From Bottle Caps and Seals Has Come Colorful, Cascading Art

Renowned Ghanaian artist El Anatsui is currently experiencing a significant professional moment with concurrent exhibitions at White Cube in Hong Kong and Seoul, timed to coincide with Art Basel Hong Kong. The artist, known for his monumental sculptures crafted from discarded liquor-bottle caps and copper wire, recently saw his 2023 work "G6" sell for $995,000 at Sotheby’s London to benefit the Royal Academy of Arts. Now living back in Ghana after decades teaching in Nigeria, Anatsui continues to explore the fluidity of his medium, which mimics the organic processes of growth and decay.

Art students in Canfield, LaBrae named to Governor’s Exhibition named to Governor’s Exhibition

Six high school students from Ohio's Mahoning Valley, representing Canfield and LaBrae high schools, have been selected to showcase their work in the 2026 Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition. Out of nearly 6,000 statewide submissions, pieces by students including Mia Tisone, Zoe Dillinger, and Truly Jacops were named among the top 300 in the state. Their artworks will be displayed at the James A. Rhodes State Office Tower in Columbus from April 12 through May 15, while additional works will appear in a digital "cameo" exhibition.

Call for Artists: Join America, Unfinished?! in Providence, RI

WaterFire Providence has issued an open call for artists to participate in "America, Unfinished?!", a major group exhibition scheduled for the summer of 2026. Hosted at the 15,000-square-foot WaterFire Arts Center, the show seeks large-scale installations, multimedia works, and performances that explore the United States as an evolving and unresolved project. The curatorial framework focuses on themes of labor, migration, identity, and material culture within the context of the American landscape.

DePaul Faculty, Artists Put Pressure On University To Save Art Museum

DePaul University faculty, students, and community members are mounting a public campaign to reverse the university's abrupt decision to close the DePaul Art Museum (DPAM) on June 30. An open letter led by philosophy professor Sean Kirkland has garnered nearly 3,800 signatures, while the museum's advisory board issued a separate statement condemning the closure as "egregious." Critics argue the decision was made without faculty consultation and undermines the institution's academic mission.

vet sothebys gagosian book history art market 1234777759

Valentina Castellani, a veteran of Sotheby’s and Gagosian, is releasing a new book titled 'Trading Beauty: Art Market Histories from the Altar to the Gallery'. The publication aims to fill a pedagogical gap Castellani discovered while teaching at New York University, providing a comprehensive chronological overview of the art market from the Renaissance to the post-pandemic era. Published by Gagosian and distributed by Rizzoli, the book features a cover by Maurizio Cattelan and an introduction by Massimiliano Gioni.

tate liverpool director helen legg royal academy of arts 1234777854

Helen Legg has been appointed as the new artistic director of the Royal Academy of Arts in London, transitioning from her current role as director of Tate Liverpool. Starting in June, Legg will oversee the institution’s exhibitions, collections, and public programming, succeeding a period of leadership that saw her manage a major $46 million renovation project at Tate's northern outpost.

Aspen exhibit brings an internationally known painter back to his home state

Keith Mayerson returns to his home state for his first major Colorado exhibition, "My American Dream (Rocky Mountain High)," at the Aspen Art Museum. The show features works from his long-running "My American Dream" series, a project consisting of over 140 oil paintings that blend cultural icons, personal history, and landscapes into nonlinear narratives. This specific iteration draws heavily on Mayerson's childhood memories of Aspen as a bohemian utopia and incorporates imagery ranging from vintage ski passes to civil rights heroes.

Venice Biennale Breaks No Sanctions Over Russia Pavilion

venice biennale no sanctions broken russia pavilion 1234777769

The Venice Biennale organizers have reaffirmed their decision to allow Russia to participate in the upcoming exhibition, despite intense pressure from the European Commission and Italy’s own Culture Minister, Alessandro Giuli. The Biennale maintains that it has fully complied with all international sanctions and that its mission is to reject censorship while providing a platform for artistic freedom. This stance has been bolstered by Italian Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini, who argued against "Russophobia" and stated that culture should serve as a bridge rather than a tool for division.

Auctions of the week: Art, design, jewelry and comics

Auctions of the week: Art, design, jewelry and comics

The global auction calendar for the week of March 19–25, 2026, features a dense schedule of sales across major hubs including Milan, Rome, Paris, Hong Kong, and New York. Italian houses like Il Ponte, Wannenes, and Finarte are leading with diverse offerings in Modern and Contemporary art, design, and niche collectibles like European comics and militaria. Simultaneously, international giants Christie’s and Sotheby’s are hosting major sessions ranging from Modern British art in London to luxury spirits and private sales in Asia and the United States.

