Yto Barrada Says France Had ‘Full Awareness’ of Her Views on Israel When It Chose Her for Venice Biennale

Artist Yto Barrada, selected to represent France at the Venice Biennale, has stated that the French government and pavilion organizers were fully aware of her political views when they chose her. This follows criticism from the Representative Council of French Jewish Institutions (CRIF), which denounced Barrada for signing an open letter calling for Israel's exclusion from the Biennale and suggested the government should force her to withdraw her signature.

France's Château La Coste hosts four decades of work by designer Marc Newson

Australian designer Marc Newson is presenting a comprehensive survey of his four-decade career at Château La Coste in Provence. The exhibition, housed in a pavilion designed by Oscar Niemeyer, features fifteen seminal works including the iconic 1988 Lockheed Lounge and a complex 2017 glass armchair. A highlight of the show is the 6-meter-tall sculpture 'Electra,' originally commissioned for the 1996 Olympics but never installed, which has been restored and recently acquired by collector Philip Serafim.

Unlike Josh Kline, I Choose New York

Artist Josh Kline’s recent essay on the devastating impact of New York City’s real estate market on the arts has sparked a heated debate regarding the city's future as a creative hub. While Kline argues that the 'polycrisis' of high rents and student debt is stifling artists born after 1975, this response critiques his generational focus, suggesting that the struggle for affordability is a structural issue affecting artists of all ages, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds who have faced these barriers for decades.

Raymond Saunders at David Zwirner

The David Zwirner gallery in Los Angeles is presenting "Raymond Saunders: Notes from LA," a solo exhibition of the late artist's work. The show, curated by Ebony L. Haynes, runs from February 24 to April 25, 2026, and features works courtesy of the artist's estate.

‘One simple gesture says it all’: the world in black and white – in pictures

Photographer Marina Sersale has released a new monograph titled 'Liminal Space,' published by Gost, which compiles over a decade of monochrome photography. The collection features dramatic black-and-white images captured between 2013 and 2021 across diverse locations including Italy, Japan, Iran, and the United States. Sersale, a former documentary filmmaker, focuses on the interplay of light and shadow to document fleeting, everyday moments—from sunbathers in Positano to commuters in Naples.

Gilles Bloch: "The Museum needs 1.1 billion euros"

Gilles Bloch : « Le Muséum a besoin de 1,1 milliard d’euros »

Gilles Bloch, president of the Muséum national d’histoire naturelle in Paris, has issued an urgent call for €1.1 billion in funding to address the critical state of the institution's infrastructure. Ahead of its 400th anniversary in 2026, a diagnostic report reveals that 74% of the museum's 120 buildings are in poor condition, with several galleries currently closed to the public or suffering from inadequate climate control. The requested funds would cover €500 million in emergency repairs to stabilize decaying structures and a further €600 million for long-term modernization and energy efficiency upgrades.

Honoring Frederic Church: Beyond the Hudson River School

Art historians and curators are re-evaluating the legacy of Frederic Church, arguing that his contributions extend far beyond his traditional classification as a Hudson River School landscape painter. New research highlights his sophisticated engagement with 19th-century science, his architectural achievements at his estate, Olana, and his role as a global traveler who captured the spirit of the Andes and the Arctic.

Bose Krishnamachari’s resignation from Kochi Biennale came after sexual harassment allegations

Bose Krishnamachari resigned as director of the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and from the board of its foundation in January. The Kochi Biennale Foundation chairperson has now stated the resignation followed a December complaint alleging Krishnamachari sexually harassed a female employee at his apartment, making unwanted remarks and advances. Krishnamachari had initially cited family reasons for his departure.

An Urgent Call From Artists and Curators of the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia 2026

A group of seventy-four artists and curators participating in the 61st Venice Biennale have issued an urgent letter to the institution's leadership, including director Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The signatories are protesting the decision to relocate the Israeli Pavilion to the Arsenale, placing it in close proximity to the central exhibition, "In Minor Keys," which was conceived by the late curator Koyo Kouoh. The group argues that this relocation violates Kouoh’s curatorial vision of radical solidarity and introduces a threatening military and police presence into the exhibition space.

Bristol Arts & Culture Commission approves public art, museum exhibit funding

The Bristol Arts & Culture Commission has approved funding for several local initiatives, including a historic amusement exhibit titled "Laff in the Dark" by artist Charlie Burnham at the Carousel Museum. Other key developments include the announcement of a new worker-centric exhibition at the American Clock & Watch Museum and the commissioning of a public heart sculpture by artist Eva Mendoza to commemorate the upcoming America 250 celebrations.

