us withdrawal un cultural organizations alarm

President Donald Trump has withdrawn the United States from 66 international organizations, including several that safeguard creative rights and freedoms, via a January 7 memo. The New York-based Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) expressed deep concern, particularly over the impact on its partner, the International Federation of Arts Councils and Culture Agencies (IFACCA). ARC listed affected organizations such as the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property, the Freedom Online Coalition, the UN Democracy Fund, UN Women, the UN Alliance of Civilizations, and the International Development Law Organization, all of which support artistic freedom, cultural heritage, and protections for artists under threat.

jeffrey epstein emails show art buying plans studio visits

Newly released documents from the House Oversight Committee reveal Jeffrey Epstein's involvement in the art world, including emails from February 2017 in which Epstein and associates Etienne Binant and Darren Indyke discussed buying art directly from emerging artists, bypassing galleries and fairs. Binant proposed a strategy to "have an impact on the ecosystem" by supporting artists early, and Indyke confirmed $1 million was available for purchases. Separate emails show Epstein commenting on the disputed painting *Salvator Mundi*, claiming it was worth only $1.5 million and linking its sale to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman via Dmitry Rybolovlev.

hard truths curator invisibility

The article, presented as an advice column by consultants Chen & Lampert in ARTnews, addresses two anonymous letters from art-world professionals. The first letter is from a curator at a major museum who feels underpaid, invisible, and constrained by an ethics policy that prevents freelance work, while colleagues at smaller institutions enjoy more freedom. The second letter is from a veteran graphic designer and illustrator, active since the 1960s, who laments losing commercial clients to younger, cheaper talent using AI and smartphones. The consultants respond with sharp, critical advice: they tell the curator to consider collective action with colleagues to push for institutional reform, and advise the designer to leverage their legacy and experience rather than accept obsolescence.

trump demolishes east wing of the white house

President Donald Trump has demolished a portion of the East Wing of the White House to build a 90,000-square-foot ballroom, despite earlier claims that the addition would not impact the historic structure. The demolition began on October 20, with a backhoe tearing through the East Wing to make way for a ballroom that will nearly double the size of the main building and accommodate 650 people. The $250 million project, which Trump says is privately funded, marks one of the most significant changes to the White House in over a century.

lawsuit dismissed yuga labs bored ape yacht club nfts howey

A federal judge dismissed a class action lawsuit against Yuga Labs, the company behind the Bored Ape Yacht Club NFT collection, ruling that its digital assets—including Bored Ape NFTs and ApeCoin—do not qualify as securities under the Howey test. Plaintiffs Adonis Real and Adam Titcher had alleged that Yuga Labs colluded with celebrities like Justin Bieber, Madonna, and Steph Curry, as well as talent agent Guy Oseary and crypto platform MoonPay, to inflate prices and violate securities laws. Judge Fernando Olguin found that while the plaintiffs satisfied one prong of the Howey test—expectation of profits from others' efforts—they failed to meet the other requirements, leading to the dismissal.

milton esterow artnews editor dead

Milton Esterow, the award-winning journalist who owned and edited ARTnews for 42 years, died on Friday at age 97. His death was confirmed by his daughter Judith Esterow, a former associate publisher of the magazine. Esterow purchased ARTnews in 1972 from Newsweek and transformed it into a news-focused powerhouse, winning a National Magazine Award and two George Polk Awards. He introduced the influential ARTnews Top 200 Collectors list in 1990 and was known for his relentless investigative journalism, particularly on Holocaust art restitution. He continued writing into his 90s, using his 1950 Royal typewriter.

fed reserve interest rate cuts art market loans

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points, the first reduction since December, bringing rates to their lowest level since late 2022. Art finance experts Anita Heriot of the Fine Art Group and Joshua Greenberg of Bank of America Private Bank told ARTnews that while the cut is unlikely to create new art buyers, it could stimulate art lending and borrowing against collections, as lower rates reduce the cost of carrying debt. The move signals a potential trend of further rate declines, which may encourage collectors to reengage with the market, especially amid softening art prices.

volord kingdom art collection

Artist Walter Paul Bebirian discusses the Volord Kingdom Art Collection, a vast and growing trove of hundreds of thousands of digital artworks he has created over decades. In an interview with Artnet News, Bebirian recounts significant personal challenges since 2022, including a stroke in April 2023 that led to rheumatoid arthritis, limiting his mobility and forcing a hiatus from his practice. He lowered his prices to make his art more affordable and gradually resumed work despite physical difficulties. The collection, born from a need to unify his oeuvre and create a generative artistic world, blends abstraction and representation, photography and digital imagination.

