judith Scott, and fresh voices such as Andrew Frieder, whose mythological figures vibrate with energy, and Marianne Schipaanboord, who expresses her daily life with urgent, lively drawings. Bruce Davenport Jr.’s intricate depictions of marching bands and T. A. Hay’s delicate shoe-polish paintings on found objects bring unique perspectives, while Jerry Torre’s enigmatic limestone sculptures add a tactile dimension to the predominantly paper-based exhibition, making this edition both historically rich and refreshingly contemporary.

The article highlights a dynamic range of contemporary artists showcased at a recent art fair, from New Zealand’s Peter Stichbury, whose haunting portraits of women abductees blend portraiture with the occult, to Matthew Brandt’s innovative photographic experiments that manipulate resin and light to reveal hidden images. Danish artist Rose Eken captures the chaotic spirit of CBGBs through hyper-detailed ceramic recreations of discarded club detritus, while Michael Berryhill explores a neo-Nabis abstraction that merges subtle narratives with vibrant grids. Meanwhile, Antwerp’s Nel Aerts juxtaposes cartoonish oddities with existential dread, and Zach Harris carves vivid wooden canvases bringing a tactile abstract landscape to life. Adding a playful, conceptual edge, Ann Cathrin November Høibo suspends industrial containers as quirky found sculptures, proving that in contemporary art, weirdness often translates into compelling fun.

Ryan McNamara has had a remarkable year, captivating audiences worldwide with performances that blur the boundaries between dance, performance art, and technology. From his dynamic, immersive work in Hong Kong and Miami to his innovative High Line commission, McNamara seamlessly integrates choreography with conceptual artistry, challenging how audiences engage with live and gallery experiences. His recent studio exhibition at Mary Boone Gallery transforms remnants of past performances—costumes, props, and lights—into evocative sculptures that echo his performative vision. Navigating the intersections of the ephemeral and the tangible, McNamara explores how objects carry performance histories while embracing contemporary issues like technology’s role in art and audience interaction. Amid discussions of creative process, funding, and audience dynamics, he reveals a passionate yet honest reflection on the relentless drive behind his multifaceted practice, making his work a compelling testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary performance and visual art.

The presentation of live animals as art has evolved from radical Dadaist gestures to nuanced contemporary explorations, challenging traditional boundaries of sculpture, performance, and installation. From Jannis Kounellis’s imposing 1969 installation of horses redefining installation art, to Joseph Beuys’s tense, shared space with a live coyote, artists have used animals to provoke ethical questions and highlight human-animal relationships. David Wojnarowicz’s subversive release of “cock-a-bunnies” at MoMA PS1 and Damien Hirst’s visceral displays of life cycles involve life, death, and metamorphosis in stark, sometimes unsettling ways. Meanwhile, Adel Abdessemed’s brutal videos starkly confront violence, prompting controversy and reflection on humanity’s role in the food chain. More playful and ephemeral works by Darren Bader and Pierre Huyghe introduce animals as dynamic collaborators, blurring art and life in immersive environments that question control, agency, and the coexistence of species, making the use of animals in art a provocative, continually evolving dialogue.

This collection highlights a fascinating array of contemporary artists whose works blend history, politics, and innovative aesthetics. Lorna Simpson’s elegant collages evoke the complex legacy of Black womanhood, while Roman Signer’s kinetic art transforms everyday objects into moments of explosive wonder. Rachel Harrison’s quirky taxonomies challenge conventions with playful, grotesque juxtapositions, and Jimmie Durham’s politically charged pieces confront environmental and indigenous issues with striking visual metaphors. Luc Tuymans offers haunting reflections on power through washed-out portraits tied to historical trauma, and Duncan Campbell’s film-inspired works intertwine cultural narratives with sleek, biomorphic forms, creating a rich tapestry of urgent and thought-provoking contemporary art.

Mark Landis, an unlikely art forger, captivated museums across the U.S. not for profit but for recognition and respect—a desire sparked by his mother’s pride. Armed with a unique memory trick and using inexpensive materials, Landis masterfully replicated works from masters like Picasso and Watteau, even adopting elaborate personas inspired by film scenes to present his donations. Unlike typical forgers driven by greed, Landis's motivations were deeply personal, rooted in a lifelong struggle with schizophrenia and a craving for dignity. His spree unraveled when Oklahoma City Museum registrar Matthew Leininger spotted repeated copies, leading to media scrutiny and the documentary Art and Craft. Despite never profiting, Landis’s story challenges ideas about legality, creativity, and the nature of art itself, revealing a complex figure who found solace and identity in his extraordinary mimicry, while gradually earning recognition for his original work through local patrons.

