art storm ascher hamptons black arts council

Storm Ascher, an artist and curator who has spent years in the Hamptons, founded the Hamptons Black Arts Council in 2020 to support public programming for Black artists and arts organizations. This summer, the council is marking milestones including the "Mami Wata" benefit exhibition at the Eastville Community Historical Society, which explores themes of water, healing, and Black women's history, and the establishment of a permanent contemporary art collection at Eastville with works by artists like Sanford Biggers and Derrick Adams.

Russia’s Venice Pavilion Will Be Closed to Public for Duration of Biennale

Russia's pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale will be closed to the public for the duration of the exhibition, from May 9 to November 22, following escalating controversy over the country's participation. The group show, titled “The tree is rooted in the sky,” will only be open to press and industry insiders during the preview days (May 5–8). The move comes after the International Criminal Court accused Russia of crimes against humanity, leading the Biennale to bar Russia and Israel from competing for awards. Italian culture minister Alessandro Giuli has also boycotted the preview and opening ceremony in protest.

European Commission Tells Venice Biennale to Ditch Russian Pavilion

The European Commission has formally accused the Venice Biennale of violating EU sanctions against Russia by planning to reopen the Russian Pavilion for the 2026 edition. In a letter to the Biennale's president, the Commission argues that hosting a government-funded national pavilion constitutes accepting indirect support from the Russian state during its ongoing war in Ukraine. The organization has threatened to withhold a $2.3 million grant intended for the 2028 edition unless the Biennale addresses these concerns by May 11.

SILENCE HAS MATTER ETHIOPIA BRINGS THE WORK OF TEGENE KUNBI TO THE VENICE BIENNALE

The Ethiopia Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale presents "Shapes of Silence," an exhibition by artist Tegene Kunbi, curated by Abebaw Ayalew, running from May 9 to November 22, 2026, at Palazzo Bollani. The show marks the culmination of Kunbi's thirty-year practice, exploring silence as a social and political condition through abstraction, textiles, and assemblage, drawing on Ethiopian folkloric traditions and material histories.

The True Story of the Caravaggio Theft by the Sicilian Mafia Behind the 'Le Complot Caravaggio' Series on Arte

La véritable histoire du vol du Caravage par la mafia sicilienne derrière la série « Le Complot Caravaggio » sur Arte

The article details the infamous 1969 theft of Caravaggio's masterpiece, "Natività con i santi Lorenzo e Francesco d'Assisi" (The Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence), from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo, Sicily. The painting, a large-scale work measuring three by two meters, was expertly cut from its frame and has never been recovered, remaining second on the FBI's Top Ten Art Crimes list. The theft is widely attributed to the Sicilian Mafia, with theories suggesting it was stolen to order or for use in secret mafia gatherings.

The true story of the Caravaggio theft by the Sicilian Mafia behind the Arte series 'The Caravaggio Conspiracy'

La véritable histoire du vol du Caravage par la mafia sicilienne derrière la série « Le Complot Caravaggio » sur Arte

The theft of Caravaggio’s 'Nativity with Saint Francis and Saint Lawrence' from the Oratory of San Lorenzo in Palermo remains one of the world's most notorious unsolved art crimes. Stolen in October 1969 by professional thieves who cut the massive three-meter canvas from its frame, the masterpiece has been missing for over 50 years. Investigations have long pointed toward the Sicilian Mafia, with various theories suggesting the work was displayed at secret summits, hidden in Switzerland, or tragically destroyed.

Michel Bassompierre (1948-2026)

French sculptor Michel Bassompierre has died at age 78. Known for his monumental bronze and marble animal sculptures—polar bears, gorillas, elephants, pandas, and horses—he depicted them in moments of rest and balance, simplifying forms in the tradition of François Pompon. Bassompierre studied at the École des beaux arts de Rouen under René Leleu, taught applied arts, and later worked with foundries including Venturi Arte in Italy. His major exhibitions include "Fragiles colosses" at the Jardin des plantes in Paris (2019) and a show at the Musée Despiau Wlérick (2021). In February 2025, the municipality of Vertou announced plans for a Michel Bassompierre museum, slated to open in 2028. He was named a Chevalier of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres in 2010, received the Légion d'honneur in January 2025, and was promoted to Officier des Arts et des Lettres on April 1, 2025.

Bob Ross paintings will go on view at Bonhams New York.

Four original paintings by the late American television personality Bob Ross are set to go on view at Bonhams’ new U.S. flagship gallery in New York on April 22nd. These works, which Ross created during his iconic series The Joy of Painting, will be sold at the auction house's American Art sale the following day. This event marks the third installment of a larger initiative to sell 30 of Ross's works to benefit public broadcasting.

Resisting Death: Glitches and Ornaments at CASTLE

An exhibition titled "Resisting Death: Glitches and Ornaments" is on view at CASTLE in Los Angeles from March 21 to May 2, 2026. Curated by Oriane Durand, the show features works by artists Ull Hohn, Bod Mellor, and Bruno Pélassy, presenting 22 images and no videos in the documentation.

