Metropolitan Museum gifted 188 Dada and Surrealist works

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has received a promised gift of 188 Dada and Surrealist works from collector and trustee John Pritzker, known as the Bluff Collection. The gift includes pieces by Man Ray, Max Ernst, Marcel and Suzanne Duchamp, Jean Arp, Lee Miller, and others, with 35 works debuting in the upcoming exhibition "Man Ray: When Objects Dream" (14 September 2025 – 1 February 2026). Pritzker is also donating over 100 books and ephemera, and funding a new research initiative, the Bluff Collaborative for Research on Dada and Surrealism, through his family fund.

Huge fashion photography archive heads this month’s acquisition round-up

The New York Historical has acquired the vast archive of legendary New York Times fashion photographer Bill Cunningham, nearly a decade after his death in 2016. The collection includes tens of thousands of images, negatives, slides, contact sheets, and correspondence documenting Manhattan street style and high-society events over 50 years. Separately, the J. Paul Getty Museum received a gift of 38 Italian manuscript illuminations from T. Robert Burke and Katherine States Burke, doubling its holdings in that area. The Hamburger Kunsthalle purchased René Magritte's painting *Le Palais de Rideaux* (1928) for €2.4 million from a Belgian private collection.

Monet and other French artists on display at Gainesville’s Harn Museum

The Harn Museum of Art in Gainesville, Florida, has opened "French Moderns: Monet to Matisse, 1850-1950," an exhibition featuring 56 works from the Brooklyn Museum’s European art collection plus two additional Monet paintings. The show, which took three years to secure, spans a century of French art from Impressionism to Surrealism, with works by Monet, Matisse, and other leading artists. It is divided into four thematic sections and is free to the public thanks to anonymous donations.

Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds

The Art Institute of Chicago is presenting "Frida Kahlo’s Month in Paris: A Friendship with Mary Reynolds," an exhibition running from March 29 to July 13, 2025. It focuses on Kahlo's first and only trip to Europe in 1939, where she fell ill and convalesced at the home of American avant-garde bookbinder Mary Reynolds. The show features approximately 100 objects, including paintings, book bindings, and letters, drawn from the Art Institute's Mary Reynolds Collection and loans from the US, Mexico, and Europe.

Beyond Surrealism: Basel show explores the many sides of Meret Oppenheim

A new exhibition at Hauser & Wirth Basel, titled 'Beyond Surrealism,' explores the multifaceted career of Meret Oppenheim, best known for her fur-covered teacup 'Object' (1936). The show presents a range of her work, including melancholic wartime oil paintings, elegant abstract sculptures, and later witty pieces like 'Eichhörnchen' (1970) and 'Das Auge der Mona Lisa' (1967), highlighting her refusal to be confined to any single style or movement.

The Denver Art Museum celebrates A Century of Art in Latin America

The Denver Art Museum (DAM) has announced its upcoming Fox Gallery exhibition, *A Century of Art in Latin America*, opening June 15, 2025, and running through June 15, 2027. The exhibition will be held in the Latin American Art galleries on level four of the museum’s Martin Building and is included in general admission, which is free for visitors 18 and under and for museum members. Featuring works exclusively from the John and Sandy Fox Collection, the show includes sculptures, paintings, textiles, prints, and mixed media pieces spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, offering a broad survey of artistic movements across the region.

Steamy scenes in urban underworlds were Edward Burra’s great subject—now they're coming to Tate Britain

Tate Britain is staging a major retrospective of Edward Burra (1905-76), the English painter known for his vivid depictions of urban underworlds, jazz clubs, and later brooding landscapes. The exhibition, curated by Thomas Kennedy, features over 80 paintings and newly discovered archival material spanning Burra's career from the 1920s to the 1970s, including rarities like 'Cornish Clay Mines' (1970) from a private collection. It also draws on Burra's extensive correspondence—described by his biographer Jane Stevenson as 'grubby letters'—which offers unprecedented insight into his personal world and chronic pain from rheumatoid arthritis and anemia.

Man Ray: When Objects Dream

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York will present "Man Ray: When Objects Dream," an exhibition exploring the artist's pioneering rayographs—camera-less photographs created by placing objects on light-sensitive paper. Featuring approximately 60 rayographs and 100 additional works from the Met's collection and over 50 international lenders, the show is the first to situate this technique within Man Ray's broader practice of the 1910s and 1920s, including paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, films, and photographs.

