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Iris Cantor, the prolific art collector and philanthropist whose patronage transformed major American institutions, has died at the age of 95 in Palm Beach, Florida. Alongside her late husband, B. Gerald Cantor, she amassed one of the world's most significant private collections of Auguste Rodin sculptures, eventually donating hundreds of works to museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. Her death marks the end of an era for a donor whose name is synonymous with some of the most prominent gallery spaces and wings in the United States.

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Gallerist Ron Mandos reflects on the enduring legacy of the late Dutch photographer Erwin Olaf, whose work blended fine art, fashion, and activism. Following Olaf’s death in 2023, Galerie Ron Mandos has continued to champion his career, most recently through the exhibition “Tender Fury,” which places Olaf’s provocative imagery in dialogue with conceptual artist Kendell Geers. The partnership between Mandos and Olaf began in earnest in 2020, a period during which the artist committed to a decade of total creative freedom, resulting in significant series like “Im Wald.”

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Saudi Arabia is significantly scaling back its ambitious "Vision 2030" cultural and infrastructure spending due to falling oil prices and massive budget overruns. Major international projects, including a $200 million investment deal with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and funding for the Centre Pompidou’s refurbishment, are currently in limbo or facing payment delays. Reports of unpaid invoices to art service firms and the halting of "gigaprojects" like Neom suggest a period of financial retrenchment for the kingdom.

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The Gulf region is rapidly transforming into a primary axis for the international art trade, marked by the upcoming debut of Art Basel Qatar and the rebranding of Abu Dhabi Art as a Frieze event. While state-led museum projects have long dominated headlines, a surge of commercial activity is now taking hold as blue-chip galleries like Pace and David Zwirner join local stalwarts. This expansion comes at a strategic time as traditional markets in the U.S., U.K., and China face contraction.

Paint Drippings: Art Industry News February 23

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This week’s art industry roundup highlights major shifts across the global market, including Art Basel’s announcement of 290 galleries for its flagship Swiss fair and Sotheby’s adjustment of its buyer’s premium rates. Significant personnel moves include Devyani Saltzman’s abrupt departure from the Barbican, which sparked an open letter from over 170 cultural figures, and Anne-Claire Legendre becoming the first woman to lead Paris’s Arab World Institute.

New York State Museum begins $150m modernisation project

The New York State Museum in Albany has launched a comprehensive $150 million modernization project funded by the state. Led by new director Jennifer Saunders and supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, the initiative includes infrastructure upgrades, the formation of a visioning task force, and a plan to double the number of annual major exhibitions. The project aims to update the museum's aging displays with more interactive technology and contemporary narratives, beginning with a Barbie retrospective and an upcoming exhibition marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.

New York Historical receives gift of 150 works by Indigenous artists

The New York Historical has received a landmark gift of 150 contemporary and historical works by Indigenous artists from Agnes Hsu-Tang, the chair of its board of trustees, and her husband Oscar Tang. The collection features major figures such as Fritz Scholder, Jaune Quick-to-See Smith, and Cara Romero, spanning various media including ceramics and textiles. This acquisition represents the most significant gift of Native art to a New York institution since the founding of the Museum of the American Indian.

These Toronto laundromats are putting a new spin on the art gallery scene

Emerging artists in Toronto are turning to unconventional venues like Dirty Laundry and She Said Gallery to bypass the city's high-barrier commercial art scene. These functioning laundromats operate as professional gallery spaces with exhibition schedules and opening receptions, allowing artists to host solo shows for minimal fees and zero commission on sales.

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The New York art scene is witnessing a shift in the Tribeca gallery landscape as 1969 Gallery, a fixture known for championing emerging painters, has shuttered its physical space at 39 White Street. Founder Quang Bao confirmed the closure following the building owner's decision to sell the property, noting that he is currently operating from Barcelona with plans to pivot toward collaborations and residencies rather than the traditional gallery model. Meanwhile, the itinerant Ward Gallery continues to gain traction by hosting pop-up symposia at institutions like the International Center for Photography, signaling a broader trend toward real-estate-free dealership.

Reception & Awards Ceremony: 91st Annual Student Art Exhibition

The School of Art at Ball State University is hosting its 91st Annual Student Art Exhibition at the Ned and Gloria Griner Art Gallery. This competitive juried show features a diverse range of media and styles produced by the university's student artists. The event includes a reception and awards ceremony on February 21, 2026, to honor outstanding student achievements.