eu import regulations

The European Union's Regulation 2019/880, aimed at combating illicit trafficking and terrorism, will take effect on June 28, imposing stricter import controls on antiquities and artworks over 200 years old and valued above €18,000 ($19,500). The regulation requires importers to provide evidence that an object was lawfully exported from its country of origin, even for items exported decades ago when such documentation was not required. This reverses the presumption of innocence, placing the burden of proof on importers. Dealers and experts express concern that the rules are not based on market realities, as importers must be registered within the E.U., forcing non-E.U. dealers to rely on third-party agents or shippers. The regulation also poses challenges for ancient objects, where borders and export controls may be historically ambiguous.

nazca lines reduced reserve plan

Peru’s Ministry of Culture has announced a plan to shrink the Nazca Lines and Geoglyphs Archaeological Reserve from 2,175 square miles to 1,236 square miles—a reduction of more than 40 percent. The decision, formalized in a May 28 resolution, has drawn sharp criticism from archaeologists, environmentalists, and former officials, who argue it removes protections from areas where informal mining is expanding. Vice Minister Moira Novoa Silva cited economic development and community participation as motivations, but critics say the move violates Peru’s environmental impact assessment law and could damage the UNESCO World Heritage site.

gallery les bois claire julia hill

London-based Gallery Les Bois, founded in late 2024 by Claire-Julia Hill, is establishing itself as a pioneering force in sustainable contemporary art. The gallery features a diverse roster of artists who work with eco-conscious materials and techniques, such as transforming natural resources from impacted waterways into pigments and repurposing textile waste. In an interview, Hill discusses her background studying art history at Cambridge University, her inspiration to integrate sustainability into the art world, and the gallery's mission to champion artists who combine ecological responsibility with aesthetic excellence and conceptual rigor.

art market minute may 5

The article reports that at the 100-day mark of Trump's second presidency, his economic policies—particularly tariffs—are disrupting the art world. While artworks remain exempt, antiques and design objects are not, causing concern for dealers, including those preparing for Tefaf New York. Changes to de minimis rules have lowered the customs processing threshold from $2,500 to $800, triggering widespread shipping delays. Additionally, Frieze has been sold to Hollywood powerbroker Ari Emanuel, and auction veteran Alex Rotter has been tapped as Christie's new global president.

trump fires biden appointees from holocaust museum board

President Donald Trump fired Biden-appointed members of the United States Holocaust Memorial Council, which oversees the Holocaust Museum in Washington, D.C. Those removed include former second gentleman Doug Emhoff, former Biden chief of staff Ron Klain, former labor secretary Tom Perez, former national security adviser Susan Rice, and Jill Biden’s senior adviser Anthony Bernal. The appointments had been announced in January 2025. Emhoff, who is Jewish, condemned the move as politicizing Holocaust remembrance, while the White House stated Trump will appoint new members who honor the Holocaust and support Israel. The museum issued a statement expressing commitment to its mission without directly addressing the firings.

GRACIELA ITURBIDE: EYES TO FLY

GRACIELA ITURBIDE: OJOS PARA VOLAR

The C/O Berlin gallery is presenting "Eyes to Fly With (Ojos para volar)," the first major retrospective in Germany of renowned Mexican photographer Graciela Iturbide. The exhibition, curated by Sophia Greiff and Melissa Harris in close collaboration with Iturbide, runs from February 7 to June 10 and features her iconic works like "Nuestra Señora de las Iguanas" alongside lesser-known series on fashion, the cholo community in Los Angeles, and her travels in India and Bangladesh.

