Art Basel Paris Names 206 Exhibitors for 2026 Edition

Art Basel Paris has announced the 206 galleries from 41 countries and territories that will participate in its 2026 edition, returning to the Grand Palais from October 23–25 with preview days on October 21–22. This marks the first edition under new director Karim Crippa, who replaced inaugural director Clément Délepine after Délepine left for Lafayette Anticipations. Nearly 30 first-time exhibitors include Hong Kong’s Empty Gallery, Dubai’s Green Art Gallery, Berlin’s ChertLüdde and Kraupa-Tuskany Zeidler, and New York’s Olney Gleason and Pace Di Donna Schrader Galleries. The fair is divided into three sectors: Galeries (181 galleries), Emergence (16 galleries for young galleries and solo presentations), and Premise (9 galleries for thematic and historical works). A dozen galleries are sharing booths, including Nicoletti and Seventeen from London, Tina Kim and Take Ninagawa from Tokyo, and Michael Rosenfeld Gallery with Jeffrey Deitch from New York and Los Angeles.

The Dealers: Rajiv Menon Connects Cultures

This article from Contemporary Art Review LA profiles dealer Rajiv Menon, focusing on his role in connecting cultures through art. The piece, part of the magazine's regular 'The Dealers' series, includes photos and text by Claire Preston and appears in Issue 44 (May 2026), alongside other features on contemporary archives, censorship, and reviews of exhibitions in Los Angeles and beyond.

Interview with Reynaldo Rivera

Watching You, Watching Me: On Panteha Abareshi and the Spectacle of Illness

‘His last kiss to the world’: David Hockney’s return to Yorkshire triggered a glorious reawakening

David Hockney's return to Yorkshire in the early 21st century marked a dramatic shift in his artistic focus, from the glamorous swimming pools and California light of his early career to the landscapes of the English countryside. The article recounts a visit to the blockbuster exhibition "David Hockney 25" at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris, which emphasized his later works—iPad paintings of his Normandy garden, Yorkshire fields, hay bales, and ponds—arguing they rival his famous early pieces. The author also shares personal memories of dining with Hockney after a private visit to the National Gallery, where the artist discussed his theories on Old Masters' use of camera obscura, and describes Hockney's life in Bridlington, where he painted en plein air in a style reminiscent of French Impressionists.

Lovers, housewives, deserts and dogs: David Hockney’s greatest works – in pictures

The Guardian presents a curated selection of David Hockney's greatest works, spanning from his early homoerotic paintings of the 1960s to his monumental iPad epic of Normandy. The article features iconic pieces such as "A Bigger Splash" (1967), "Portrait of an Artist (Pool With Two Figures)" (1972), and "Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy" (1970-71), each accompanied by insights into Hockney's creative process, personal relationships, and cultural context. The works trace his evolution from capturing the sun-drenched pools of Los Angeles to the vast, psychedelic landscapes of Yorkshire.

‘Suggestive toothpaste tubes shooting into mouths’: David Hockney’s winking celebration of queer life

David Hockney's early paintings, including 'We Two Boys Together Clinging' (1961) and 'Cleaning Teeth, Early Evening (10pm) W11' (1962), are examined as pioneering expressions of queer identity in British art. The article highlights how Hockney used coded imagery—such as suggestive toothpaste tubes and intimate domestic scenes—to depict same-sex desire while evading censorship laws, long before homosexuality was partially decriminalized in England and Wales. His move to Los Angeles in 1964 allowed him to portray gay life more openly, with works like 'Peter Getting Out of Nick’s Pool' and 'A Bigger Splash' becoming iconic symbols of queer domesticity and desire.

From Olivia Rodrigo to The Fall of Sir Douglas Weatherford: your complete entertainment guide to the week ahead

This week's entertainment guide from The Guardian highlights several art exhibitions opening in London and Hastings. Henry Moore and Lucian Freud are paired at Hastings Contemporary (13 June–13 September) in a show exploring family bonds. Anish Kapoor returns to the Hayward Gallery (16 June–18 October) with monumental mirrored sculptures and Vantablack works. The Royal Academy of Arts opens its annual Summer Exhibition (16 June–23 August), the world's oldest open-submission show. Other cultural events include Steven Spielberg's new UFO film, Kamasi Washington at Meltdown festival, and a Scottish comedy drama.