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A newly released document from the Department of Justice’s Jeffrey Epstein files has linked billionaire collector Leon Black to a $27.7 million inventory of Southeast Asian antiquities, some of which may be looted. The records indicate that Black acquired high-value Cambodian, Thai, and Vietnamese artifacts, including a $7 million bronze Shiva sculpture that matches the description of a piece handled by the late, indicted antiquities dealer Douglas Latchford. While Black’s representatives state he never dealt with Latchford directly and acquired the works through a reputable dealer, correspondence suggests Latchford was involved in facilitating sales to Black through intermediaries.

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Frida Kahlo’s descendants are expressing growing concern over the hyper-commercialization of the artist’s image, which has expanded from museum walls to coffee mugs, dolls, and even a luxury apartment complex in Miami. Cristina Kahlo, the artist’s great-niece, warns that the proliferation of licensed merchandise by the Frida Kahlo Corporation (FKC) often distorts Kahlo’s legacy, reducing a complex painter to a shallow pop-culture brand. This family tension highlights a rift between those profiting from the trademark and those who believe the artist's historical significance is being eclipsed by 'Fridamania.'

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The U.S. Supreme Court has struck down a series of sweeping tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, ruling in a 6-3 decision that the executive branch exceeded its authority. Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority, stated that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant the president the power to unilaterally impose tariffs of unlimited scope and duration. While tariffs on steel and aluminum remain, the ruling removes the 10 percent global blanket tariff and the 25 percent reciprocal tariffs previously levied against Canada, China, and Mexico.

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South Africa will not participate in the 61st Venice Biennale following a High Court ruling that dismissed an urgent application by artist Gabrielle Goliath. The dispute began in January when Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie canceled the planned exhibition, "Elegy," citing concerns over its references to Gaza and the killing of Palestinian poet Hiba Abu Nada. The court's decision, delivered just hours before the biennial's submission deadline, effectively leaves the South African pavilion empty for the 2024 edition.

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The Raab Collection has listed a rare, enigmatic manuscript fragment by George Washington for $10,000, featuring the unique phrase "Fathers of the Senate!" The snippet was likely excised from a larger document in the 19th century by biographer Jared Sparks to satisfy autograph seekers. This sale joins a wave of high-value Americana hitting the market, including Jack Kerouac’s original 'On the Road' scroll at Christie's and a collection of vintage film posters at Propstore.

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South Africa has officially withdrawn from the 2024 Venice Biennale following a legal battle over the cancellation of its national pavilion. The controversy began when Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie pulled the plug on artist Gabrielle Goliath’s planned exhibition, which referenced the deaths of Palestinians in Gaza. Goliath and curator Ingrid Masondo challenged the decision in court, alleging censorship and a violation of freedom of expression, but a South African judge recently dismissed their case without providing a specific reasoning.

Louvre Theft Caused by Mismanagement; Veterans Sue to Halt Building of Arc de Trump: Morning Links for February 20, 2026

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A French parliamentary commission has released a scathing report accusing the Louvre of systemic mismanagement and a 'denial of risks' following the October 2025 theft of the French crown jewels. The investigation suggests the museum operates as an unaccountable 'state within a state,' leading to security failures that enabled the high-profile heist. Meanwhile, veterans have filed a lawsuit to block the construction of the 'Arc de Trump' monument in Washington D.C., and the National Constitution Center faces leadership turmoil amid political pressure.

South Africa pavilion will be empty at 2026 Venice Biennale, culture ministry says

South Africa will not host a national pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale following a legal battle between the country’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture (DSAC) and artist Gabrielle Goliath. The conflict began when Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie labeled Goliath’s planned project, which addressed violence in Gaza, as "highly divisive" and cancelled the exhibition after she refused to alter the content. A South African high court recently dismissed Goliath’s urgent application to overturn the cancellation, leading the government to abandon its participation in the prestigious international event entirely.

Juror's Talk: 91st Annual Student Art Exhibition

Curator and artist Kyle Herrington will deliver a juror's talk for the 91st Annual Student Art Exhibition at Ball State University on February 20, 2026. Herrington, an alumnus of the university and former Director of Exhibitions at the Indianapolis Art Center, selected the works for this competitive juried showcase, which features a diverse range of media and styles from the School of Art's student body.

Turkey’s heritage power grab: new law threatens Istanbul’s opposition-run cultural sites

The Turkish government has enacted a new law allowing the central state to seize historic properties from local municipalities, specifically targeting sites originally endowed to Ottoman-era foundations. This legislation directly impacts Istanbul, where Mayor Ekrem İmamoğlu’s administration has spent years restoring nearly 1,000 heritage sites and converting neglected spaces into vibrant museums, libraries, and contemporary art venues. Critics argue that the state-run General Directorate of Foundations lacks the expertise to manage these cultural hubs and may instead lease them out or close them entirely.