LEONORA CARRINGTON THE VITRUVIAN WOMAN IN LUXEMBOURG

The Musée du Luxembourg in Paris has opened the first major exhibition in France dedicated solely to the work of surrealist artist Leonora Carrington. Titled 'The Vitruvian Woman,' the show presents 126 works and frames Carrington as a model of innovation and harmony, a deliberate counterpoint to Leonardo da Vinci's 'Vitruvian Man.' It explores her artistic journey from her Celtic origins and discovery of Italian Renaissance art to her pivotal involvement with Surrealism in France and her final years in Mexico.

artist yanran chen on her neon dreamland

Yanran Chen (b. 2005) is presenting her first major solo exhibition in China, titled "Neon Dreamland," at Art Focus, a new immersive art space by Tang Contemporary Art in Beijing. The show, curated by actor and digital art platform founder Yuan Hong, runs through July 6, 2025, and features paintings, sculptures, and collaborative projects including a partnership with animation label WaarWorld inspired by Liu Cixin's sci-fi novel *Supernova Era* (2003). Highlights include the debut of the "Players Series" collectible sculptures in China.

art witt fetter young artist

Cultured magazine profiles 31-year-old artist Witt Fetter as part of its 2025 Young Artists list. Based in New York and originally from Los Angeles, Fetter is known for paintings that reimagine surreal American scenes—such as the White House Situation Room, a Titanic-shaped inflatable slide, and a false missile alert sign—bathed in a distinctive violet-blue haze. Her work has been featured at Fierman and Derosia galleries, and she describes her practice as motivated by grief, desire, and faith, often exploring the tension between personal mythology and broader cultural contexts. The profile includes her reflections on a self-portrait titled *Diana, 2022*, inspired by a photograph of Princess Diana, and her tribute to her grandfather, who taught her to paint and whose technique of using a violet undercoat she continues.

Woolwich gallery presents solo exhibition by Argentinian artist

The Sarah Bouchard Gallery in Woolwich is hosting "La Chimera del Oro," a solo exhibition of new ink works and historical graphite drawings by 91-year-old Argentinian artist Josefina Auslender. The exhibition explores the metaphorical "chimera" of wealth and success, contrasting the allure of material gain with the rigorous, honest pursuit of artistic integrity. The new series introduces vibrant gold, yellow, and orange tones into Auslender’s traditionally dark, monochromatic palette.

Brush to canvas: News from the art community

The St. Petersburg and Gulfport art scenes are preparing for a busy spring season with several major installations and exhibition openings. Highlights include the unveiling of Yvette Mayorga’s 30-foot kinetic sculpture, "The Magic Grasshopper," at the Museum of Fine Arts St. Petersburg, and the 10th anniversary of the "Fresh Squeezed" emerging artist exhibition at the Morean Art Center. Other notable events include Ali Banisadr’s solo show at the MFA, an environmentally-themed group exhibition at Soft Water Gallery, and a unique video game installation exploring Native Alaskan culture at the James Museum.

Peter Saul’s New Show Is a Lesson in ‘Art History'

Veteran American artist Peter Saul has debuted a solo exhibition at Gladstone Gallery in New York, marking his first show since joining the gallery last year. Titled "Peter Saul’s Art History," the exhibition features 20 works—both new and historic—that reinterpret iconic masterpieces by 20th-century titans such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, and Willem de Kooning. A centerpiece of the show is the 1973 painting "Little Guernica ‘Liddul Guernica’," which is being publicly displayed for the first time in four decades.

Three artists, three questions: Contemporary art

Three Israeli artists—Ronit Porat, an evacuated photographer working with archival materials; an emerging artist using shrapnel from rocket shells as art material while serving as an IDF reservist; and a young artist opening a new exhibition after a break—are profiled in this column by Basia Monkaj. Each answers three questions about inspiration, the definition of art, and what makes their work unique, set against the backdrop of the ongoing war in Israel and the centenary of Surrealism.