What Comes After Grow-or-Go? How Goodman Gallery Changed Course

Goodman Gallery, founded in 1966 in Johannesburg and now with spaces in Cape Town, London, and New York, is undergoing a major restructuring amid a prolonged art market downturn. Owner Liza Essers, who has run the gallery since 2008, saw profits fall 58% in 2024 despite rising revenue, and decided to cut costs aggressively while investing in a more sustainable business model. The gallery is launching a new digital platform ahead of Art Basel, where it will present high-value works by artists including El Anatsui, Kapwani Kiwanga, and Yinka Shonibare. Essers has also dropped several underperforming art fairs, including Frieze London, Singapore, Miami Basel, and FOG.

What Was the Art World Like the Last Time the Knicks Were in the Championship?

The article draws a parallel between the New York Knicks' long absence from the NBA championship and the state of the art world during their last two key moments: 1999 and 1973. In 1999, the Knicks lost the finals to the San Antonio Spurs, and the art world was markedly different—the 48th Venice Biennale, titled "dAPERTutto" and curated by Harald Szeemann, established the modern biennial format; the Whitney Biennial had just begun hiring external curators; and the global art fair boom had not yet started, with Art Basel Miami Beach and Frieze Art Fair still years away. Tate Modern was about to open, commissioning Louise Bourgeois's iconic spider sculpture *Maman* (1999), while the Young British Artists dominated headlines, culminating in the controversial "Sensation" exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum, which sparked a culture war with then-mayor Rudy Giuliani over Chris Ofili's *The Holy Virgin Mary* (1996).

The Art World Remembers David Hockney: ‘A True Lover of Life’

The art world mourns the loss of British painter David Hockney, who died peacefully at his home at age 88. A leader of the British Pop Art movement since the 1960s, Hockney was known for his vivid paintings, iPad drawings, and iconic personal style. Curators and artists who worked closely with him, including Chris Stephens, Stephanie Barron, Stuart Comer, Sam McKinnis, and Kojo Marfo, shared tributes highlighting his constant reinvention, joyful curiosity, and profound impact on contemporary art. At his death, Hockney held the auction record for the highest-valued living artist.

The Wit and Wisdom of David Hockney

David Hockney, the British artist known for his vibrant California scenes and iPad drawings, is the subject of a feature that collects eight of his best quotes, aphorisms, and one-liners. The article recounts his rebellious student days at the Royal College of Art, where he refused to submit a life drawing of a female model and an academic essay, instead offering a drawing of a male bodybuilder titled "Life Painting for a Diploma." It also includes his sharp opinions on fellow artists—calling Damien Hirst's paintings "terrible" and Jeff Koons "a terrible painter"—as well as reflections on the disappearance of bohemian culture, the importance of faces in art, and his belief that viewers should judge artists by their work, not their words.

David Hockney, Painter Who Captured the Sensibility of ’60s Los Angeles, Is Dead at 88

David Hockney, the iconic British painter best known for his vibrant depictions of 1960s Los Angeles, has died at age 88. His publicist Erica Bolton confirmed he passed away peacefully at his home in London on Thursday, June 11, just one month before his 89th birthday. Over six decades, Hockney created a vast body of work spanning painting, drawing, and printmaking, capturing people and places from London to Normandy with a distinctive, unconcerned approach to contemporary trends. Tributes poured in from figures including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Tate Britain director Alex Farquharson, who praised Hockney's courage and joy in seeing the world anew. Tate Britain plans a major exhibition of his work next year, alongside a multimedia installation at Tate Modern.

Edvard Munch’s chocolate factory series shines a light on the public artist he wanted to be

An exhibition titled "Edvard Munch and the Chocolate Factory" has opened at the Munch Museum in Oslo, running until 11 October. It centers on Munch's rarely seen public works, including a preparatory sketch for Oslo City Hall discovered crumpled in snow after his death, and his 12-painting series for the Freia Chocolate Factory's canteen, completed in 1922. The show also highlights his monumental 1916 decorations for the University of Oslo's Aula, such as "The Sun" and "The History," which he created after a mental breakdown and a stay at a Copenhagen clinic.

Drawings by Willem de Kooning, the ‘last Old Master’, take centre stage in Chicago show

A new exhibition at the Art Institute of Chicago, titled 'Willem de Kooning Drawing,' brings together more than 200 works spanning seven decades, including drawings, paintings, prints, and sculptures by the Dutch American artist Willem de Kooning (1904-97). Curated by Kevin Salatino, the show explores drawing as a concept rather than a theme, featuring iconic pieces like 'Excavation' (1950) and 'Woman I' (1950-52) alongside rare works never before shown publicly, such as early caricatures, crucifixion depictions, and drawings made with the artist's eyes closed. The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of de Kooning's arrival in the US and is the Art Institute's first major show of his work since 1969.