A first home, a first gallery, and a life built around art

Peggy Robinson, a graduate of the Elam School of Fine Arts and a former staffer at Page Galleries, has launched her own contemporary art space, PEG Gallery, in Wellington's Newtown district. The gallery debuted in November with a focus on national artists, including the estate of the late Selwyn Muru, fulfilling a long-held professional ambition for Robinson after years of working in the commercial art sector.

10 Art Shows to See in DC This Spring

Washington, D.C. is hosting a series of major art exhibitions this spring that critically examine American identity, race, and gender. Key shows include the National Gallery of Art’s "Dear America," the National Museum of Women in the Arts’ "Making Their Mark," and the National Portrait Gallery’s "Outwin 2025" triennial. These exhibitions feature a diverse range of artists, from historical figures like Mary Cassatt and Fritz Scholder to contemporary voices like Nick Cave, Diana Al-Hadid, and Aliza Nisenbaum.

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Brazilian authorities are targeting the art collection and luxury assets of Daniel Vorcaro, the CEO of the recently liquidated Banco Master SA, as part of a massive fraud investigation. Following the bank's collapse due to insolvency and regulatory violations, liquidators filed subpoenas in a Miami federal court to probe Vorcaro’s dealings with blue-chip galleries and auction houses. Officials believe the financier may have funneled bank funds into high-value artworks and real estate to shield his wealth.

Dóra Maurer, Hungarian Conceptual Artist, Dies at 88

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Dóra Maurer, a preeminent figure of Hungarian conceptual art, has died at the age of 88. Known for her multidisciplinary approach spanning film, photography, and painting, Maurer rose to prominence for her experimental work created under Soviet rule in Hungary. Her practice frequently explored themes of displacement, perception, and the mathematical shifting of forms, ranging from her 1970s performance-based photography to her later vibrant, geometric "Overlappings" paintings.

ADAA Art Show 2016 Review

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The Art Dealers Association of America (ADAA) kicked off Armory Week with its 2016 edition of The Art Show at the Park Avenue Armory. The fair is characterized by a high concentration of solo-artist presentations, featuring a diverse range of works including Milton Avery's paintings, Jasmin Sian's intricate paper deli bags, and Deborah Butterfield's bronze horse sculptures. Notable highlights include Maria Elena González’s player piano rolls based on birch bark patterns and a strong showing of female artists like Gillian Wearing and Mary Bauermeister.

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London’s Lightroom venue has announced a major new immersive multimedia experience titled “David Bowie: You’re Not Alone,” scheduled to open in April 2026. Developed in partnership with the Bowie estate and designed by 59 Studio, the hour-long spectacle utilizes 36-foot walls to project rare performance footage, interviews, and never-before-seen archival material. The production is led by Mark Grimmer, who previously co-curated the Victoria & Albert Museum’s landmark 2013 retrospective of the artist.

Artist Gabrielle Goliath’s attempt to reinstate cancelled Venice Biennale pavilion dismissed by court

A South African high court has dismissed an urgent application by artist Gabrielle Goliath and curator Ingrid Masondo to reinstate their cancelled pavilion for the 2026 Venice Biennale. The project was scrapped by Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie after Goliath refused to remove a segment of her work 'Elegy' that referenced Hiba Abu Nada, a Palestinian poet killed in an Israeli airstrike. The minister labeled the content "highly divisive" and "polarizing."

Time as Witness: Ai Weiwei at Nature Morte

Ai Weiwei has launched his first major solo exhibition in India at Nature Morte gallery in New Delhi, timed to coincide with the India Art Fair 2026. The show features a range of works spanning three decades, including his signature large-scale Lego compositions and porcelain sculptures. Notably, the artist debuted new pieces that engage specifically with Indian art history, reimagining works by modernists SH Raza and VS Gaitonde, as well as traditional Rajasthani Pichwai paintings, through his modular toy-brick medium.

Dóra Maurer, ‘towering figure’ of the Hungarian art scene, has died aged 88

Dóra Maurer, a seminal figure in Hungarian conceptual and abstract art, has died at the age of 88. A versatile artist whose career spanned printmaking, photography, filmmaking, and painting, Maurer was celebrated for her rigorous exploration of movement, time, and mathematical systems. Her death was confirmed by the Széchenyi Academy of Literature and Arts, where she had served as president since 2017.

New Chrysler exhibition at NSU puts Black identity front and center

The James Wise Gallery at Norfolk State University has unveiled "Define Yourself!", a traveling exhibition organized in partnership with the Chrysler Museum of Art. Inspired by James Baldwin’s "The Fire Next Time," the show features 15 works by artists including Kara Walker, Emma Amos, and Carl Van Vechten that explore themes of Black identity, media representation, and double consciousness. The initiative is part of the Atlantic Coast Cohort, a program funded by the Art Bridges Foundation to share museum collections with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).