During the VIP preview of the Venice Biennale, a seagull laid three eggs near the entrance of the Polish Pavilion in the Giardini. Pavilion staff built a protective barrier around the nest and warned visitors to avoid the protective bird, which one Italian collector called "the main attraction."
Hōhepa Canterbury, a not-for-profit organization, will host its biennial Art and Sculptural Exhibition in Christchurch next month. The event features works from over 50 established and emerging New Zealand artists, including Renata Przynoga and Gwyn Hughes, alongside pieces created by Hōhepa residents. A VIP preview and auction will be held on May 22, followed by public exhibition days on May 23-24, with proceeds funding the organization's wellness and community programs.
Two29 Gallery is set to open in Braddock, Pennsylvania, with an inaugural exhibition titled 'Aerosol Art: Pittsburgh's Pioneers and the Next Generation.' The show will feature works by over 20 local graffiti and street artists, including prominent figures like Baron Batch, and will celebrate the region's history of aerosol art. The gallery's launch event includes a public opening reception and a ticketed VIP preview.
Art Basel Hong Kong's return to full scale has catalyzed a surge of satellite exhibitions and gallery openings across the city. High-profile shows include major presentations of cyborg-themed works, neon-infused abstractions, and a focus on both established international names and emerging Asian voices. The city's art hubs, from the H Queen’s building to the Wong Chuk Hang industrial district, are hosting ambitious projects that coincide with the fair's VIP preview week.
Art Basel Paris (24-26 October) is introducing a new early preview slot called Avant Première on Tuesday 21 October from 3pm to 7pm, allowing participating galleries to invite up to six guests for an intimate viewing before the First Choice VIP opening on Wednesday 22 October. The change aligns the Paris fair’s schedule more closely with Art Basel’s flagship event in Switzerland, where First Choice VIPs enter on Tuesday. Galleries can nominate clients regardless of their VIP status, aiming to create a focused business engagement for their closest collectors.