Scenic Rim launches vibrant Beaudesert art exhibition

The Scenic Rim Regional Council has inaugurated its 2026 exhibition season at The Centre Beaudesert, featuring a dual showcase of local and international artistry. The exhibition pairs 100 artworks created by Year 6 students from Beaudesert State School with "Mr Chippa the Woodblock Carver of Bagru," a project by Australian artist Lee FullARTon. FullARTon’s work, which includes hand-carved woodblocks and traditional prints, is the result of a decade-long collaboration with artisans in India and serves as a visual extension of her children's book.

30th annual Prison Creative Arts Project exhibition showcases work by incarcerated artists

The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) at the University of Michigan has launched its 30th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. The landmark show features 872 artworks created by 613 incarcerated individuals across 26 Michigan correctional facilities, making it the largest and longest-running program of its kind in the United States. The opening event included a celebration program with performances and testimonials from artists who credit the program with providing vital creative direction and personal transformation.

A new Kemper Museum exhibit tied to World Cup explores 'The World in Kansas City'

The Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art has launched "The World in Kansas City," a new exhibition timed to coincide with the city's role as a host for the upcoming World Cup. Featuring a diverse array of textiles, ceramics, photography, and mixed-media works, the show highlights international artists who have established deep roots within the Midwestern United States.

Rosalía Apologizes for Picasso Comments on TikTok

rosalia apologizes picasso comments tiktok 1234777502

Spanish pop star Rosalía issued a public apology on TikTok after facing backlash for comments regarding Pablo Picasso. During a podcast interview with writer Mariana Enriquez, the singer initially stated she did not care to differentiate Picasso’s art from his personal life; however, she later retracted those statements, admitting she was unaware of the artist's well-documented history of physical and emotional abuse toward women.

Today in History March 17 | Opening of the National Gallery of Art

On March 17, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt officially dedicated the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The museum was established through the massive bequest of industrialist Andrew Mellon, who donated his world-class art collection, the funds for the building's construction, and a significant endowment. The opening marked a milestone in American cultural history, providing the public with access to a premier national collection of Old Master paintings.

First Constable 250 exhibition to open this month at Christchurch Mansion

Ipswich Borough Council has announced a major year-long celebration marking the 250th anniversary of John Constable's birth, centered at Christchurch Mansion. The program launches on March 28 with 'Constable: A Cast of Characters,' an exhibition featuring over 100 artworks and personal artifacts—including the artist's paint box and his wife's wedding ring—that explore the social circle and patrons who influenced his career. The celebration will culminate in the historic return of 'The Hay Wain' to Suffolk in July 2026, marking the first time the masterpiece will be exhibited in the county it depicts.

Closure of UNT art show points to larger climate of fear on college campuses

The University of North Texas recently shuttered an on-campus art exhibition shortly after its opening, marking a significant escalation in campus censorship. This incident follows a pattern of administrative interference, including the removal of pro-Palestinian student work and the resignation of a museum director at Pepperdine University over the alteration of politically sensitive artworks. These actions are part of a broader national trend where university administrations are increasingly intervening in artistic expression to avoid political controversy.

‘Visions of Freedom’ America 250 exhibit opens in Riverhead

The Suffolk County Historical Society Museum in Riverhead has launched "Visions of Freedom: America 250," a multidisciplinary exhibition curated by the nonprofit Women Sharing Art. Featuring 45 works by 38 artists, the show utilizes painting, sculpture, mosaics, and fiber art to explore themes of democracy, empowerment, and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Key works include Sue Miller’s "Broken Barricades," which addresses gender-based social barriers, and Gail Neuman’s provocative sculptural interpretation of the U.S. Constitution.

The 21 best art galleries to explore in Australia to get lost in

This comprehensive guide highlights the 21 premier art institutions across Australia, ranging from major state museums to specialized private galleries. The selection features iconic venues such as the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra, which houses the world’s largest collection of Indigenous art, and David Walsh’s subversive Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania. The list serves as a roadmap for navigating the country's diverse artistic landscape, including contemporary Chinese art at White Rabbit Gallery and significant Aboriginal works at the Araluen Arts Centre.

massive 44 foot long david hockney print to headline christies spring prints season in london 1234777342

Christie’s London has announced that David Hockney’s monumental print 'Autour de la maison, été' (2019) will headline its spring prints season. Measuring nearly 40 feet long and printed on a single sheet of paper, the work depicts the artist’s Normandy estate with a high estimate of £300,000 ($400,000). The piece is noted for its cinematic scale and narrative structure, drawing direct inspiration from the medieval Bayeux Tapestry.

For Which It Stands...