Peroxide mop, statement specs, tweed suits and quirky crocs: David Hockney’s genius for fashion

David Hockney, the renowned British artist, is celebrated for his distinctive personal style, which has evolved from his teenage self-portrait in a blue coat and red scarf to his trademark peroxide hair, round spectacles, rugby shirts, tweed suits, and quirky accessories like yellow Crocs worn to meet King Charles in 2022. The article traces his fashion journey through decades, noting how his unstudied, colorful ensembles—often documented in his own self-portraits—have made him a style icon, inspiring designers such as Christopher Bailey at Burberry and Paul Smith.

David Hockney, an artist of brio and versatility, with global recognition beyond the art world, has died, aged 88

David Hockney, the celebrated British artist known for his vibrant paintings, prints, and set designs, has died at home at the age of 88. Born in Bradford in 1937, he rose to fame as a key figure in British Pop Art after studying at the Royal College of Art, and his career spanned over six decades, encompassing works that ranged from intimate portraits to large-scale landscapes, often incorporating innovative techniques like iPad drawing.

David Hockney – a life in pictures

David Hockney, the celebrated British artist known for iconic works such as *A Bigger Splash* and his vibrant landscapes, has died at the age of 88. The Guardian marks his passing with a photo essay tracing his life from his early days in Bradford to international fame, featuring images of his studio work, exhibitions at the Pompidou Centre and the Royal Academy, and his later years painting nature on vast canvases.

‘David Hockney caught the look of the modern world’: a tribute to the artist whose work was a feast of visual pleasure

The Guardian publishes a tribute to David Hockney, celebrating his lifelong career as an artist who captured the look and feel of the modern world with unabashed visual pleasure. The article traces his journey from a childhood in Bradford, through his student years at the Royal College of Art, to his embrace of Los Angeles as a vision of paradise. It highlights key works such as 'A Bigger Splash' and 'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)', the latter selling for $90.3 million in 2018, and discusses his relaxed depiction of gay life, his role as both participant and observer in the new freedoms of the 1960s, and his enduring influence as the 'Matisse of pop art'.

French Scientists Have Developed a New Technology To Help Identify Forged Artworks

Scientists at the Polytechnic University of Hauts-de-France in Valenciennes have published a study in the June 2026 issue of *Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties* introducing a new method to authenticate artworks and identify forgeries. Led by Francois Berkmans, Ludovic Nys, and Maxence Bigerelle, the research uses surface metrology—analyzing the texture and topography of brushstrokes like a fingerprint—via high-resolution scans. They tested the technique on nine van Gogh paintings, correctly flagging a known fake as a "strong outlier" and confirming the authenticity of *Sunset at Montmajour*, which the Van Gogh Museum had already validated in 2013.

‘She slept in the hallway on a lawn chair’: how Bettina’s astonishing art outgrew her Chelsea Hotel room

The article profiles Bettina Grossman, known simply as Bettina, a reclusive artist who lived and worked in a small room at New York's Chelsea Hotel for decades. Her room was filled to the brim with Xeroxed word art, geometric sculptures, photographs, and collections of leaves, reflecting 40 years of fervent creative output. Artist Yto Barrada, who edited a book about Bettina, describes the overwhelming accumulation of works that forced Bettina to sleep on a lawn chair in the hallway. Bettina's work, including sculptures, photographs, and films, is now featured in an exhibition called 'Bettina: Finite Structures' as part of the Glasgow International festival, showcasing pieces like a newly digitized 8mm animation and distorted photographic reflections of skyscrapers.

Scientists Think They’ve Found a New Way to Spot Fake Van Goghs

Researchers from the University Polytechnique Hauts-de-France have published the most comprehensive study yet testing whether surface metrology—a technique that analyzes an artwork's texture—can authenticate paintings like fingerprints. By converting high-resolution images of eight Vincent van Gogh works into topographical maps and calculating fractal dimension values, the team established a baseline for the artist's brushstroke complexity. They then tested two previously contested paintings: Sunset at Montmajour (1888), validated by the Van Gogh Museum in 2013, proved consistent with van Gogh's fractal values, while the forgery The Plowmen did not. The study appears in Surface Topography: Metrology and Properties.

The Phillips Collection receives largest gift in museum’s history

The Phillips Collection in Washington, DC, has received a $15 million gift from the Sherman Fairchild Foundation, the largest single donation in the museum's history. The funds will be allocated primarily to the museum's endowment ($12 million) for long-term maintenance, conservation staffing, and digital systems, with additional support for the museum's satellite space Phillips@THEARC and a new annual initiative called Art-Play-Practice. The inaugural installation will reference Sam Gilliam's 1972 work 'Broad Cape.' Director Jonathan P. Binstock, who joined in 2023, has led a strategic planning process that identified infrastructure and staffing needs as critical priorities.