Earlier this month, I joined Marina Abramovic in Miami to lead “Slow Motion Walk,” an immersive exercise from her Marina Abramovic Method that invites participants to slow down, focus, and be fully present with every deliberate step. Originally developed during her years as a durational performance artist and experienced firsthand during her MoMA retrospective, this practice strips away distraction and encourages deep self-awareness through slow, mindful movement. Set within the glowing stained-glass sanctuary of the historic “Jewel Box,” the exercise unfolded over several days, with participants ranging from curious locals to long-time collaborators, all embracing the unusual rhythm of walking broken down into four precise movements. The experience, at times meditative and at times challenging, became a shared pause in the rush of Art Basel Miami Beach—a space to reconnect with the body, breath, and moment, where even laughter found its place amidst quiet contemplation.

Massimo Bottura, the visionary chef behind Italy’s acclaimed Osteria Francescana, redefines contemporary cuisine by merging intricate Italian flavors with classical French techniques and molecular gastronomy, all deeply inspired by contemporary art. His innovative dishes, such as the playful “Oops, I Dropped the Lemon Tart,” echo powerful artistic gestures, transforming dining into a multi-sensory art experience enriched by works from renowned artists displayed throughout his restaurant. Bottura views his culinary creations as social sculptures, blending passion, irony, and profound cultural narratives to challenge diners’ perceptions and celebrate the artisanal heritage of Italy. Beyond the kitchen, he channels his creativity into philanthropic projects and collaborations with artists, aiming to push the boundaries between food, art, and social impact while fostering a dialogue that elevates cuisine to an artistic and cultural expression.

At NADA Miami, a dynamic group of emerging artists captivated audiences with innovative explorations of form, technology, and social themes. Mika Tajima transformed a classic Jacuzzi shell into a vibrant enamel painting reflecting on ergonomics and body conditioning, while Florian Baudrexel’s monumental cardboard sculptures meld brutal materials with refined craftsmanship. Sara Cwynar’s photographic collages interrogated scale and archival imagery with a playful, tactile approach. Graham Collins offered delicate bronze sculptures cast from everyday objects like chips and toothbrushes, blurring lines between the ancient and contemporary. Jack McConville’s loose, comic paintings dissected wealth and social status through bold brushwork, and Peter Dreher presented his meditative glass series, a four-decade-long study in subtle light and form. Addie Wagenknecht delved into the digital underbelly with provocative 3-D-printed gun art, while Jon Rafman pushed virtual reality into new artistic realms, inviting viewers into a surreal, pixelated world that questions the boundaries between the virtual and real. Together, these artists showcased a thrilling cross-section of creativity and critical engagement in today’s art scene.

Amid the whirlwind of Miami’s famed art fairs and luxury events, this guide offers a refreshing escape with chic dining, vibrant nightlife, iconic architecture, and avant-garde shopping spots. Indulge in neighborhood favorite Michael’s Genuine Food & Drink’s modern American fare or savor the lavish ambiance at The Forge and Casa Tua’s Mediterranean villa setting. For unforgettable drinks, dive into the edgy cabaret vibe at Bardot or the sleek ultra-lounge scene at Wall. Architecture lovers will admire Herzog & de Meuron’s sculptural 1111 Lincoln Road and the postmodern Atlantis Condominium, a Miami Vice icon. Meanwhile, fashion enthusiasts can explore The Webster’s luxury offerings or discover cutting-edge design pieces at Luminaire Lab, blending creativity and style in Miami’s dynamic landscape.

Explore a dynamic array of contemporary art in this captivating collection that celebrates innovation and tradition alike. From Daniel Gordon’s digitally reimagined still lifes inspired by Matisse’s cut-outs, to Walton Ford’s hauntingly surreal depictions of nature’s brutal realities, each piece offers a unique lens on modern creativity. Xylor Jane’s vibrant, numerically inspired abstractions invite deep reflection, while Dave Hardy’s textural sculptures blend unexpected materials into tactile marvels. Iconic works like Andy Warhol’s intimate Polaroid self-portrait and Joanne Greenbaum’s exuberant, painterly ceramics complete this vivid survey of artists pushing boundaries across mediums and styles.