A hundred years on, Cork Street is the beating heart of London’s art scene once more

Cork Street in London's Mayfair district, a historic hub for commercial art, is celebrating its centenary with a collaborative group show involving 15 galleries. The exhibition is inspired by a controversial 1938 Jean Cocteau work, "La peur donnant des ailes au courage," which was deemed obscene by British authorities and only shown in a back office at Peggy Guggenheim's gallery, Guggenheim Jeune, after her petitions. Participating galleries include Stephen Friedman Gallery, Alon Zakaim Fine Art, and Goodman Gallery, with works by artists like Caroline Coon, Shirin Neshat, and others, curated by Tarini Malik.

Pioneering Pop Surrealist Gallery in Seattle Celebrates Reopening With Three Exhibitions in New Space

Roq La Rue, a pioneering gallery in Seattle's art scene known for championing Pop Surrealism and New Contemporary movements, has reopened in a new space in the Belltown neighborhood—its eighth location in 27 years. The reopening was celebrated with three simultaneous exhibitions: a solo show by Frank Gonzales titled "Frequencies," a group show of small works called "Spectacle du Petit," and a four-person exhibition "Unveiled" featuring large-scale works by Beth Cavener, Josie Morway, Carles Gomila, and Jason Puccinelli. Founder Kirsten Anderson described the renovated space as an "elevated, elegant" oasis with a book nook and coffee to encourage visitors to linger.

8 Artists to Follow if You Like Elsa Schiaparelli

The article profiles eight contemporary artists whose work resonates with the legacy of fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. It highlights creators like Shona McAndrew, whose soft sculptures explore the body's interior, and Kiki Smith, known for visceral, anatomical forms, drawing direct parallels to Schiaparelli's surrealist and corporeal inspirations.

Jewellers delve into the Dalíesque with dreamlike pieces

Jewellers are creating a new wave of sculptural, nature-themed pieces inspired by the surrealist artist Salvador Dalí. These dreamlike works draw on Dalí's iconic motifs—melting clocks, fantastical creatures, and organic forms—reimagined in precious metals and gemstones by contemporary designers and luxury houses.

New CARE Gallery Launches in New Jersey with Inaugural Exhibition “Gift of Grace” by Cedric Michael Cox

CARE Gallery, a new visual arts initiative by the Care Center of New Jersey (CCNJ), is set to open in Rockaway Township this spring. The gallery will debut on May 2, 2026, with an inaugural solo exhibition titled “Gift of Grace: The Art of Cedric Michael Cox,” featuring over 20 large-scale works that blend surrealism, abstraction, and rhythmic geometry.

Distinctive Voices: Corey Helford Gallery presents 2 solo shows and group exhibition

Corey Helford Gallery in Los Angeles presents two solo shows and a group exhibition, running through February 14. Japanese pop-surrealist Junna Maruyama debuts her first solo show at the gallery, "Who Am I?", featuring her Gyaru Series and signature doll-like figures, butterflies, and mixed-media elements. Chicago-based artist Travis Lampe presents "The Ham-Fisted Coping Mechanism," inspired by rubber-hose animation and vintage cartoons. The group exhibition accompanies these solo presentations.

Opening Conversation: International Surrealism from Tate

The Frist Art Museum in Nashville will host "Opening Conversation: International Surrealism from Tate" on May 21, 2026, from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The event features a discussion with Dr. Matthew Gale, exhibition curator; Michael J. Ewing, Frist Art Museum associate curator; and Caroline Yates, Susan H. Edwards Curatorial Fellow, focusing on the exhibition "International Surrealism from Tate: Fifty Years of Dreams." The exhibition, drawn from the Tate's collection in the United Kingdom, presents a broad selection of paintings, photographs, sculptures, publications, and archival material that traces the long trajectory and global reach of surrealism. A live musical performance in the Grand Lobby precedes the conversation from 5:15 to 6:15 PM, and the museum remains open until 9:00 PM for gallery visits.

Painting from Elmhurst U. Collection Tours Prestigious Museums

Elmhurst University’s painting "Tree at Aledo" by Gertrude Abercrombie is currently on a national tour as part of the retrospective exhibition "Gertrude Abercrombie: The Whole World Is a Mystery." The work is presently on display at the Milwaukee Art Museum following stops at the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Colby College Museum of Art, with a final scheduled stop at the Norton Museum of Art through early 2027.

