Remembering Pearl Fryar, Siri Aurdal, and Frank Stack

The art world mourns the loss of several influential figures, including self-taught topiary artist Pearl Fryar, who transformed a South Carolina cornfield into a botanical landmark, and painter Celeste Dupuy-Spencer, known for her politically charged works featured in the Whitney Biennial. The week's memorials also include Norwegian sculptor Siri Aurdal, a pioneer of industrial materials in the 1960s Scandinavian scene, and Frank Stack, the educator and cartoonist credited with creating the first underground comic.

In Shanghai, a spectacular spiral opera house designed by Snøhetta is revealed

À Shanghai, un spectaculaire opéra en spirale conçu par l’agence Snøhetta se dévoile

The Shanghai Grand Opera House, a massive 147,000-square-meter cultural landmark designed by the Norwegian architectural firm Snøhetta, has reached structural completion in the Houtan district. Inspired by the form of a traditional Chinese fan, the building features a dramatic white helical roof that doubles as a public walkway, connecting the urban landscape to the waterfront. The interior, which includes a 2,000-seat main hall and various modular spaces, is currently being finalized ahead of a scheduled opening in the second half of 2026.

Don’t miss open exhibition at Margate Art Museum

The Margate Art Museum is currently hosting its annual open art exhibition, featuring the work of South Coast-based artist Celeste van der Merwe. Her highlighted painting, 'Knitting the Nations: Will I See Them Again?', depicts a woman knitting textured patches that represent different continents and countries. The piece uses symbolism to explore the emotional weight of global migration and the fragility of family bonds when loved ones are scattered across the world.

Helena Samarasinghe at Camberwell Space

British-South Asian artist Helena Samarasinghe is presenting her debut solo exhibition, "Reaching, Touching, Shedding," at Camberwell Space in London. The show features a series of vibrant drawings and sculptural cut-out installations that explore the intersections of sport, power, and identity. Developed during her residency as the 2024 Vanguard Prize winner, the works utilize oil, soft pastels, and charcoal to depict brown women engaged in activities like football, wrestling, and athletics, drawing stylistic inspiration from 19th-century Bengali Kalighat painting.

lincoln center mural kicks off project improve access damrosch park 1234781277

Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has unveiled a new large-scale mural titled "The Future We Create" by Spanish artist Vanesa Álvarez and local artist Derval Fairweather. Installed on construction fencing along Amsterdam Avenue, the vibrant public artwork was produced in collaboration with the nonprofit ArtBridge. The design was informed by community workshops involving local residents and students, transforming a temporary urban barrier into a celebratory visual narrative.