This vibrant fair blurs the lines between art fair, exhibition, and avant-garde biennial, offering a dynamic platform for galleries to spotlight singular artists and uncover hidden gems. From June Hamper’s emotive terra-cotta vessels reflecting a deeply personal creative journey, to Virginia Overton’s minimalist architectural forms crafted in mere hours, and Aura Rosenberg’s transformation of vintage pornographic imagery into strikingly beautiful works, the event thrives on discovery and surprise. Sound, sculpture, and painting converge in bold, often unsettling pieces—Haroon Mirza’s electrical symphony, Yves Klein’s tactile performance revived decades later, and Dan Attoe’s hauntingly luminous canvases all captivate. With prices ranging from accessible to high-end and many works quickly sold, the fair celebrates the unexpected and the innovative, spotlighting both emerging talents and radical reimaginings of art history.

The postwar avant-garde movement ZERO, founded in 1957 in Düsseldorf by Heinz Mack, Otto Piene, and later joined by Günther Uecker, is finally receiving its long-overdue art historical recognition. Emerging as a reaction against subjective postwar styles, ZERO artists explored light, motion, space, and monochrome color, emphasizing materials over the artist’s hand to create immersive experiences of pure possibility and new beginnings. Unlike traditional groups, ZERO functioned as an open network of international artists united by collaboration rather than a manifesto, interfacing with contemporaneous movements like Japan’s Gutai and France’s Nouveaux Réalistes. Their innovative exhibitions, self-organized in the absence of a gallery system, and pioneering works such as Piene’s Light Ballets and Mack’s light reliefs, combined kinetic energy and spatial seriality, reshaping perceptions of art and light. After gaining momentum through influential shows in Europe and entering the American scene in the mid-60s, ZERO’s legacy continues today through ongoing exhibitions and new works by surviving members like Mack, affirming the group’s global impact and enduring quest to redefine artistic possibility.

Nam June Paik, hailed as the father of video art, revolutionized television by transforming it from a mere household device into a groundbreaking artistic medium. From his early avant-garde performances influenced by composers like John Cage, to pioneering video installations and electronic sculptures throughout his prolific career, Paik pushed the boundaries of technology and creativity. He famously collaborated with cellist Charlotte Moorman, creating iconic works like the TV Bra for Living Sculpture that humanized technology with playful intimacy. Paik’s visionary experiments extended into international broadcasts such as Good Morning, Mr. Orwell, which celebrated interactive media’s potential, and his whimsical Family of Robot sculptures blended futuristic innovation with warm, familial themes. His legacy continues to resonate, inspiring contemporary artists and reshaping how we perceive video and technology in art.

FIAC at the Grand Palais showcased an extraordinary collection of high-quality, Eurocentric art against a tense cultural backdrop marked by the attack on artist Paul McCarthy and rising xenophobia in France. Despite the shadow cast by social unrest, the fair thrilled with standout works from a diverse range of artists: Marcel Broodthaers’s enigmatic sculptures exploring language and communication; Martin Kippenberger’s textured, playful paintings; James Siena’s meditative pattern-driven canvases; and Laurent Grasso’s mysterious Renaissance-style works blending myth and reality. Paul McCarthy’s provocative sculptures sparked both controversy and admiration, while the show also celebrated pioneering figures like Raymond Hains and Robert Gober’s unsettling, surreal body-part sculptures. Emerging talents such as Christian Rosa impressed with vibrant, historically infused styles, and Debo Eilers captivated with his darkly playful, otherworldly installations. FIAC proved to be a compelling intersection of artistic innovation and cultural reflection amid a fraught social climate.

Celebrating visionary contemporary artists, this collection highlights Jasper Johns’ masterful prints that blur painting and conceptual art, Lee Krasner’s pioneering abstract expressionism intertwined with Jackson Pollock’s legacy, and Mark Dion’s evocative ecological installations exploring the primal rituals of hunting. Cecily Brown reinvents abstraction with sensual, layered imagery drawing from historic masters, while Iona Rozeal Brown fuses Japanese and African American cultures in striking large-scale paintings. Rising star Laure Prouvost captivates with playful, multimedia works like her tropical homage to avant-garde filmmaker Chris Marker, showcasing the vibrant breadth and innovation shaping today’s art world.