In with the bold: the new players igniting Hong Kong art week

Hong Kong’s art week is shifting from a post-pandemic recovery phase to a more exploratory period defined by innovative fringe events. A standout newcomer is the Central Yards Edible Art Fair, a 20,000-square-foot immersive experience at the Central Harbourfront that blends art history with culinary treats. The fair features ten zones themed after major movements like Impressionism and Surrealism, including a neo-pop installation where visitors can win jelly balloon dogs inspired by Jeff Koons.

Exhibition Draws Huge Crowds at Long Beach Museum of Art

A major exhibition of artist Robert Williams, "Robert Williams: Fearless Depictions," opened at the Long Beach Museum of Art, drawing massive crowds with wait times up to two hours. The show features 57 paintings, 3-D miniatures, and a large fiberglass sculpture, exclusively showcasing work Williams created in the 21st century.

From Mondrian to Man Ray, Here Are the Best-Sellers at Auction So Far This Year

The article analyzes the best-selling artworks at auction in the first half of 2025, covering Old Masters, Impressionist and Modern, and Postwar categories. Notable sales include a pair of Francesco Guardi views of Venice that sold for $10.5 million at Sotheby’s New York, a Piet Mondrian abstraction from the estate of Barnes & Noble founder Leonard Riggio that fetched just under $50 million, and a monumental rhinoceros-shaped desk by François-Xavier Lalanne that more than tripled its high estimate after a 13-minute bidding war. The report highlights that Old Masters sales were up 24% year-over-year, while top Impressionist and Modern lots saw lower prices compared to 2024.

Art and technology meet in the augmented reality of artist Lois He

Arte e tecnologia si incontrano nella realtà aumentata dell’artista Lois He

Lois He, a Chinese-born artist now based in New York, creates immersive XR installations that blend art and technology, transforming viewers into active participants. Her works, such as "Rising River," an AI-driven virtual reality experience, and "The Silent Carnival," a digital reinterpretation of Goethe's Faust, explore identity, emotion, and the impact of external agents like technology and culture. He also collaborates with institutions like the Museo Dalí and the NYU Neuroscience Institute, merging art with literature and science.

An important exhibition in Milan tells the story of the lesser-known Man Ray: interview with the curator

Una importante mostra a Milano racconta il Man Ray meno conosciuto: intervista al curatore

The Gió Marconi gallery and Fondazione Marconi in Milan have launched a major retrospective titled "Man Ray: M for Dictionary," marking fifty years since the artist's passing. Curated by Yuval Etgar and Deborah D’Ippolito, the exhibition moves beyond Man Ray’s famous photography to highlight his role as a pioneer of conceptual and multimedia art. The show is organized into five thematic sections that explore his use of visual puns, experimental "Rayographs," and the transformative power of language across painting, drawing, and sculpture.

Learning is something aesthetic and emotional. Marco Dallari says so in his latest book (and in this interview)

L’apprendimento è qualcosa di estetico e di emotivo. Lo dice Marco Dallari nel suo ultimo libro (e in questa intervista)

Italian pedagogist Marco Dallari discusses his latest book, "La bellezza di Sophia" (2026), which explores the intrinsic human drive for knowledge as an aesthetic and emotional necessity rather than a pragmatic survival tool. Drawing on Freudian concepts and the work of Alessandra Risso, Dallari argues that the desire to learn is a primal impulse that should be nurtured through beauty and curiosity rather than stifled by rigid institutional structures.

Skylands Museum of Art presents Spotlight on the Artist: Massimo Rao

The Skylands Museum of Art in Lafayette, New Jersey, has opened a new exhibition titled "Spotlight on the Artist: Massimo Rao," featuring eight works by the late Italian artist from the museum's permanent collection. The display includes oil and tempera paintings, lithographs, and drawings, such as "Portrait" and "Shelter Made of Ashes & Recollections," and will run through October 2025 in the museum's Sanctuary Gallery. Rao, known for his classic yet mysterious style blending Renaissance influences with Nordic Mannerism and pre-Raphaelite approaches, often depicted surreal, moonlit figures and was called "the Painter of the Moon." Born in 1950 near Naples, he studied art history and architecture, exhibited internationally, and died in 1996 at age 46; his hometown opened a museum dedicated to him in 2012.