How To Do New York Art Week 2025 Like An Insider

Sophia Penske, founder of Penske Projects and an art advisor at Gagosian Art Advisory, provides an insider guide to New York Art Week 2025, running May 5–12. She highlights three main fairs: Frieze New York at The Shed (May 7–11), Independent Art Fair at Spring Studios (May 8–11), and TEFAF. The guide includes notable artists to see—such as Daisuke Fukunaga at Tomio Koyama Gallery, Doron Langberg at Victoria Miro, Moka Lee at Carlos/Ishikawa, Julia Jo at Charles Moffett, Laura Footes at SHRINE, and Nicole Economides at Callirrhoe—along with nearby dining, spa, and gallery recommendations.

7 Artists Who Capture the Essence of Black Dandyism

The article highlights seven contemporary artists whose work embodies Black dandyism, timed to the 2025 Met Gala theme 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style' and the corresponding exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. It traces the history of Black dandyism from its 18th-century European roots through its evolution during slavery and the 20th century, emphasizing its role as a defiant, empowering form of self-expression that challenges gender norms and racial stereotypes. Featured artists include Barkley L. Hendricks, Derek Fordjour, and Tyler Mitchell, among others.

New York’s Rachel Uffner Gallery brings on new partner and rebrands

New York's Rachel Uffner Gallery, founded in 2008, has appointed director Lucy Liu as its first business partner, prompting a rebrand to Uffner & Liu. Liu, 25, joined the gallery as a sales assistant in 2023 and was promoted to director in 2024. The partnership aims to expand the gallery's international presence, particularly in Asia, and to introduce more artists from the Asian American Pacific Islander community into its programming.

As Kazakhstan cautiously strengthens ties with western Europe, new art venues herald a change of direction

Two wealthy Kazakh entrepreneurs, Kairat Boranbayev and Nurlan Smagulov, are opening private art institutions in Almaty this year: the Tselinny Center of Contemporary Culture and the Almaty Museum of Arts. The Tselinny Center, designed by British architect Asif Khan, will open in September in a repurposed Soviet-era cinema, while the Almaty Museum of Arts, a 10,000 sq. m building by Chapman Taylor, aims to open the same month. These developments come as Kazakhstan cautiously strengthens ties with western Europe to reduce dependence on Russia, following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, and positions itself as an energy supplier to Europe and a logistical hub for China's Belt and Road Initiative.

Observer’s 2025 May Art Fair Calendar (Updated)

Observer has published its updated 2025 May Art Fair Calendar, highlighting a packed schedule of art fairs in New York and around the world. Key fairs include CONDUCTOR 2026 (April 29–May 3), a Brooklyn-based fair focused on artists of the global majority; the Aotearoa Art Fair 2026 (April 30–May 3) in New Zealand; the Clio Art Fair 2026 (May 7–10 and 14–17), known as an "anti-fair" for unrepresented artists; and PHOTOFAIRS Shanghai 2026 (May 7–10), a leading platform for contemporary photography in China. The article notes that May is one of the busiest months in the spring art calendar, with many fairs concentrated in New York City during "Frieze Week."

6 Under-the-Radar Art Shows to See in New York Right Now—and 3 to Look Forward To

The article highlights six under-the-radar art shows currently on view in New York, including Lotus L. Kang's solo presentation "Already" at 52 Walker, featuring light-sensitive film installations and greenhouses; Silät, a collective of Indigenous Wichí weavers from Argentina, showing at James Cohan; and a major solo exhibition of pioneering Korean artist Kim Yun Shin at Lehmann Maupin. It also previews three upcoming shows to look forward to, as the city prepares for a burst of art fairs next month.

When—and why—did Van Gogh paint a pair of crabs?

An article explores the story behind Vincent van Gogh's still life "Two Crabs," revealing that the two crabs are likely the same individual—a female Cancer pagurus missing its first pair of walking legs. Paul Clark, a crustacean specialist at London's Natural History Museum, confirmed the sex based on the broad abdomen visible in the painting. The work is on long-term loan to London's National Gallery, where it was recently redisplayed as part of the gallery's major rehang ahead of the Sainsbury Wing reopening on May 10. The article also traces the painting's provenance: it was the first Van Gogh bought by a British collector, William Cherry Robinson, in 1893 for 200 guilders, later sold at auction in 1906 for half that amount, and eventually resold at Sotheby's in 2004 for £5.2 million to an anonymous collector who lent it to the National Gallery.

