Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s new David Geffen Galleries reframe 6,000 years of history

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) is preparing to open its new $720m David Geffen Galleries, a massive undulating concrete structure designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Peter Zumthor. Spanning Wilshire Boulevard, the new building adds 110,000 square feet of gallery space and 3.5 acres of public parkland, marking the completion of a two-decade capital project led by Director Michael Govan. The facility will house the museum’s permanent collection, which has been largely out of public view for seven years, and features innovative exhibition strategies such as hanging artworks directly onto concrete walls.

Miami Beach’s Bass Museum picks architect for new pavilion

The Bass Museum of Art in Miami Beach has appointed the Los Angeles-based architecture firm Johnston Marklee to design a new 22,000-square-foot pavilion. The expansion, funded in part by a $20.1 million municipal bond, will occupy a site currently used for parking and will feature an elevated gallery designed to withstand South Florida’s environmental challenges, alongside an outdoor patio and performance stage.

‘This scene is alive’: Abidjan art week showcases city as growing cultural hub

The third edition of Abidjan Art Week recently concluded in Côte d’Ivoire, featuring extended gallery hours, bus tours, and exhibitions across diverse neighborhoods from the administrative Plateau district to the working-class area of Abobo. The event saw a significant expansion this year, with the number of participating galleries more than doubling and featuring artists from across the continent, including Cameroon, Mali, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

SP-Arte underscores Latin America’s resilient rise amid global market recalibration

The 22nd edition of SP-Arte has opened at São Paulo’s Oscar Niemeyer-designed pavilion, featuring over 180 galleries and design studios. While global art markets face a period of recalibration, the Latin American sector—and Brazil in particular—is reporting significant growth, including a 21% year-on-year increase in sales for Brazilian dealers according to the latest Art Basel and UBS report.

The Beautiful Renaissance of the [mac] in Marseille

La belle renaissance du [mac] à Marseille

The [mac] (Musée d’Art Contemporain) in Marseille is undergoing a significant revival following years of stagnation and underfunding. Under the new leadership of Stéphanie Airaud, who was appointed in 2023, the museum has completed major renovations including updated storage facilities, a new rooftop terrace, and a reorganized gallery layout. The institution is leveraging its impressive but previously underutilized collection of over 1,000 works—featuring masters like Basquiat, Klein, and Saint Phalle—while actively working to correct historical gender imbalances and strengthen ties to Mediterranean contemporary art.

New Bienal de Yucatán to spotlight Mexican region’s growing art scene

The city of Mérida is set to host the inaugural Bienal de Yucatán from November 2026 to February 2027, marking a significant milestone for the region's burgeoning contemporary art scene. Spearheaded by patron and curator Catherine Petitgas with artist Abraham Cruzvillegas serving as artistic director, the biennial aims to provide a formal platform for the city's dense ecosystem of over 40 galleries, international artist studios, and the Universidad de las Artes de Yucatán (UNAY). The announcement follows the successful debut of the Week of Art Yucatán (WAY), a multi-venue festival that showcased the city's unique blend of repurposed industrial spaces and traditional haciendas.

Who Do Chicago’s Art Fairs Serve?

Expo Chicago and its satellite fairs serve as a complex barometer for the Midwestern arts ecosystem, highlighting both the successes of local representation and the tensions of institutional growth. While galleries like Andrew Rafacz and Corbett vs. Dempsey demonstrate viable career paths for Chicago-based artists like Melissa Leandro and Gabrielle Garland, the fair's shifting structure reveals a narrowing field for smaller nonprofits.

Which City Will Be the Next Asian Art Hub? That’s the Wrong Question

The traditional quest to identify a single dominant Asian art hub is being challenged by the organic growth of decentralized scenes in cities like Bangkok and Hanoi. While Hong Kong and Seoul remain established centers, private initiatives and artist-led projects in Thailand and Vietnam are building resilient, hybrid ecosystems that prioritize long-term structural depth over immediate auction results. From the opening of Dib Bangkok to experimental exhibitions in Hanoi, these cities are transitioning from peripheral status to significant cultural players through a mix of private museums, biennials, and non-profit platforms.

Which Country’s Art Market Came Out on Top in 2025?

The United States solidified its position as the world's leading art market in 2025, with fine-art auction sales rising 25.3 percent to reach $5.4 billion. Despite early volatility caused by trade tariffs, a surging stock market and cooling inflation fueled a massive November auction season in New York, where nine of the year's ten most expensive artworks were sold. In contrast, China's market contracted by nearly 11 percent due to a persistent property crisis, while the United Kingdom and France saw significant growth, with Paris benefiting from the momentum of Art Basel Paris.

Nicéphore Niépce in 2 Minutes

Nicéphore Niépce en 2 minutes

Joseph Nicéphore Niépce, a Burgundian engineer and inventor, is credited with creating the world's first permanent photograph, "Point de vue du Gras," in 1827. Using a process he termed heliography, Niépce utilized bitumen of Judea on pewter plates to fix images captured in a camera obscura. Despite his groundbreaking achievement, he died in relative obscurity in 1833, shortly after entering a partnership with Louis Daguerre, who would later receive the primary credit for the invention of photography.