Art museum paints a picture of despair

The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Art Museum in Gqeberha is facing a catastrophic institutional collapse due to years of municipal neglect and a 64% staff vacancy rate. A recent report reveals that the museum’s priceless collection—which includes works by George Pemba, Gladys Mgudlandlu, and LS Lowry—is being threatened by leaking roofs, spreading mold, and failing fire and security systems. While the galleries have been closed to the public for over a year, the facility currently lacks a qualified conservator to address the mounting damage to its historical and contemporary holdings.

Sotheby’s Sued by Cushman and Wakefield Over Unpaid $10.2 Million Commission

Real estate brokerage Cushman and Wakefield has filed a lawsuit against Sotheby’s, alleging the auction house failed to pay a $10.2 million commission following the $510 million sale of its former York Avenue headquarters to Weill Cornell Medicine. The broker claims that under a 2023 agreement, they were entitled to a 2-percent fee if the medical school transitioned from a tenant to a buyer, a deal that was finalized in 2025. Sotheby’s has dismissed the lawsuit as "baseless," asserting they will be vindicated in court.

London's Southbank Centre to receive £10m government funding boost

The UK government has announced a £10 million funding boost for London’s Southbank Centre as part of a broader £128 million investment package for 130 cultural venues nationwide. Administered by Arts Council England, the grant is earmarked for urgent infrastructure repairs, including fixing leaking roofs and modernizing rigging systems, coinciding with the center's 75th anniversary. Other major beneficiaries of the Creative Foundations Fund include the Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art and Firstsite gallery.

The estate of American painter Martha Diamond will be represented by Thaddaeus Ropac.

The estate of American painter Martha Diamond, who died in 2023, has been signed for representation by the international gallery Thaddaeus Ropac. The gallery will collaborate with the Martha Diamond Trust and David Kordansky Gallery to manage and promote her artistic legacy.

Suspended Labyrinth of Woven Pathways Invites Visitors To Wander in Midair

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) has reinstalled Ernesto Neto’s monumental site-specific commission, "SunForceOceanLife," in its Cullinan Hall. The immersive installation consists of a massive, hand-woven crochet labyrinth suspended 12 feet in the air, featuring a vibrant color palette that symbolizes the cyclical relationship between the sun, sea, and earth. Visitors are invited to walk through the spiral pathways, which are filled with soft plastic balls designed to challenge their balance and induce a meditative state.

Exhibit traces 250 years of American history at Greenville County Museum of Art

The Greenville County Museum of Art has launched "American Stories," a comprehensive exhibition drawn from its permanent collection to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States. Featuring pivotal works such as Thomas Sully’s "Passage of the Delaware," the show spans two centuries of artistic production to explore the complexities of the American experience, from the Revolutionary War to the modern era.

Senior Thea Merritt Curates Exhibition About Artist Robert E. Mueller

Monmouth University senior Thea Merritt has curated the exhibition "Robert Mueller: Man and Machine" at the Ice House Gallery, focusing on the interdisciplinary legacy of the late artist and scientist Robert E. Mueller. Drawing from a massive estate donation of 1,500 objects, Merritt selected works that highlight Mueller’s unique fusion of electronic science, philosophy, and fine arts. The show represents the culmination of Merritt's work cataloging the collection and her research into contemporary curatorial practices.

An open letter to La Biennale di Venezia calls out inaction in the face of global atrocities

A group of 74 artists and curators invited to the 61st Venice Biennale have issued an open letter to the institution's president, Pietrangelo Buttafuoco. The signatories are protesting the decision to relocate the Israeli Pavilion to the Arsenale, placing it in close proximity to the central exhibition 'In Minor Keys' curated by the late Koyo Kouoh. The letter demands the exclusion of official delegations from countries accused of war crimes—specifically Israel, Russia, and the United States—and accuses the Biennale of complicity through its silence on global atrocities.

For Lovers Of Design, the High Museum Has A Treat For You

The High Museum of Art in Atlanta has launched "Isamu Noguchi: ‘I am not a designer’," the first major design retrospective of the artist’s work in nearly 25 years. Featuring approximately 200 objects, the exhibition spans Noguchi's diverse career, from early commercial products like the Radio Nurse and fashion illustrations to his iconic furniture for Herman Miller and Knoll. The show is organized thematically, exploring how Noguchi blurred the lines between industrial design, architecture, and fine art.

Multimedia Art Exhibitions

The Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami, has launched "Perfect Nonsense," a comprehensive survey of Harmony Korine’s multidisciplinary career. Curated by Alex Gartenfeld, the exhibition features a vast array of works spanning film, painting, installation, and digital media, marking the artist's first major museum survey in the United States. The presentation highlights Korine’s experimental visual language, blending analog techniques with gaming aesthetics and contemporary digital culture across several gallery spaces.