The Fairfield University Art Museum has launched "For Which It Stands…," a landmark exhibition featuring over 70 artworks that utilize the American flag as a central motif. Curated by Carey Mack Weber, the show spans more than a century of artistic production, from World War I-era paintings by Childe Hassam to contemporary works by artists such as Julie Mehretu and Danielle Scott. The exhibition is a centerpiece of the university's America250 programming, marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

UNT Leaders Canceled Anti-ICE Show, Texts Reveal

unt leaders canceled anti ice show texts 1234777202

Internal communications from the University of North Texas (UNT) reveal that administrators canceled an exhibition featuring anti-ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) artwork due to concerns over political backlash and potential funding threats. The text messages and emails show leadership discussing the "political sensitivity" of the work and the risk of alienating state legislators, leading to the abrupt closure of the show before its scheduled run.

Frida Kahlo Icon Headlines

frida kahlo icon headlines 2641740

Tate Modern has announced a major exhibition for 2026 titled "Frida Kahlo: The Making of an Icon," featuring over 130 artworks and archival materials. The exhibition aims to explore the cult-like following surrounding the Mexican artist and how her personal biography became inseparable from her creative legacy. This announcement follows a series of global institutional efforts to deconstruct the Kahlo myth, including recent shows at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Dallas Museum of Art.

josh smith rap interview artist poll wet paint 2753248

Guest columnist John Chiaverina reports from the opening of the 2026 Whitney Biennial, capturing the shifting moods of the New York art scene. Through interviews with participating artists like Maddie Biven of the collective kekahi wahi and veteran performer Pat Oleszko, the piece explores a tension between the desire for exuberant, risk-taking aesthetics and a perceived lack of political urgency among younger generations.

venice biennale russia pavilion eu funding 2752812

The European Union has threatened to withdraw a €2 million grant from the Venice Biennale following Russia's decision to return to the international exhibition for its 61st edition. The EU Commission warned that providing a platform for a Russian national pavilion risks legitimizing figures connected to the Kremlin and violating sanctions, while Biennale organizers have defended the move as a commitment to artistic freedom and a rejection of censorship.

nam june paik gagosian seoul 2752974

Gagosian is set to present a solo exhibition of Nam June Paik’s work in Seoul, marking the first time in 25 years that a show in the artist’s home country has been organized in collaboration with his estate. Titled "Nam June Paik: Rewind / Repeat," the exhibition will be held at the APMA Cabinet and features approximately a dozen works, including rare early pieces from the 1960s such as "Media Sandwich" and the iconic "TV Bra for Living Sculpture."

private messages reveal lead up to canceled anti ice show at north texas uni art market edges back to growth morning links for march 12 2026 1234777199

Internal communications from the University of North Texas have revealed that school leadership intentionally canceled an anti-ICE exhibition by artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez to avoid political backlash from state officials. The leaked messages show President Harrison Keller and Provost Michael McPherson weighing the risks of “barking from Austin” before opting for a total cancellation, while Dean Karen Hutzel specifically instructed staff not to express regret or apologize to the artist.

Contemporary artists featured in exhibition examining Cherokee People and the American Revolution

The Museum of the Cherokee People has launched "Unrelenting: Cherokee People and the American Revolution," a landmark exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The show juxtaposes 18th-century historical artifacts, such as weaponry and archival treaties, with newly commissioned works by 14 contemporary Cherokee artists. Curated by Dakota Brown, Evan Mathis, and Brandon Dillard, the exhibition challenges traditional American nationalist mythologies by centering Indigenous perspectives on the Cherokee American War and the complexities of sovereignty.

The Celts in Art and Imagination

The Harvard Art Museums have launched "Celtic Art Across the Ages," the first major exhibition of its kind in the United States. Spanning over 2,500 years, the show features nearly 300 objects including ceremonial pony caps, banqueting vessels, and jewelry crafted from amber and jet. The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections—Archaeology, Art, Encounters, and Reception—highlighting the functional nature of these highly decorative objects and their roles in trade and daily life from the first millennium BCE to the present.

Spectacular: The Art of Jonathan Yeo in Augmented Reality Makes Its U.S. Debut at SXSW

British contemporary painter Jonathan Yeo is bringing his augmented reality exhibition, "Spectacular," to the United States for its debut at SXSW in March 2026. Utilizing Snap’s fifth-generation Spectacles, the installation transforms Yeo’s traditional portraiture into interactive, living digital experiences that respond to the viewer's movements in real time. The project, which premiered at the Centre Pompidou, represents a collaboration between the artist and Snap AR Studio’s Artist Residency Program.

All Florida Exhibition selections explore identity, history and place

The Alliance for the Arts has launched its 40th Annual All Florida Exhibition, featuring 43 artworks selected from over 450 submissions across the state. Juried by Tim Jaeger, the director and chief curator of galleries at Ringling College, the exhibition showcases a diverse range of media including hyper-realist paintings, abstract works, and free-standing sculptures. The selected pieces by 39 different artists explore cohesive themes of identity, history, and place.