Mondialisation and Mondialité: For a Museum of Errantry with Édouard Glissant

The Center for Art, Research and Alliances (CARA) in New York is hosting "The Earth, the Fire, the Water, and the Winds: For a Museum of Errantry with Édouard Glissant," an exhibition traveling from the Instituto Tomie Ohtake in São Paulo. The show eschews traditional curatorial hierarchies, instead utilizing the theories of Martinican philosopher Édouard Glissant to present works by artists such as Gerardo Chávez and Eduardo Zamora. Rather than providing didactic labels, the installation encourages "errantry" and "relationality," allowing visitors to discover visual resonances and meanings through their own active engagement with the landscape of the gallery.

Sound Minds: The Artists Decoding the Noise That Dominates Our Contemporary World

The exhibition "état bruit" at Konschthal Esch explores the concept of noise as a form of interference, cultural signal, and political tool. Featuring works by seven contemporary artists, including Nik Nowak’s Indonesian-inspired sound truck and Open Group’s haunting video installation of refugees mimicking artillery, the show investigates how sound reflects both community identity and the trauma of conflict.

'Past Perfect' at Two Rooms, Auckland, New Zealand on 17 Apr–30 May 2026

Two Rooms gallery in Auckland presents 'Past Perfect,' a group exhibition featuring works by Gretchen Albrecht, Noel Ivanoff, John Nixon, Jeena Shin, and Helen Calder. The show explores geometric abstraction and the interplay of light, shadow, and transparency through works produced over the last several decades.

Want to visit Wakanda? Step inside the Walters’ new ‘Black Panther’ exhibit.

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore is launching "Douriean Fletcher: Jewelry of the Afrofuture," an exhibition featuring the intricate metalwork and costume designs from the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s Black Panther franchise. The show highlights the work of self-taught artist and metalsmith Douriean Fletcher, whose collaboration with Oscar-winning costume designer Ruth Carter helped define the visual identity of Wakanda. On display are iconic pieces such as Nakia’s gold-plated brass necklace and Queen Ramonda’s silver bodice cage, alongside new works created specifically for the museum.

Tender Ground exhibit explores vulnerability and environment

The Hook Experiment in Oxford is currently hosting "Tender Ground," a lens-based exhibition featuring the work of four regional women artists: Lynda Schmid, Sarah R. Bloom, Marnie Ellen Hertzler, and Jonna McKone. Curated by Constance McBride and Lisa Baird, the show utilizes photography and found objects to explore themes of environmental instability, physical vulnerability, and the fragility of place. The works range from disjointed equine photography and nude self-portraiture in decaying spaces to documentation of the disappearing Tangier Island.

Vantaa Art Museum Artsi's exhibition Empathy explores the multilayered nature of emotion, power, and connection

The Vantaa Art Museum Artsi has launched "Empathy," a multifaceted exhibition exploring the psychological, social, and technological dimensions of emotional connection. The show features diverse works that examine how facial expressions and gestures communicate feelings, while also addressing the power dynamics of who is allowed to tell their story. A central highlight is Ali Akbar Mehta’s immersive installation, which utilizes an archive of 30,000 video clips and XR technology to analyze how digital algorithms and visual overexposure to violence affect human compassion.

'Aaron Gilbert' at Gladstone Gallery, Grote Hertstraat, Brussels, Belgium on 22 Apr–27 Jun 2026

Gladstone Gallery is set to host a solo exhibition of contemporary painter Aaron Gilbert at its Brussels location from April 22 to June 27, 2026. Gilbert’s work is characterized by its deep psychological and philosophical exploration of the human condition, utilizing figurative painting to navigate complex emotional and societal landscapes. His practice is deeply rooted in art history, drawing stylistic and thematic inspiration from sources ranging from Italian Quattrocento and Byzantine icons to Mexican Retablos and the Expressionism of the Weimar Republic.

'Echoes of Home' at Christopher Moller Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa on 28 May–2 Jul 2026

Christopher Moller Gallery in Cape Town is set to host "Echoes of Home," a group exhibition featuring the works of Mpho Feni, Lionel Mbayiwa, and Olamide Ogunade. The show explores the evolving concept of identity and heritage across the African continent, contrasting traditional ancestral knowledge with contemporary lived experiences. Each artist provides a unique lens: Mbayiwa focuses on Shona cosmology, Ogunade utilizes introspective symbolism to capture the fragility of memory, and Feni documents the communal rituals of everyday family life.

MassMu to spotlight Akron artist's work

The Massillon Museum is currently hosting "Isabelle Crawford: Pure Potentiality," a solo exhibition in its Studio M space featuring paintings and drawings by the Akron-based artist. Crawford’s work explores the intersection of human connection and perception, reflecting her commitment to using art as a tool for community engagement and social change. The exhibition, which runs through April 26, will be supplemented by a featured interview with the artist on the museum’s "MassMusings" podcast.