The Sunday Art Fair, housed in a gritty former concrete factory near Madame Tussaud’s, offers a fresh, fast-paced glimpse into contemporary art through the works of six dynamic young artists. Sophie Michael’s richly layered 16mm films blend formal technique with vibrant synesthetic beauty, while Ditte Ejlerskov reimagines traditional painting by weaving portraits of feminist icons like Rihanna into textured, triptych tapestries. Christopher Chiappa transforms Swiss cheese slices into playful, powdery yellow aluminum sculptures, merging found beauty with sharp design sensibility. Florian Auer explores displaced tragedies through striking fiberglass male torsos infused with digital and advertising motifs, creating an immersive visual tension. Emily Mae Smith cleverly feminizes the male-dominated artist studio trope with art-nouveau-inflected paintings that blend whimsy and critique, and the duo Calla Henkel & Max Pitegoff capture Berlin’s vibrant social fabric through evocative photographs born from their experimental theater project. Together, their work pulses with the energy of youthful creativity and boundary-pushing innovation.

Frieze Masters presents a captivating journey through art history, showcasing masterpieces that span centuries and continents, each with rich provenance and fascinating backstories. Highlights include a rare late-period Rembrandt portrait created during his financial hardship, Freud’s intimate depiction of his beloved dog Pluto, and Picasso’s economically painted Rose Period work with ties to his Parisian circle. The fair also features a striking African We Mask influential in Modernism, an exquisitely detailed Mannerist painting with royal provenance, a poignant early Gauguin drawing connected to artistic friendships, an ornate ancient Egyptian mummy mask rich in symbolism, and a haunting World War II-era drawing by Hans Bellmer reflecting personal and historical struggles. These works not only embody artistic innovation but also reveal intriguing narratives of ownership and cultural interplay, making Frieze Masters a treasure trove for collectors and art lovers alike.

At this year’s Frieze Art Fair in London, the spotlight shifted from traditional painting to innovative multimedia, film, and technology-driven art, reflecting a dynamic evolution in contemporary creativity. Highlights included Ulrike Müller’s lush enamel works bridging painting and sculpture; Michael Smith’s nostalgic 1980s video art reimagining suburban survivalism; and Ian Cheng’s captivating, rule-based animated app blurring the line between gaming and art. Other standout pieces ranged from Will Benedict’s slyly framed paintings to Robert Breer’s vintage kinetic sculptures resurrected for a new era. The fair also showcased socially conscious video diaries by Oscar Murillo, a robotic vacuum-painted Turner homage by the fictional Reena Spaulings, and Harun Farocki’s profound exploration of video game boundaries as philosophical spaces. Adding humor, Cory Arcangel’s ongoing performance involved gallery staff perpetually watching a Will Ferrell movie, underscoring art’s playful, disruptive potential amidst serious innovation. Together, the works revealed a vibrant scene where technology and performance redefine the artistic landscape.

For over thirty years, Sebastião Salgado has dedicated his photography to capturing the resilience and dignity of marginalized human communities before turning his lens to the untouched wonders of the natural world. His latest project, Genesis, is an eight-year visual pilgrimage across 32 countries, showcasing pristine ecosystems and diverse species in stunning black-and-white images that evoke both ecological reverence and a call to protect Earth's remaining wild places. Rejecting labels like "activist" and "artist," Salgado sees his role as a patient observer, deeply connected to nature and its movements. Through Genesis, exhibited at the International Center of Photography in New York, he invites us to rediscover our intrinsic bond with the planet and reflect on the urgent need to preserve its fragile beauty before it’s lost.

As the Frieze Art Fair draws art aficionados to Regent’s Park, London pulses with creativity and culture, offering an enticing mix of dining, drinks, architecture, and shopping perfectly curated for discerning visitors. From the vibrant East London eateries like Beagle’s locally sourced fare and Story’s innovative British cuisine to the elegant Basque flavors at Ametsa, the city’s food scene is as dynamic as ever. Cocktail lovers can unwind at the chic Experimental Cocktail Club or the stylish Clove Club, while architecture enthusiasts can marvel at iconic landmarks like the Gherkin’s futuristic design, The Shard’s towering elegance, and the luminous Laban Building. For those seeking unique shopping experiences, the city’s design galleries and boutiques, including Gallery Fumi’s exclusive pieces and Alexander McQueen’s Savile Row flagship, showcase London’s cutting-edge style and craftsmanship. Whether indulging in a gourmet meal or exploring artistic spaces, London offers Frieze-goers a rich tapestry of cultural delights beyond the fair itself.