Frame of Reference

Memphis is undergoing a significant transformation of its cultural landscape as the city's major art institutions evolve to meet modern community needs. The Memphis Brooks Museum of Art is preparing for a landmark move to a new riverfront location where it will be renamed the Memphis Art Museum, offering 50 percent more gallery space. This expansion follows decades of growth for the city's "big three" institutions—the Brooks, the Dixon Gallery & Gardens, and the Metal Museum—which have anchored the local scene since the mid-1970s.

Latin American Art: Structural Growth between Market and Institutions

Latin American Art: Structural Growth between Market and Institutions

Latin American contemporary art is experiencing structural growth and increased global visibility between 2024 and 2026, moving beyond speculative trends toward deep-seated institutional legitimacy. This shift is highlighted by the prominent inclusion of regional artists in major international platforms, most notably the 2026 Venice Biennale and the Pinault Collection. Key figures such as Rosanna Paulino, Adriana Varejão, and Paulo Nazareth are leading this movement, utilizing diverse media to explore themes of post-colonialism, racial violence, and ecological memory.

Lyman Allyn Museum Director Sam Quigley to Retire

Sam Quigley, the director of the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in New London, Connecticut, has announced his retirement after 12 years at the helm. During his tenure, Quigley was instrumental in modernizing the institution by establishing the Near :: New Gallery for regional contemporary art, creating a permanent Louis Comfort Tiffany exhibition, and overseeing the development of the 12-acre Lyman Allyn Park. He also significantly bolstered the permanent collection with acquisitions by major figures such as John Singer Sargent and David Driskell.

“Constellations”: Jewelry as Art

The Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) has launched "Constellations: Contemporary Jewelry," its first exhibition dedicated exclusively to its contemporary jewelry collection. The show features hundreds of pieces organized into four thematic sections—Zones of the Body, Archetypes, Signals, and Play—alongside a historical retrospective titled "Connecting the Dots." The exhibition highlights experimental and often impractical works that blur the lines between wearable objects and sculpture, featuring artists such as Brian Fleetwood, Joyce J. Scott, and Peter Chang.

The Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair Has Taken Off Its Training Wheels

The Brooklyn Fine Art Print Fair (BFAPF) has returned for its second edition at Powerhouse Arts, expanding significantly from its inaugural "beta test" last year. The fair now features over 60 exhibitors, including a diverse mix of independent print shops, academic departments, self-represented artists, and established international galleries. This year's iteration emphasizes experimental mixed-media practices and a rigorous juried selection process, moving beyond traditional printmaking to include illuminated plexiglass screenprints and sculptural paper works.

Sun, Sea, and Security

"Sonne, Meer und Sicherheit"

The Art Cologne Palma Mallorca art fair has emerged as a strategic hub for wealthy German collectors, positioning the Mediterranean island as a safe and accessible alternative to more volatile global markets. While sales have been strongest in the lower price segments, the fair's revival highlights a trend toward 'lifestyle' art events that prioritize security and leisure. Simultaneously, the German art market faces a broader crisis of regionalization, where galleries are increasingly focusing on local buyers despite declining overall sales and a lack of transformative economic growth.

The Museums That Helped Power Atlanta’s Rise Are Still Pushing Ahead

Atlanta’s cultural landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as its major museums spearhead ambitious expansions and programming shifts. Institutions like the High Museum of Art, the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art, and the Atlanta Contemporary are leveraging the city's economic growth and its status as a hub for Black culture to redefine their roles within the community. These developments include physical renovations, record-breaking acquisitions, and a renewed focus on local and diverse artistic voices.

8 Deer Park Students Featured In LI Museum Art Exhibit

Eight students from the Deer Park School District have been selected to feature their work in the annual "Colors of Long Island" student art exhibition at the Long Island Museum. The participants range from primary school first graders to high school juniors, with their pieces curated by district art teachers Briana Fayans, Samantha Racano, Ashley Woolsley, and Rebecca Yackel.

Emerging Practices and New Languages: This is How Pinta Lima 2026 is Shaped

EMERGING PRACTICES AND NEW LANGUAGES THIS IS HOW PINTA LIMA 2026 IS SHAPED

Pinta Lima has announced the details for its 13th edition, scheduled to take place from April 23 to 26, 2026, at Casa Prado. Under the artistic direction of Irene Gelfman, the fair will feature 45 galleries from 15 international cities, with nearly 70% of participants arriving from outside Peru. The event is structured into five specialized sections, including the Main Section, RADAR (curated by Ilaria Conti), NEXT (curated by Juan Canela), and dedicated spaces for video and special projects.

Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial showcases regional artists at HRAC

The Hammond Regional Arts Center (HRAC) has launched the 9th Marjorie Morrison Sculpture Biennial, a regional showcase curated by Jeff Mickey of Southeastern Louisiana University. The exhibition features contemporary works from eleven artists, including Maggie McConnell, Mary Elkins, and Dale Newkirk. The event opened with a dedicated members' mixer followed by a public reception, and the sculptures will remain on display through May 30.