Museum Rietberg’s A Kind of Paradise: Colonial-Era Photography in Contemporary Art is Balm for the Scars of European Conquest

A new group exhibition titled *A Kind of Paradise: Colonial-Era Photography in Contemporary Art* has opened at Museum Rietberg in Zurich, featuring twenty artists from the diasporas of Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia, and Oceania. The show examines how colonial-era photography was used as a tool of mythmaking and objectification, and presents contemporary artworks that reinterpret, critique, and heal the scars left by these historical images. The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections—'Shapeshifters,' 'Confrontation,' 'Care,' and 'In the Photo Fantastic'—each exploring different strategies for recovering silenced narratives and challenging dominant colonial perspectives.

London’s Gallery Scene Is Full of Contradictions. Its Art Is, Too.

London's gallery scene during the June 2026 London Gallery Weekend presented a stark contrast: while Cork Street saw abandoned storefronts from departed galleries like Tiwani and Stephen Friedman, and Pace Gallery downsized, new arrivals Sundaram Tagore and Lehmann Maupin celebrated openings alongside expanding midsize galleries Edel Assanti and Emalin. A total of 126 galleries participated from June 5–7. Notable exhibitions included Thomas Houseago's spiritual installation at Lévy Gorvy Dayan featuring antiquities and modern works, Oliver Beer's sound-vibration paintings at Thaddaeus Ropac, Anne Imhof's Berlin-coded sculptures at Sprüth Magers, and a performance art 'spiritual marriage' at Gallery Rosenfeld. The article highlights a renewed interest in spirituality and nostalgia across shows, with South Asian art becoming increasingly central to London's cultural identity.

John Claridge obituary

John Claridge, a celebrated advertising photographer known for his iconic campaigns for Rolls-Royce, Porsche, and Jack Daniels, has died at age 81. His career spanned decades and earned multiple awards, but he is most revered for his black-and-white photographs of London's East End in the 1960s and 1970s, collected in the 2016 monograph "East End." Claridge's work is held in major institutions including the V&A, the National Portrait Gallery, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

What Is The Game of Exquisite Corpse, and Why Do Artists Still Play It?

The article explains the Surrealist game Exquisite Corpse (cadavre exquis), where participants collaboratively draw sections of a human body on folded paper without seeing each other's contributions, resulting in strange, hybrid figures. Originating in 1925 at Marcel Duhamel's Paris home, the game was developed by André Breton, Marcel Duchamp, Jacques Prévert, and Yves Tanguy, taking its name from a phrase generated in an earlier writing game. The Surrealists used it to access automatism and the unconscious, fostering wild experimentation through low-stakes materials.

‘The people made me a star’: 100 years of Marilyn Monroe – in pictures

A new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London, titled 'Marilyn Monroe: A Portrait', explores the life, career, and legacy of Marilyn Monroe through portraits created by many of the greatest photographers and artists of the 20th and 21st centuries. The show runs until 6 September and features iconic images from her early modeling days as Norma Jeane to her final interviews and photographs in 1962, including works by Milton H. Greene, Eve Arnold, Cecil Beaton, Pauline Boty, and Andy Warhol.

Daft Punk’s Thomas Bangalter Talks About Making Music for Art Projects and Robot Life as Performance

Thomas Bangalter, one half of the iconic French electronic duo Daft Punk, has been expanding his creative practice into visual art and performance since the group's dissolution in 2021. He has composed music for ballets, collaborated with artist JR and choreographer Damien Jalet on the project Chiroptera, and released a new album, Mirage, made for a ballet with visual artist Kohei Nawa. Bangalter also contributed a sound work to JR's public art installation La Caverne du Pont Neuf in Paris, and will present an installation at Art Basel in Switzerland. He recently played a surprise DJ set at the closing of Centre Pompidou for renovations.

MoMA exhibition will examine Mondrian’s time in New York and love of boogie woogie music

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York will present "Mondrian Boogie Woogie" (March 21–July 31, 2027), an exhibition focusing on Piet Mondrian's final four years in New York and the influence of boogie woogie music on his late work. The show reunites Mondrian's last two paintings—Broadway Boogie Woogie (1942-43) from MoMA's collection and Victory Boogie Woogie (1942-44) from the Kunstmuseum Den Haag—for the first time in over thirty years, alongside 30 total works including pieces from a crate he brought to New York. A section will explore Café Society, New York's first interracial nightclub where Mondrian was a regular, and jazz pianist Jason Moran will contribute an original composition.