Art News. Vasari Codex

trending_up market schedule Aug 15, 2025 visibility 21 link 12 artists

ole faarup collection christies sale doig ofili 1234749450

Christie’s will host a single-owner sale of the contemporary art collection of Danish businessman Ole Faarup in October, featuring works by Peter Doig, Chris Ofili, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and others. The sale, estimated at up to £22 million, is anchored by two major Doig paintings—Country Rock (1998–99) and Ski Jacket (1994)—and Ofili’s Blossom (1997). Proceeds will fund the newly formed Ole Faarup Art Foundation, which aims to promote Danish art internationally and bring international works to Danish museums.

newspaper ARTnews open_in_new Read original

museum exhibitions schedule Sep 23, 2025 visibility 14 link 7 artists

nivaagaard collection susanna painting artemisia gentileschi 1234753126

The Nivaagaard Collection, a small art museum in rural Denmark, has acquired Artemisia Gentileschi's painting *Susanna and the Elders* (1644–48), marking the first work by the Italian Baroque artist to enter a Danish institution. Director Andrea Rygg Karberg secured the painting from a private collection via New York–based Old Masters dealer Nicholas Hall, beating dozens of international galleries. The acquisition is described as the most important addition to the museum since its founding in 1908.

newspaper ARTnews open_in_new Read original

article policy schedule Jul 11, 2025 visibility 14 link 3 artists

Why ‘devastating’ climate control rules for museum collections need a rethink

Museums are rethinking decades-old climate control standards that dictate strict temperature and humidity ranges for preserving collections. These guidelines, originally based on 1970s research for paintings in London, have been widely adopted globally despite being designed for temperate climates. Conservator Caitlin Southwick of Ki Culture argues this is a "big misunderstanding," as the standards were never intended for diverse collections like stone in Brazil or tapestries in Italy. Climate control systems now account for 60-70% of a typical museum's energy consumption, creating high costs and carbon footprints.

newspaper The Art Newspaper open_in_new Read original

article news schedule Aug 12, 2025 visibility 8 link 2 artists

ugly and pornographic mermaid statue removed copenhagen 1234749265

The Danish government has ordered the removal of a 13-foot tall mermaid statue known as the "Big Mermaid" from Dragør Fort in Copenhagen, following years of criticism that it is sexualized, ugly, and pornographic. The sculpture, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, was installed without permission on a protected monument site overseen by the Agency for Culture and Palaces, which determined it disrupts the fort's military structure. Critics including Sorine Gotfredsen and Mathias Kryger condemned the work, while entrepreneur Peter Bech, who commissioned it, defended the statue's proportions.

newspaper ARTnews open_in_new Read original

article news schedule May 12, 2025 visibility 9 link 1 artist

extreme mold damage denmark 1234741884

A newly discovered mold species, aspergillus section restricti, is damaging artworks and cultural objects across Denmark. Detected in 12 museums including the National Museum of Denmark and Skagens Museum, the fungus thrives in dry environments—the very conditions used to preserve artifacts. Conservators describe it as an "epidemic" that also poses health risks to visitors. The National Museum is relocating affected works to a new warehouse near Copenhagen, but no solution has been found yet. Preliminary studies are underway at 150 additional cultural sites to assess the spread.

newspaper ARTnews open_in_new Read original

article policy schedule Mar 31, 2026 visibility 23

How museum funding in Denmark has become reliant on visitor numbers

Danish museums have recovered strongly from the pandemic, with 2025 attendance matching 2024's record levels of around 9 million visitors. However, a new state-funding model introduced in January 2025 now makes government subsidies increasingly dependent on measurable outputs, primarily visitor numbers. Institutions must meet minimum thresholds for annual visitors and income, and produce peer-reviewed research to secure and retain funding.

newspaper The Art Newspaper open_in_new Read original