Connecticut Women Artists open 2026 juried exhibition at Art League of New Britain

Connecticut Women Artists has launched its 2026 Members’ Juried Exhibition at the Art League of New Britain, running through May 1. Juried by Janet Warner, an adjunct professor of studio arts, the show features a diverse array of media including painting, sculpture, photography, and fiber arts. The opening festivities included an artist talk by Kate Emery and a public reception featuring an awards presentation to honor standout works from the collection.

‘This cactus looks as if it’s preaching’: Joseph Cyr’s best phone picture

Joseph Cyr, a language teacher and avid trail runner, captured a rare crested saguaro cactus while running in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. The photograph highlights a unique mutation found in only about 75 of the park's estimated two million saguaros, featuring a fan-like growth that gives the plant a distinct, human-like silhouette.

NMU seniors’ art exhibited at DeVos Art Museum

Graduating seniors from Northern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design are showcasing their capstone projects at the DeVos Art Museum in Marquette. The exhibition features work from 20 students across diverse disciplines, including ceramics, illustration, painting, and digital cinema, culminating in a reception and awards ceremony on May 1.

Munson celebrates student accomplishments with exhibits

Munson is hosting two juried exhibitions at the Pratt Munson College of Art and Design to showcase the work of its first-year and sophomore students. The First-Year Exhibition, running from April 10 to May 6, highlights foundational skills and interdisciplinary research, while the Sophomore Exhibition, held from April 17 to May 16, features more specialized work across various media. A public reception for both shows is scheduled for April 25 in the Museum’s Root Court.

Bohol artist Jjawzip debuts solo exhibit “April’s Fool” at Dajon Art Gallery Bohol

Boholano mixed-media artist Joseph “Jjawzip” Ingking has launched his debut physical solo exhibition, “April’s Fool,” at Dajon Art Studio & Gallery in Baclayon, Bohol. The showcase features a series of paired paintings and toy sculptures that explore the recurring character "Energy Kid," a figure shaped by the artist’s personal history. Utilizing vibrant colors and recycled materials, the works—such as “Fragile Freedom” and “Radiance Reimagined”—blend fantasy with social commentary on themes ranging from the fragility of peace to the vitality of creative discovery.

Inside a Black Panther Family Album

Scholar Leigh Raiford examines the personal family archives of Black Panther Party leaders Kathleen and Eldridge Cleaver, specifically focusing on photographs taken during their period of exile in the 1970s. The analysis centers on how domestic objects, such as a zebra-print carver chair and various African artifacts, transitioned from private household items to iconic symbols of Black Power and cultural nationalism in the public sphere.

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) culminates landmark centennial exhibition with “Bye for Now, Here and Now” – a free, public grand finale celebration on Saturday, May 9, 2026

Lehigh University Art Galleries (LUAG) has announced a grand finale celebration titled “Bye for Now, Here and Now” to mark the conclusion of its centennial year. Scheduled for May 9, 2026, the public event serves as both a 100th-anniversary party and a closing reception for the landmark exhibition "Here and Now: 100 Years of LUAG, 100 Local Artists." The evening will feature live music, art-making activities, and opportunities for the public to engage with the 100 regional artists featured in the show.

Briscoe Western Art Museum's annual event hits record $2.3M in art sales, marks 25th anniversary success

The Briscoe Western Art Museum’s 25th anniversary Night of Artists (NOA) Exhibition and Sale achieved a record-breaking $2.345 million in sales during its opening weekend. The event, held in San Antonio, saw 72% of the featured contemporary Western artworks sold immediately, including high-value pieces by Gladys Roldán-de-Moras and Todd Connor. Several prestigious honors were awarded, including the "Cowboy Bob" Museum Purchase Award, which secured Morgan Weistling’s portrait of Buffalo Bill Cody for the museum’s permanent collection.

New dates, new venue, and a new theme: Here is what the Moncalieri emerging photography festival will look like

Nuove date, nuova sede e nuovo tema. Ecco come sarà il festival di fotografia emergente di Moncalieri

Liquida Photofestival has announced the details for its fifth edition, scheduled to take place from April 17 to 19, 2026. The independent festival dedicated to emerging contemporary photography is moving to a new venue at the Real Collegio Carlo Alberto in Moncalieri, near Turin. Under the artistic direction of Laura Tota, the upcoming edition will center on the theme "Learning and Unlearning – (re)writing the rules," featuring a program of exhibitions, talks, and publishing events built primarily through open calls.

The recovery of the art market, collecting trends, and other analyses in the newly published report

La ripresa del mercato dell’arte, i trend del collezionismo e altre analisi nel nuovo report appena pubblicato

The global art market has returned to growth in 2025, recording a 4% increase compared to the previous year despite geopolitical tensions and financial uncertainty. According to the fourth edition of the "Collectors and the Value of Art in Italy 2026" report by Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking, buyers are increasingly shunning speculative assets like NFTs and ultra-contemporary art in favor of established categories. Significant growth was noted in Modern art, Impressionism, and Old Masters, signaling a flight to quality and historical stability.