Local Notes: Art Exhibition, Line Dancing Classes, Set Dancing Classes

The group exhibition ‘Bándearg’ (Pink) is set to open at Books At One in Louisburgh, County Mayo, featuring the work of five female artists based in Ireland. The show explores the color pink as both a physical medium and a complex cultural symbol, showcasing a diverse range of artistic approaches including the bold, hard-edge op art of Elphin-based artist Nickie Harrington.

'We matter; we're important': Disabled artists centrestage in new show

The Bathurst Regional Art Gallery has launched "Acts of Inheritance," a major exhibition featuring 17 disabled artists from the Western Sydney collective We Are Studios. Curated by Jordan Valageorgiou, the show presents a diverse array of mediums—including music videos, installations, and interactive paper dolls—to explore themes of identity, wrestling culture, and the nuances of living with invisible illnesses.

In upcoming thesis exhibition, Bates senior studio art students each have a seat At the Table

Eleven graduating studio art and visual culture students at Bates College are preparing to debut their year-long thesis projects in the professional exhibition "At the Table." Opening April 17 at the Bates Museum of Art, the show features a diverse range of media including charcoal drawing, photography, and sculpture. The students have spent two semesters transitioning from theoretical research and material exploration to the physical production and professional framing of their works under the guidance of faculty and museum staff.

Studio Sessions: Lauren Boilini

Seattle-based artist Lauren Boilini has reached a significant career milestone with the simultaneous opening of her first museum exhibition at the San Juan Islands Museum of Art and her first solo gallery show, "The Good Death," at J. Rinehart Gallery. Boilini’s practice is rooted in deep scientific research, including residencies at biological stations and insectariums, which she translates into large-scale, frenetic paintings of animals and ecosystems. Her current work explores the intersection of animal behavior and the human condition through dense, layered compositions that blur the lines between struggle and pattern.

‘When Crises Happen, That’s When The Arts Get To Work’: Inside The Dubai Gallery On A War Footing

The Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai has been forced to implement rigorous emergency protocols, including 'shelter in place' procedures, following a series of missile and drone strikes across the UAE. Director Antonia Carver, managing operations remotely from the UK due to travel disruptions, describes a new reality where staff must balance the physical safety of visitors with the institution's role as a sanctuary for the community. Despite a recent conditional ceasefire, the center remains on high alert while supporting a workforce deeply affected by regional instability.

Exhibition | Lulama Wolf, 'The Architecture of Memory' at THK Gallery, Cape Town, South Africa

South African artist Lulama Wolf presents 'The Architecture of Memory,' an online-only exhibition hosted by THK Gallery. Wolf utilizes a distinct material language of pigmented sand and acrylic to create tactile surfaces that reference the weathered walls of domestic and sacred spaces. Her work moves beyond simple representation, using geometric abstraction and earth-based materials to explore the intersection of personal history and collective generational memory.

Art exhibition in Waterford City labelled ‘immoral’ according to local councillor

A local art exhibition in Waterford City, Ireland, has sparked controversy after residents labeled its content 'immoral' and pressured local officials to shut it down. The installation, which depicted a love story through various media, led to a series of complaints directed at Councillor Eamon Quinlan and other local representatives who serve on the boards of community arts organizations. Despite the public outcry, Quinlan refused to intervene, citing concerns over censorship and the role of a director.

Sotheby’s Returns to Profit as Sales Rise, Though Cash Pressures Persist

Sotheby’s has reported a return to profitability in 2025, posting a $53 million pre-tax profit following a significant $190 million loss the previous year. Driven by a 20 percent increase in sales totaling $7.1 billion, the auction house benefited from a broader 4 percent recovery in the global art market. Despite these gains, the company is navigating complex financial pressures, including a $10.2 million commission lawsuit from Cushman & Wakefield and the need to refinance $765 million in debt by 2027.

One of Napoleon’s Sweaty Hats Was Just Rediscovered After a Century in Storage

A distinctive bicorne hat belonging to Napoleon Bonaparte, worn during his final exile on Saint Helena, has been rediscovered after more than a century in storage at the Condé Museum. Curators found the beaver pelt hat, made by his official hat-maker Poupard, while preparing for an upcoming exhibition, and its provenance has been confirmed through extensive study.

How museum funding in Denmark has become reliant on visitor numbers

Danish museums have recovered strongly from the pandemic, with 2025 attendance matching 2024's record levels of around 9 million visitors. However, a new state-funding model introduced in January 2025 now makes government subsidies increasingly dependent on measurable outputs, primarily visitor numbers. Institutions must meet minimum thresholds for annual visitors and income, and produce peer-reviewed research to secure and retain funding.

‘As an artist I have a duty to reflect the times’: photographer Misan Harriman explores protests and solidarity in new London show

Photographer and filmmaker Misan Harriman has opened a permanent installation titled 'The Purpose of Light' at London's Hope 93 gallery. The exhibition features over 100 black-and-white photographs taken over seven years at protests in the UK, US, and South Africa, including demonstrations related to Black Lives Matter, Gaza, and other social justice movements. The project debuted as a solo show last summer and, due to significant public response, has now been established as a long-term fixture with support from private collectors.