Portland Japanese Garden debuts stunning new art exhibition through June 15th

The Portland Japanese Garden has launched its first major exhibition of 2026, "Enduring Impressions: Contemporary Woodblock Prints," running through June 16th. This showcase explores the evolution of mokuhanga, a traditional Japanese woodblock printing technique that originated in the 17th century as an accessible art form for the masses. The exhibition features a diverse array of works ranging from historical masterpieces to contemporary interpretations by artists from Portland, Japan, and across the United States.

America’s First National Art Museum Honors the Country’s 250th

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art has announced a comprehensive suite of exhibitions and programs to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. The programming centers on the museum's unique history as America’s first national art museum, founded through the 1906 bequest of Charles Lang Freer. Key highlights include the exhibition "A Museum in the Making," which examines the institution's Detroit origins, and three major shows dedicated to the collections of American women philanthropists featuring Indian paintings, Chinese textiles, and Japanese lacquerware.

Keith Haring’s iconic art cars headed to NYC gallery

Two of Keith Haring’s rare art cars, a 1963 Buick Special and a 1983 Land Rover Series III, are going on public display in New York City for a limited 10-day engagement. The exhibition, titled "Keith Haring: In the Street," serves as the inaugural show for Free Parking, a new gallery space located in a West Village carriage house. The presentation includes original 3D works and photographs, complemented by a series of talks featuring figures from the 1980s downtown scene like Muna Tseng and Carlo McCormick.

Famous “Walk” by Marc Chagall to be exhibited in Minsk

The National Art Museum of Belarus in Minsk has opened a special exhibition featuring Marc Chagall’s 1917 masterpiece, "The Walk." On loan from the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, the painting is being showcased alongside a VR tour developed by students from the Minsk Hlebau Art College. The exhibition, which runs until July 6, focuses on this singular programmatic work that depicts the artist and his wife, Bella Rosenfeld, in a gravity-defying expression of love.

Tate Modern opens largest ever exhibition of Tracey Emin's work

Tate Modern has launched the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the work of British artist Tracey Emin. The show brings together a vast range of her pieces, spanning several decades of her provocative and confessional career.

Artist Ibrahim Mahama Says Police Attack in Ghana Put His ‘Entire Life On Hold’

Ghanaian contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama announced plans to file charges against the Ghana Police Service after allegedly being violently attacked by officers from a unit called the Black Maria. Mahama states he was accosted on a bus in Tamale, sustaining severe facial injuries including broken teeth and bruising that forced him to cancel an international lecture and work tour. The police have denied the claims, stating the unit in question was not in the region at the time.

40 Years Later, Houston's FotoFest Keeps Its Edge

Houston’s FotoFest is celebrating its 40th anniversary with a massive retrospective titled "Global Visions: FotoFest at 40," featuring over 450 artists from 58 countries. Founded by Wendy Watriss and Frederick Baldwin after a transformative trip to the Rencontres d'Arles, the biennial was established to combat American parochialism by introducing international photography to the U.S. The current iteration spans multiple venues, including the Sawyer Yards Galleries and Project Row Houses, showcasing the festival's history of thematic curation ranging from Russian Pictorialism to contemporary Arab media.

Anarchic Cats Are Ensnared in Chaos in Léo Forest’s Dynamic Drawings

Paris-based artist Léo Forest creates high-energy pencil drawings that capture the chaotic and dramatic nature of domestic cats. Drawing inspiration from the feline's predatory instincts and internet meme culture, Forest utilizes blurred motion and flailing limbs to depict cats in various states of action, from grooming to brawling.

Exhibition | Trishla Jain, 'In Equilibrium' at Sundaram Tagore Gallery, New York, New York, United States

California-based artist Trishla Jain presents her first solo exhibition at Sundaram Tagore Gallery in New York, featuring abstract canvases from her 'Yantra' and 'Tantra' series. The works are deeply rooted in the artist’s lifelong meditation practice and spiritual study, utilizing intricate patterns of dots, dashes, and grids to represent the intangible process of breath awareness. While the 'Yantra' series focuses on mathematical precision and geometric focus, the 'Tantra' series explores fluid, organic arrangements that evoke celestial or topographical forms.

'10 Years LA!' at Sprüth Magers, Los Angeles, United States on 15 May–8 Aug 2026

Sprüth Magers is marking its tenth anniversary in Los Angeles with a comprehensive group exhibition titled '10 Years LA!', running from May 15 to August 8, 2026. The showcase features an extensive roster of the gallery's most influential artists, including local icons like John Baldessari and Ed Ruscha alongside international figures such as Barbara Kruger and Andreas Gursky. Since its 2016 debut on Wilshire Boulevard, the gallery has served as a vital bridge between the European and West Coast art scenes.