Step Aboard the Superyacht Circling This Year’s Cannes Film Festival

Over the weekend of the Cannes Film Festival, director Ron Howard premiered his documentary *Avedon*, which traces photographer Richard Avedon's rise from a working-class Jewish immigrant background to a defining chronicler of American culture. The film received a second life aboard the Renaissance superyacht with a party hosted by editor Graydon Carter, Ancient chairman and CEO Alexander Klabin, and Burgess chief executive John Beckett. Guests included actors Natasha Lyonne and Rosemarie Dewitt, photographer Jean Pigozzi, model Eddie Mitsou, Avedon's grandchildren Michael, Matthew, and Caroline Avedon, and producers Courtney Kivowitz, Sara Bernstein, Darcie Reisler, Dallas Rexer, Chris St. John, and Justin Wilkes. The after-hours cocktail allowed attendees to relive the film's most impactful scenes while mingling with the producers and the photographer's family.

art eloise hess young artist

Eloise Hess, a 30-year-old artist based in Los Angeles and a 2024 Yale Painting/Printmaking MFA graduate, has developed a unique image-making process that blurs the line between photography and painting. Her technique involves transferring photographs wet onto absorbent paper, embedding the print in an encaustic surface, and then painting, carving, and manipulating the image to create records of landscapes, shadows, gestures, and time. She discusses her work "Early Morning Tomorrow," a screenprint of photographs taken with her father, and reflects on themes of time, resonance, and capacity.

art leica camera anniversary

Leica celebrates the 100th anniversary of its groundbreaking Leica I camera, which debuted in 1925 and introduced 35mm film to the masses. The article highlights the company's history, including Ernst Leitz II's decisive risk to produce a portable camera, and the cultural impact of Leica cameras through iconic photographers like Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Capa. A special edition, the Leica M11 "100 YEARS OF LEICA NEW YORK USA" Edition, was released in New York this year to mark the centennial.

Patrick Mukabi: Inside the life and legacy of artist who nurtured a movement

Legendary Kenyan painter Patrick Mukabi, known as Panye, has died at age 56 after an illness. Born in Nairobi in 1969, he studied graphic design at the Technical University of Kenya before dedicating himself to fine art. His bold, colorful works were displayed at venues like Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Java House outlets, and in over 20 countries. He developed the Cover Girls series celebrating curvy women and worked at major art spaces including the Nairobi National Museum, Kuona Artists Collective, GoDown Arts Centre, and the Railway Museum. At Dust Depo Studio, he mentored many young artists, teaching them both technique and the business of art. His protégé Jimmy Kitheka recalls Mukabi's warmth and discipline, and how the studio became a creative hub. Even during his illness, the art community rallied to support him through benefit exhibitions like the Patrick Mukabi Medical Fund Benefit Art Exhibition in April 2026 and a solo show at Banana Hill Art Gallery.

Ubuntu hosts Fellowship for Black Artists exhibition for a third year

Mural Arts Philadelphia, in partnership with Ubuntu Art Gallery, has opened its sixth annual Fellowship for Black Artists exhibition, featuring 30 works by 11 emerging artists from the 2025 cohort. The opening reception drew a crowd of fellows, collaborators, and art lovers to the gallery, where speeches highlighted the program's impact and mission.

The Emptiness That Will Still Be There Should the War End Tomorrow

"Die Leere, die noch da sein wird, sollte der Krieg morgen enden"

The group exhibition "Looking into the Gaps" at the Jam Factory in Lviv presents works by artists living in Ukraine or in exile, as well as by those killed on the front lines. Curated by Ukrainian artist Nikita Kadan, it is the fourth installment of a series exploring the fractures and diverse experiences within Ukrainian society, with this iteration focusing on the theme of loneliness rather than collective identity.

Industrial Dreams of the GDR

Industrieträume der DDR

The exhibition "Robotron – Arbeiterklasse und Intelligenz" has opened at the Hartware Medienkunstverein (HMKV) in Dortmund, following its initial run in Leipzig. Centered on the history of the GDR’s largest computer manufacturer, the show features 20 artistic positions including photography, film, and sculpture, alongside a significant five-meter oil sketch by Socialist Realist painter Werner Tübke. The presentation bridges East and West German industrial histories by juxtaposing state-commissioned propaganda with progressive, unofficial works by artists like Ruth Wolf-Rehfeldt and A.R. Penck.

It is Naive to Believe that Bombs Bring Freedom

"Es ist naiv zu glauben, dass Bomben Freiheit bringen"

Iranian-born artist Peyman Rahimi discusses the profound impact of his childhood experiences during the Iran-Iraq War and his subsequent mandatory military service on his creative practice. Breaking a long-held silence, Rahimi argues against the naivety of believing that military interventions or foreign bombings can bring true freedom to Iran, emphasizing that war only generates new trauma and suffering. He highlights the central role of Iranian women in the struggle for change, noting that their resilience remains the most potent threat to the current regime.