Ethical Managers Make Their Own Rules at Bodenrader

Bodenrader in Chicago is currently hosting a group exhibition titled "Ethical Managers Make Their Own Rules," featuring works by Jessica Diamond, Hélène Fauquet, and Jason Hirata. The exhibition, which runs from March 21 through May 2, 2026, presents a curated selection of contemporary works documented through an extensive digital archive of installation views.

Gianni Motti at Galerie Mezzanin

Gianni Motti presents a solo exhibition titled "Au-delà de tout doute raisonnable" at Galerie Mezzanin in Geneva. Running from March 13 through May 14, 2026, the show continues Motti’s career-long exploration of conceptual interventions and socio-political commentary.

Phillip Lai at Spike Island

The contemporary art space Spike Island in Bristol is hosting a solo exhibition by artist Phillip Lai titled "Rain / Ruin." Running from January 30 to May 10, 2026, the exhibition features a series of sculptural installations and works that engage with the architectural environment of the gallery. The presentation is documented through a comprehensive suite of installation photography by Rob Harris, capturing the spatial relationship between Lai's objects and the industrial character of the venue.

Gino De Dominicis at Sant'Andrea de Scaphis

Sant'Andrea de Scaphis in Rome is hosting a solo exhibition of works by the late Italian artist Gino De Dominicis, curated by Luca Lo Pinto. The presentation, titled "1975+27," runs from March 13 through April 18, 2026, and features a selection of the artist's enigmatic works within the atmospheric setting of a deconsecrated 9th-century church.

Tania Willard “Photolithics” at The Polygon Gallery, North Vancouver

The Polygon Gallery in North Vancouver is presenting a major solo exhibition titled "Photolithics" by artist, curator, and scholar Tania Willard. The show, on view from March 7 to May 24, 2026, is a decade-long survey featuring new and existing works that demonstrate Willard's innovative use of photographic printing and presentation techniques.

Roksana Pirouzmand’s Dual‑Site Meditation on Loss

Roksana Pirouzmand’s dual-site exhibition in Los Angeles, hosted at OXY ARTS and JOAN, features performance-based sculptures and installations that utilize literal erosion to explore themes of loss and displacement. The works include anatomical clay casts of the artist and her mother, which are subjected to water, vibration, and physical interaction, causing them to crack and deteriorate over the course of the show. At OXY ARTS, a kinetic metal floor involves the viewer directly, as their footsteps cause clay hands to collide and break, illustrating the physical impact of movement and presence.

Gregorian Art Exhibition Debuts in Lagos in Honour of Bruce Onobrakpeya

The inaugural Gregorian Art Exhibition opened at Jubilee Hall, St. Gregory’s College, Ikoyi, Lagos, honoring renowned artist Bruce Onobrakpeya. Organized by the St. Gregory’s College Old Boys Association, the three-day event runs from April 25 to April 27, 2026, under the theme “Celebrating Legacy, Excellence and Continuity.” It features an intergenerational mix of artists including Victor Uwaifo, David Dale, Mike Omoighe, and others, and attracted Nigeria’s cultural, political, and religious figures. Speeches by Dr. Michael Omolayole and Francis Oluwole Kudayah highlighted the exhibition as a cultural tradition and platform for mentorship, with plans for an annual art clinic and a digital “Gregorian Art Mart” to support alumni welfare and the college endowment fund.

Charles Nkomo | Siblings (Contemporary African art, Zimbabwe) (2025) | Available for Sale

Charles Nkomo's painting "Siblings" (2025) is being offered for sale through Guruve gallery in London. The oil-on-canvas work depicts two sisters embracing, reflecting the importance of family ties in Zimbabwe. Nkomo, born in 1974 in Bulawayo, trained at Mzilikazi Art and Craft Centre and was a resident artist at the National Gallery in Bulawayo. He has exhibited internationally, including solo shows at Mary Martin Gallery and Amazwi Gallery, and has worked as an Artist in Residence in the USA. The painting is priced at £1,380 and ships worldwide.

A Drama of Two Masters

A new documentary film titled "Turner & Constable" attempts to dramatize the artistic rivalry between the two iconic British landscape painters, J.M.W. Turner and John Constable. The film is based on a recent exhibition of the same name at Tate Britain in London.

A View From the Easel

Hyperallergic's ongoing series "A View From the Easel" features two artists describing their unconventional studio practices. Georgina Arroyo works in a shared academic space at Purchase College, compartmentalizing her process-intensive mold-making and casting work around her job schedule. Linda Jacobson, based in her Venice, California studio for 17 years, works on multiple pieces simultaneously, currently focusing on a large commissioned painting.

First Look at the “Costume Art” Exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting a new exhibition titled "Costume Art," timed to coincide with the 2026 Met Gala. The article provides a first look at the exhibit, featuring images credited to photographer Masato Onoda of WWD, showcasing the intersection of fashion and visual art within the museum's galleries.