Antonia Ruder On the Role of Gallery Weekend Berlin in a Changing Art Market

Gallery Weekend Berlin returns for its 21st edition from May 2-4, 2025, featuring fifty-two galleries showcasing established and emerging artists. Antonia Ruder, who joined the event in 2023 and is now preparing her second full edition as director, discusses the festival's origins as a private initiative by five art dealers in 2005, its growth to become a global art calendar highlight, and its role as a premier platform for contemporary art in Germany in the absence of an international art fair in Berlin.

Regional strength helps insulate Art Dubai from tariff-related turbulence

Art Dubai, running until 20 April, opened as the first major art fair since US President Trump announced global tariffs that nearly triggered a financial crisis. Sales were solid, with most works priced in the low six figures or thousands, insulating the fair from market anxieties. A divide emerged between regional SWANA galleries—which presented the strongest booths—and international galleries from the US, Europe, and Latin America, which seemed uncertain about what to bring. Notable sales included works by Rana Begum, Mehdi Ghadyanloo, Ali Cherri, and Shaikha Al Mazrou, while galleries like Sfeir-Semler, Vigo Gallery, and Experimenter reported strong results.

Marina Xenofontos Recreates an Empty Nightclub

Marina Xenofontos recreates an empty nightclub in her latest exhibition, transforming the gallery space into a hauntingly still environment that evokes the aftermath of a night out. The installation features meticulously crafted details such as discarded drinks, abandoned furniture, and dim lighting, capturing the melancholic atmosphere of a venue devoid of its usual crowd. The show is part of the broader Art Brussels programming, with the critic's guide highlighting it among seven must-see exhibitions during the fair.

What’s on at No.9 Cork Street this May

The article highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. It serves as a critic's guide for visitors navigating the Brussels art scene in late April.

Historical Downtown Icons in ‘Focus’ at Frieze New York

Frieze New York is spotlighting historical downtown icons in a new 'Focus' section at its upcoming fair. The initiative will feature curated presentations of works by artists who were central to New York's downtown art scene, highlighting their enduring influence and the cultural history of the era.

Sammy Baloji Binds Past and Present in Uneasy Union

The article highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, curated by critic Emile Rubino. Featured shows include Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive presentation of Lutz Bacher's work at WIELS, alongside other notable presentations across the city.

‘Emergent Figures’ Carves Space for Thai Artists in a Global Canon

Frieze published a critic's guide titled 'Emergent Figures' Carves Space for Thai Artists in a Global Canon, which highlights a group exhibition featuring Thai artists at a venue in Brussels during Art Brussels. The show aims to present Thai contemporary art within a broader international context, moving beyond regional stereotypes. The article is part of a larger guide that also includes recommendations for other must-see shows during the fair, such as Richard Tuttle at Galerie Greta Meert and Lutz Bacher at WIELS.

The Changing Face of the Latin American Art Market

The article provides a critic's guide to seven must-see exhibitions during the Art Brussels event. It highlights specific shows, including Richard Tuttle's assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive presentation of Lutz Bacher's work at WIELS.

Work in Progress: Kite

Emile Rubino highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. The guide offers a curated selection of notable shows across the city during the art fair period.

Lydia Ourahmane’s Simple Yet Audacious Acts

The article highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, curated by critic Emile Rubino. Featured shows include Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive presentation of Lutz Bacher at WIELS, among other notable displays across the city.

Bugarin + Castle Lead a Parade of Shame

Emile Rubino highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. The guide offers a curated selection of standout shows across the city during the art fair period.

Work in Progress: Nohemí Pérez

The article is a critic's guide highlighting seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. Written by Emile Rubino, the piece serves as a curated selection for visitors navigating the Brussels art scene during the fair.

The Best Shows to See Across the UK Right Now

Frieze has published a critic's guide highlighting seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. The guide, written by Emile Rubino, offers a curated selection of notable shows across the UK and Brussels art scene.

How to Stage a Performance in Venice

Frieze's critic's guide highlights seven must-see exhibitions during Art Brussels, including Richard Tuttle's restless assemblages at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive show of Lutz Bacher at WIELS. The article, written by Emile Rubino, provides a curated selection of shows across Brussels galleries and institutions during the art fair period.

Ivy League Style Is Back – But Why Now?

The article, published by Frieze, is a critic's guide highlighting seven must-see exhibitions during the Art Brussels fair. It specifically mentions shows by Richard Tuttle at Galerie Greta Meert and an expansive exhibition of Lutz Bacher at WIELS, curated by Emile Rubino.