SculptureCenter’s newly renovated space in Long Island City ushers in a fresh chapter for the beloved nonprofit, blending subtle architectural upgrades with an inspired curatorial vision. The redesigned entrance welcomes visitors with a thoughtful, deliberate flow, while the addition of an elevator improves accessibility to the gritty, treasured basement galleries. The opening exhibition "Puddle, Pothole, Portal" features striking installations that engage with the building’s industrial character, showcasing artists like Maria Loboda and Abigail DeVille. Rooted in an 86-year history of artistic restlessness and bold choices, SculptureCenter reaffirms its role as a vibrant hub for emerging and overlooked talents, inviting a broader audience to explore its unique blend of history, innovation, and artistic daring in Queens.

Irving Sandler is a uniquely immersive art historian whose lifelong dedication to understanding artists from within their creative communities set him apart from his contemporaries. Beginning in the 1950s, Sandler chronicled the evolution of American art through direct conversations and friendships with key figures of Abstract Expressionism and beyond, crafting a rich, empathetic narrative that captures the intentions and visions of artists themselves. His seminal work, *The Triumph of American Painting*, exemplifies this participatory approach, blending firsthand insight with historical scholarship. Far from imposing his own judgments, Sandler sought to reflect the living pulse of the art world, valuing artists' voices over critics' dogma. His enduring influence spans decades—as curator, critic, educator, and advocate—making him an indispensable figure in American art history whose legacy continues to inspire new generations.

This fall’s art-book releases offer a rich feast for collectors undeterred by overflowing shelves, featuring dazzling explorations of postwar masters, contemporary movements, and overlooked artists. Highlights include an intimate compendium on British sculptor Anthony Caro, a sweeping A-to-Z survey of 21st-century global artists, and a vibrant monograph on New York painter Alex Katz. Photography lovers will enjoy Aperture’s journey through the American road trip and Phaidon’s insightful look at architecture through the lens of contemporary photographers. The season also spotlights West Coast legend George Herms’s poetic collages and the boldly sensual work of Dorothy Iannone, whose art mixes memoir and spirituality. Finally, a fascinating transatlantic study traces America’s enduring passion for Dutch Golden Age painters, revealing new dimensions to a timeless story. Together, these books invite readers to deepen their connection to art’s dynamic past and present.

Showcasing a dynamic range of contemporary and modern art, this collection highlights powerhouse creators like Hito Steyerl, whose sharp, witty works challenge surveillance culture, and the Swiss duo Fischli/Weiss, known for their playful yet profound tabletop object balances. Jason Middlebrook honors nature's cyclical beauty through vibrant wood plank paintings, while Andrea Bowers uses striking colored pencil drawings to merge art with activism, advocating for the DREAM Act. Vintage meets vibrant in Andy Warhol’s iconic cow-themed wallpaper, a cheeky nod to pastoral subjects reimagined through Pop art. Meanwhile, Kristen Morgin mesmerizes with meticulously crafted clay recreations of nostalgic childhood ephemera, transforming the familiar into extraordinary sculptural narratives. Together, these artists blend conceptual rigor with aesthetic allure, inviting viewers into worlds where art is both thought-provoking and visually enchanting.

From Bob Dylan’s artistic ventures to underground art collectives, a fascinating number of visual artists have ventured boldly into the world of music, blending their creative boundaries. Detroit’s Destroy All Monsters fused heavy metal and punk with avant-garde art, while Gang Gang Dance’s synth-driven, percussive soundscapes carve out a unique niche of synth rock infused with Eastern influences. The experimental supergroup XXX Macarena combines avant-garde violin, synths, and looping guitar into cerebral sound experiments. Kim Gordon of Sonic Youth redefined noise rock with her freeform guitar assault, all while nurturing deep art-world connections. Other artist-musicians include the eerie cabaret rock of The X-Patsys, the proto-punk origins of The Primitives—featuring future art legends—and the genre-bending performance rap of Korakrit Arunandchai. Iceland’s Ragnar Kjartansson mixed electro-punk with R&B sensibility before becoming a celebrated contemporary artist known for his emotive, marathon performances. Together, these artists demonstrate how the interplay of visual art and music can generate electrifying, boundary-pushing creativity.

The Temple of Dendur, an ancient Egyptian shrine dating back to 15 B.C., has long been a centerpiece of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, renowned for its striking glass pavilion and vibrant social gatherings. This week, the temple took on a fresh role as the dramatic backdrop for the Met's launch of its new smartphone app—a beautifully illustrated digital guide designed to bring the museum’s treasures to audiences everywhere. The app’s release was celebrated with a rare live performance by Interpol, whose sleek, melancholic sound and sharp suits lent a contemporary edge to the historic space. Melding ancient art with modern technology and music, the event underscored the Met's ongoing commitment to innovation and cultural accessibility.