Michel Bassompierre (1948-2026)

French sculptor Michel Bassompierre has died at age 78. Known for his monumental bronze and marble animal sculptures—polar bears, gorillas, elephants, pandas, and horses—he depicted them in moments of rest and balance, simplifying forms in the tradition of François Pompon. Bassompierre studied at the École des beaux arts de Rouen under René Leleu, taught applied arts, and later worked with foundries including Venturi Arte in Italy. His major exhibitions include "Fragiles colosses" at the Jardin des plantes in Paris (2019) and a show at the Musée Despiau Wlérick (2021). In February 2025, the municipality of Vertou announced plans for a Michel Bassompierre museum, slated to open in 2028. He was named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2010, received the Légion d'honneur in January 2025, and was promoted to Officier des Arts et des Lettres on April 1, 2025.

With "Video Games & Music," the Philharmonie de Paris Gets Into the Game

Avec « Video Games & Music », la Philharmonie de Paris se prend au jeu

The Philharmonie de Paris has launched "Video Games & Music," an immersive exhibition exploring the history and evolution of video game music (VGM). Curated by Fanny Rebillard and Jean Zeid, the show features a non-linear scenography inspired by open-world games, incorporating 29 playable consoles, archival photography by Ira Nowinski, and contemporary art by Mounir Ayache and Invader. The exhibition traces the medium's journey from 8-bit bleeps to complex orchestral scores and its influence on club culture and mainstream pop.

Study Shows Engaging with Art as Effective as Exercise in Slowing Aging

A new study by University College London, published in the journal Innovation in Aging, reveals that engaging with arts and culture can slow biological aging at a rate comparable to exercise. Researchers found that attending performances or visiting galleries once a month led to a 3 percent reduction in aging speed, while weekly engagement produced a 4 percent slowdown. Those who participated in the arts at least weekly were biologically at least a year younger than non-participants, outperforming weekly exercisers, who were only six months younger biologically. The study tracked 3,356 adults from 2010 to 2012 using survey data and blood tests, measuring aging via epigenetic clocks that analyze DNA changes.

At LACHSA, L.A.'s most important public arts school, the 'misfits' become superstars

The Los Angeles County High School for the Arts (LACHSA), founded in 1984 and located on the Cal State L.A. campus, has become a premier public arts school offering conservatory-level training alongside college-prep academics. The article highlights alumni such as actor Anthony Anderson, musician Josh Groban, and visual artists Kehinde Wiley and Tomashi Jackson, who credit the school with nurturing their talents and providing a supportive, diverse environment for artistic growth.

Edgar Calel at Kunsthalle Bern

Edgar Calel, a Guatemalan artist born in 1987, is the subject of an exhibition at Kunsthalle Bern. His work draws on the rituals and traditions of his native Guatemala, focusing on the working conditions and environmental impact of export-oriented agricultural industries, particularly palm oil and coffee plantations that dominate the country's economy.

Alessandro Rabottini on the Impact of Artists’ Moving Image

Alessandro Rabottini, artistic director of Fondazione In Between Art Film, reflects on the closing of 'Canicula', the final chapter of the foundation's 'Trilogy of Uncertainties' exhibition series in Venice. The article explores how staging time-based moving-image works interacts with the fast-paced environment of the Venice Biennale, and how artists' film and video have evolved as a medium within the art world.

Roksana Pirouzmand’s Dual‑Site Meditation on Loss

Roksana Pirouzmand’s dual-site exhibition in Los Angeles, hosted at OXY ARTS and JOAN, features performance-based sculptures and installations that utilize literal erosion to explore themes of loss and displacement. The works include anatomical clay casts of the artist and her mother, which are subjected to water, vibration, and physical interaction, causing them to crack and deteriorate over the course of the show. At OXY ARTS, a kinetic metal floor involves the viewer directly, as their footsteps cause clay hands to collide and break, illustrating the physical impact of movement and presence.

Alexey Morosov to Represent Kyrgyzstan at 2026 Venice Biennale

Kyrgyzstan has chosen artist Alexey Morosov to represent the country at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026. His pavilion, curated by Geraldine Leardi, will feature a large-scale installation titled BELEK, which explores Kyrgyz nomadic heritage, water as a sacred resource, and the impact of Soviet-era hydro-engineering on the landscape.