Hong Kong Marquee Art Sales Total $164.9 M., Up 18 Percent From Equivalent 2025 Auctions

Christie's, Phillips, and Sotheby's spring marquee auctions in Hong Kong generated a combined $164.9 million, an 18% increase from the equivalent sales in spring 2025. The auctions, strategically timed to coincide with Art Basel Hong Kong, saw strong demand for trophy works, with Christie's leading the season at $83.8 million. Key sales included a Gerhard Richter painting for $11.77 million and a Sanyu work for $8.17 million, while Sotheby's sold a Joan Mitchell painting for $17.6 million, the season's top lot.

The Top Exhibitions To See In London: May 2026

London’s art scene prepares for a major influx of high-profile exhibitions in May 2026, headlined by a comprehensive survey of Francisco de Zurbarán at the National Gallery and the grand opening of the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration in Clerkenwell. Other significant highlights include a sprawling outdoor installation of Henry Moore’s monumental bronzes at Kew Gardens, the debut of the 'Rising Voices' contemporary art exhibition at the newly opened V&A East, and a rare European retrospective of James McNeill Whistler at Tate Britain featuring the iconic 'Whistler's Mother'.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Ronald S. Lauder Neue Galerie New York Announce Plans for a Landmark Merger

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Ronald S. Lauder Neue Galerie New York have announced a landmark merger agreement, set to take effect in 2028. The merger will unite the Neue Galerie's collection of 20th-century Austrian and German art—including Gustav Klimt's *Portrait of Adele Bloch-Bauer I*—with The Met, while preserving the Neue Galerie's distinct museum experience. Ronald S. Lauder and his daughter Aerin Lauder Zinterhofer plan to donate 13 additional paintings from their personal collection, and several Met trustees have pledged significant endowment gifts to support the integration and long-term operations.

Meet the 2026 Turner Prize shortlisted artists

The 2026 Turner Prize shortlist has been announced, featuring four artists: Simeon Barclay, Kira Freije, Marguerite Humeau, and Tanoa Sasraku. They will exhibit at Teesside University’s Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) in September 2026, with the winner revealed on December 10. The jury, chaired by Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson, includes Sarah Allen, Joe Hill, Sook-Kyung Lee, and Alona Pardo. The shortlisted artists work across installation, performance, and sculpture, with themes ranging from human emotion and industrial heritage to ecological concerns and political history.

UAE art guide: 12 museum and gallery exhibitions to see, including Gallery Isabelle's 20th anniversary show

The UAE art scene is currently hosting a diverse array of exhibitions across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, despite regional disruptions. Key highlights include a major Picasso retrospective at Louvre Abu Dhabi, a 10th-century anniversary celebration at 421 Arts Campus titled 'Rays, Ripples, Residue,' and the inaugural photography exhibition at Sharjah Art Foundation’s new Al Manakh venue. These shows range from historical surveys of the human form to contemporary explorations of UAE’s urban development and climate change.

5 noteworthy art gallery exhibitions to check out during Expo Chicago

Expo Chicago returns to Navy Pier from April 9-12, featuring over 130 international galleries and anchoring a city-wide week of major art programming. Local institutions and commercial galleries are strategically timing their most significant exhibitions to coincide with the fair, including a major presentation of Chicago Imagist Roger Brown at Gray gallery and architectural collages by Marshall Brown at Western Exhibitions.

The extraordinary boom in modern Indian art

Despite a general art market downturn, modern Indian art auctions have seen extraordinary demand. Over the past two weeks, sales at Christie’s in New York, Saffron Art in New Delhi, Pundole’s in Mumbai, and Sotheby’s in London all sold out. Sotheby’s London sale raised £19 million, more than five times its estimate, led by record-breaking works from Francis Newton Souza, including *Houses in Hampstead* (1962) sold for £5.6 million and *Emperor* (1957) sold for £5.2 million. The article traces Souza’s rebellious career, from his expulsion from school in Mumbai for pornographic graffiti, to his founding role in the Progressive Artists’ Group, his struggles in England and the US, and his eventual death in 2002 with little recognition.

5 Exhibitions in Avignon and its Surroundings to Shine from Spring to Summer

5 expos à Avignon et ses environs pour rayonner du printemps à l’été

A series of five art exhibitions are scheduled from spring to autumn 2026 in and around Avignon, France. The program includes a refreshed permanent display of 1980s art at the Collection Lambert featuring Jean-Michel Basquiat and Nan Goldin, a solo show by Julien Prévieux critiquing artificial intelligence at Le Grenier à Sel, a photography exhibition of South Korean landscapes by Michael Kenna at Galerie Rousset, and other shows focusing on artists from Asia and the Middle East.