Which City Will Be the Next Asian Art Hub? That’s the Wrong Question

The traditional quest to identify a single dominant Asian art hub is being challenged by the organic growth of decentralized scenes in cities like Bangkok and Hanoi. While Hong Kong and Seoul remain established centers, private initiatives and artist-led projects in Thailand and Vietnam are building resilient, hybrid ecosystems that prioritize long-term structural depth over immediate auction results. From the opening of Dib Bangkok to experimental exhibitions in Hanoi, these cities are transitioning from peripheral status to significant cultural players through a mix of private museums, biennials, and non-profit platforms.

Galle Facing

Colombo’s skyline has undergone a radical transformation into a forest of glass and steel towers, epitomized by projects like the Lotus Tower and Port City. This rapid urbanization, driven by a state ambition to create a 'world-class city' following decades of civil war, has resulted in the displacement of local neighborhoods and the burial of historical layers under new infrastructure.

Hard Truths: Can an Artist Exact Revenge on a Dealer Treating Her Like a Pariah?

An artist seeks advice after severing a 25-year relationship with a gallery that enforced a restrictive two-year non-compete clause. Following the split, the artist discovered $50,000 in damaged inventory and alleged that the dealer lied to insurance companies while commissioning other artists to produce knockoffs of their work. A second inquiry involves a high-ranking art world figure distressed over being dropped from a prominent "Power 100" list, questioning whether to confront the publication.

Collapse Finance, Part 2: Longevity Capitalism—Life as an Asset Class

The essay explores the emergence of "longevity capitalism," a financial and biopolitical regime where biological duration and life expectancy are treated as assets for capital accumulation. As traditional welfare systems and collective pension schemes collapse, the uncertainty of human lifespan has been transformed into a speculative frontier, with retirement security increasingly tied to volatile private equity and cryptocurrency markets.

"My Art Invites People to Rebel Against the Status Quo"

"Meine Kunst lädt ein, gegen die Zustände zu rebellieren"

The iconic, communist Kangaroo from Marc-Uwe Kling’s popular literary series has transitioned into the world of contemporary art. After accidentally wandering into a gallery opening while under the influence of liquor-filled chocolates, the marsupial decides to launch a career as an artist, viewing the white cube as a new frontier for its anti-capitalist rebellion.

The business of body art

The article explores the evolving economic landscape of the professional tattooing industry, shifting from a counter-culture fringe to a sophisticated global business sector. It details how artists and studio owners are adopting traditional corporate structures, including brand licensing, specialized retail products, and digital marketing strategies to capitalize on the increasing mainstream acceptance of body art.