Art Exhibits: What's on display in the Fort Wayne area

The Fort Wayne area is currently hosting a diverse array of art exhibitions across local galleries, libraries, and museums. Highlights include the "Next Generation" high school competition at the Honeywell Center, the 46th National Print Exhibition at Artlink, and the 2026 Scholastic Art & Writing Award winners at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art. The listings also feature solo showcases by artists such as Sue Davis, Benjamin High, and the late ceramicist Tom Sherbondy.

New York City’s first Trans Art Fest showcases, connects and empowers trans artists

New York City is hosting its inaugural Trans Art Fest, a grassroots, community-driven festival featuring the work of over 120 transgender artists. Founded by curator and textile artist Carter Shocket, the two-month program includes 12 all-trans exhibitions and more than 20 events ranging from glassblowing workshops to cinema screenings. Major highlights include the exhibitions "Alchemists" and "A Tender Touch," the latter of which focuses exclusively on the work of Black trans artists.

Hauser & Wirth will open a Palo Alto gallery in 2026.

Hauser & Wirth will open a new gallery in Palo Alto, California, in spring 2026, marking its first location in Northern California and its third in the state. The gallery will occupy a historic post office building at 201-205 Hamilton Avenue, near Stanford University, offering 2,600 square feet of exhibition space, a bookshop, and a design overseen by architect Luis Laplace. The expansion follows the gallery's existing venues in Los Angeles and comes nearly a decade after its major downtown L.A. complex opened in 2016.

Hunter Foster at Good Weather

Hunter Foster presents a solo exhibition titled "Involition" at Good Weather in Chicago. Running from February 6 through April 4, 2026, the show features a new body of work documented through an extensive series of installation views and a detailed works list.

The Little Prince Exhibition At Bugis Has Dreamy Projections For An Immersive Storytelling Sesh

The Little Prince: The Journey of Stars, an immersive exhibition retelling Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's classic children's book, is now open at Parkview Square in Bugis, Singapore, hosted by the GROUNDSEESAW SINGAPORE art gallery. The experience runs through 31 July 2025 and features a film recap, interactive zones, and 3D projections of iconic characters like The Fox and The King, with sessions lasting about an hour. Tickets start at $15 for children and $22 for adults, with an early bird 50% discount available until 7 July 2025.

Venice Biennale opens without a jury amid strife over Russian and Israeli participation

The Venice Biennale, one of the world's most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions, opens its most contested edition in memory without a jury after the jury resigned in protest over the participation of Israel and Russia, both under investigation by the International Criminal Court for human rights abuses. Protests have erupted outside the Israeli and Russian pavilions, with demonstrators clashing with police, while feminist groups from Ukraine and Russia converged on the Russian Pavilion and Palestinians remembered artists killed in Gaza. The Biennale has replaced the jury with a public vote via email, with winners announced at the close on November 22.

‘Into Other Spaces' to reexamine trailblazing women artists across decades

The Leeum Museum of Art in Seoul is hosting 'Inside Other Spaces: Environments by Women Artists, 1956-1976,' an exhibition that reconstructs immersive room-scale works by 11 women artists from underrepresented regions. Co-curated by Andrea Lissoni and Marina Pugliese, the show traces two decades of experimental environments made from light, sound, plastic, and foam, which anticipated installation and media art. The Seoul edition features a new version of Jung Kang-ja's 1967 work 'Muche-jeon (Incorporal Exhibition),' a smoke-filled chamber that evokes the tension of 1970s authoritarian Korea.

design salon art fair new york guide

Salon Art + Design returns to the Park Avenue Armory in New York for its 14th edition, running from November 6–10. The fair features nearly 50 booths from top international dealers, blending antique discoveries with contemporary masterpieces, and uniquely juxtaposes fine jewelry, mid-century furniture, and ancient relics. Members of the fair's Design + Art Advisory Council—including interior designer Andre Mellone, photographer Douglas Friedman, creative director Gabriella Khalil, and others—share the specific treasures they are most excited to see, such as Jean Royère nesting tables, a Fernando Jorge jewelry piece, and a Head of Apollo sculpture from Ariadne.

Pride of place: the rise of LGBTQ+ art in Hong Kong

Hong Kong's art scene is witnessing a significant rise in the visibility and institutional embrace of LGBTQ+ art, particularly during its annual Art Week. Exhibitions like the Sunpride Foundation's 'Myth Makers—Spectrosynthesis III' at Tai Kwun Contemporary have acted as major accelerants, moving queer discourse from semi-private contexts into prominent public institutions.

Galerie Sept Sets Its Sights on a New, Expanded Vision on the Belgian Seaside

Galerie Sept, founded by Florian Araïb in Brussels in 2018, has expanded by opening a second gallery location in the Belgian seaside town of Knokke. The new, larger space features high ceilings and natural light, designed to support more ambitious presentations of its artists' work, and is launching with an exhibition by Juliette Clovis.