Social Malpractice in the Age of Cultural Compliance

Artist Ed Woodham reflects on the evolution and co-option of socially engaged art, using his own projects like 'The Keepers' protests and the Art in Odd Places initiative as examples. He describes a troubling trend where the language and strategies of social practice art, once used to challenge systems, are now being adopted by developers, corporations, and institutions for branding, place-making, and community engagement initiatives that often operate within the very economic structures driving displacement and eroding public space.

The Prizes

Los premios

Artist Gala Berger presents a three-act exhibition titled "Los premios" (The Prizes), which revisits the radical spirit of the 1968 Latin American avant-garde. The show specifically references two historic 1968 exhibitions at the National Museum of Fine Arts in Buenos Aires—the Georges Braque Prize and "Materials, new techniques, new expressions"—where artists staged protests involving egg-throwing, stink bombs, and manifestos against censorship and institutional tutelage.

Inside Richie Shazam’s Debut Solo Show in Texas

Multidisciplinary artist Richie Shazam has launched her debut solo exhibition, "I Was Never Meant to Survive This," at the McLennon Pen Co. gallery in Austin, Texas. The show features 39 new works that blend photography, sculpture, and set design, utilizing found objects, hair, and flowers alongside Shazam’s own body as a primary subject. The collection represents a deeply personal exploration of her Guyanese heritage, trans identity, and the community that has supported her journey from New York City to the international stage.

At Rirkrit Tiravanija’s “Say Yes To Everything”, Eating Is Part Of The Experience

Renowned contemporary artist Rirkrit Tiravanija has launched his largest solo exhibition in Singapore at STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery. Titled "Say Yes To Everything," the retrospective spans over a decade of the artist's practice, featuring prints, editioned works, and interactive installations that emphasize communal experiences. The show includes signature elements of Tiravanija’s relational aesthetics, such as communal meals, origami sessions, and works that utilize UV light to reveal extinct animals, highlighting themes of migration, ecology, and social interaction.

The Academy Museum Reclaims the Real Marilyn Monroe

The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is launching a major exhibition to mark the centenary of Marilyn Monroe’s birth, seeking to re-examine her complex legacy. Moving beyond the simplified tropes of the tragic starlet, the show investigates whether Monroe was a passive victim of the Hollywood studio system or a savvy, self-aware architect of her own public persona.

Spring/summer 2026 program

The Henry Art Gallery at the University of Washington has unveiled its spring/summer 2026 exhibition schedule, featuring a diverse lineup of solo and group presentations. Highlights include a major exhibition by Diné artist Eric-Paul Riege exploring Indigenous cosmology and institutional knowledge, a showcase of Helen Frankenthaler’s experimental printmaking alongside works by Analia Saban, and the annual University of Washington MFA and MDes thesis exhibition. The season also features "Day-to-Day: Rhythm, Routine, Resistance," a collection-based show examining the intersection of personal life and structural social forces.

Local artists take over two SF neighborhoods

The San Francisco neighborhoods of the Marina and West Portal are set to host "The Art of Place," a three-month exhibition featuring 24 local artists. Organized by Ingleside Gallery founder Shrey Purohit in partnership with the BarbCo real estate group, the fair will showcase cityscapes, sculptures, and photography across two commercial offices starting April 17. The initiative aims to integrate art into everyday community spaces, featuring works by artists like Sarah Horowitz and Rhonel Roberts that capture the unique geometry and secret views of the city.

Spring at the Museum of the Southwest brings local art, space exploration, and community celebration

The Museum of the Southwest in Midland, Texas, is launching a diverse spring season featuring a blend of regional art and scientific exploration. Key highlights include the "West Texas Triangle" exhibition showcasing local talent, a specialized exhibit on space exploration at the Blakemore Planetarium, and the annual "Septemberfest" community fundraiser. The programming aims to bridge the gap between fine arts and the region's scientific interests.

A unique chance to immerse yourself in the world of engravings at Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery

Nuneaton Museum & Art Gallery is hosting "A Simple Line," a specialized exhibition dedicated to the history and craft of engraving. The show features a prestigious selection of works ranging from 17th-century Dutch masters like Gerard Douw to 18th-century Italian printmaker Giovanni Battista Piranesi and the celebrated English landscape painter J.M.W. Turner. Visitors can view rare pieces such as Turner’s mezzotint of Dunstanburgh Castle and architectural etchings of Pompeii, alongside a concurrent "Festival of Arts" showcasing local regional talent.

Coastal Discovery Museum hosting annual Beaufort County High School Regional Art Exhibition

The Coastal Discovery Museum is hosting the fifth annual Beaufort County High School Regional Art Exhibition, a juried showcase featuring over 100 works by local students. Running through May 5, the exhibition includes a diverse range of media such as painting, photography, ceramics, and digital art from eight public and private schools. A public reception and awards ceremony are scheduled for April 9 to celebrate the technical skill and creativity of these emerging young artists.