museum artist ranking june 2025

Artnet News published its quarterly museum artist ranking for June 2025, analyzing temporary exhibitions at over 250 U.S. museums to identify which living artists received the most institutional attention. The list includes over 4,500 names, with Indigenous contemporary artists dominating the top ranks: Cara Romero and Sky Hopinka remain highly visible, joined by Jeffrey Gibson and Andrea Carlson. Cindy Sherman appears in at least 10 group shows nationwide, while Alex Katz continues as a rare painter favored by museums at age 97. The ranking prioritizes career retrospectives, dedicated exhibitions, and special commissions over group show appearances.

rediscovered andy warhol films moma

A trove of previously undeveloped films shot by Andy Warhol and his team has been recovered and processed. The hour-long collection includes eight new Screen Test portraits, unused footage for known films, and significant pornographic footage predating his famous 'Blue Movie.' The films will premiere in a one-night-only screening at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

asia society muhammad artwork censorship

New York's Asia Society and Museum has been accused of censorship by Islamic art scholars after a virtual tour of its exhibition "Comparative Hell: Arts of Asian Underworlds" blurred two artworks depicting the Prophet Muhammad. The museum acknowledged the error, blaming an outside contractor and insufficient oversight, and announced plans to restore the images to the online tour. The blurred works include a folio from the Falnama (ca. 1555) on loan from the Arthur M. Sackler Museum at Harvard and a manuscript page from the David Collection in Copenhagen showing Muhammad ascending to heaven. The controversy follows a similar incident at Hamline University, where an adjunct professor lost her contract after showing images of Muhammad in an art history class.

art pat oleszko sculpturecenter new york

Pat Oleszko, a 78-year-old artist known for her inflatables, costumes, and performances blending burlesque, commedia dell'arte, and protest, is the subject of her first New York solo show in 35 years at SculptureCenter, on view through April. The article features an interview where Oleszko discusses her creative process, the challenges of aging, and her desire to make work about fascism and climate change, while also noting her inclusion in the Whitney Biennial and a presentation at Art Basel Miami Beach.

orientalist painting philadelphia penn museum auction

The Penn Museum at the University of Pennsylvania is courting controversy by consigning a major 1891 painting by Ottoman artist Osman Hamdi Bey, titled "At the Mosque Door," to Bonhams London with an estimate of $2.7–$4 million. Although the museum purchased the work directly from the artist in 1895, it was never formally accessioned into the collection, allowing the institution to bypass strict industry regulations that typically prohibit using art sale proceeds for anything other than new acquisitions or collection care. The museum intends to use the funds to establish a permanent endowment for the long-term maintenance of its vast archaeological holdings.

pat oleszko fool sculpture center performance whitney biennial

Performance artist Pat Oleszko, known for her satirical costumes and public interventions, is receiving significant institutional recognition in New York. At 78, she is featured in the 2026 Whitney Biennial and is the subject of a solo exhibition, "Fool Disclosure," at SculptureCenter, her first institutional solo show in the city in over 35 years.

TOP CHARITY Art Exhibition

The Museum of King Jan III in Wilanów, Warsaw, is hosting the TOP CHARITY Art exhibition from April 24 to June 24, 2025, featuring works from the OmenaArt Foundation’s African art collection. Acclaimed Ghanaian artist Ibrahim Mahama served as guest of honour at the opening, and his jute sack piece NANDANBIA (2019) is on display. The exhibition includes a sculpture park curated by Isabel de Vasconcellos and Natalia Bradbury in partnership with Opera Gallery, showcasing artists such as Niki de Saint Phalle, Manolo Valdes, and Amedeo Modigliani. Works from the exhibition will be auctioned in the TOP CHARITY Auction on June 7, alongside a silent auction for emerging artists.

Sad Cowboy

What Pipeline gallery presents "Sad Cowboy," a group show organized for Miguel Bendaña at The Falstaff Project in El Paso, running from May 28 to July 4, 2026. The exhibition features three Detroit artists—Israel Aten, Cay Bahnmiller, and Dylan Spaysky—whose works explore American mythology, masculinity, and identity through collage, drawing, and sculpture. The title references a collage by Bahnmiller incorporating Amiri Baraka's poem "Sad Cowboy," critiquing the lone cowboy myth. Aten's colossal figures blend medieval iconography with video games, Bahnmiller's text-based works deconstruct language, and Spaysky's carbon paper drawings capture disposable media moments.

These 16 Artists Are the Biggest at U.S. Museums Right Now

This article presents a quarterly analysis of which living artists are most featured in temporary exhibitions across U.S. museums during September 2025. The author ranks artists based on the number and type of shows they appear in, prioritizing career retrospectives, dedicated exhibitions, and special commissions. The list is dominated by Black and Indigenous artists whose work addresses racism, colonialism, and nature, with Jeffrey Gibson topping the chart due to his Met facade commission, Broad show, and Venice Biennale U.S. Pavilion recreation. Other prominent artists include Firelei Báez, Rashid Johnson, Anila Quayyum Agha, and Ai Weiwei, the only non-U.S.-based artist on the list.

'Both Sides of the Line: Carmen Herrera & Leon Polk Smith' at the University of Michigan Museum of Art, USA

The University of Michigan Museum of Art presents 'Both Sides of the Line: Carmen Herrera & Leon Polk Smith' from 30 August 2025 to 4 January 2026. The exhibition features over 45 works—including paintings, works on paper, and three-dimensional objects—that explore the creative dialogue between the two geometric abstraction pioneers, who were neighbors and friends. It is the first time their work has been shown together at this scale, highlighting Herrera's crisp lines and bold colors alongside Smith's sweeping curves and expansive forms.

Kathleen Goncharov, influential curator who helped many artists ‘realise their dreams’, has died aged 73

Kathleen Goncharov, an artist and curator who worked at influential US organizations including Just Above Midtown and Creative Time, died on 31 December at age 73. She most recently served as senior curator at the Boca Raton Museum of Art from 2012 until her retirement in 2024, and previously held positions at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, the MIT List Visual Arts Center, and the New School. Goncharov also served as commissioner of the US Pavilion at the 2003 Venice Biennale, curating Fred Wilson's solo project. She had a solo exhibition of her abstract paintings at Olympia gallery in New York in 2022.

Hidden Detroit: Art Galleries You May Have Overlooked

This Detroit City Guide article highlights ten overlooked art galleries and cultural spaces across the city, including Wasserman Projects in Eastern Market, the Elaine L. Jacob Gallery at Wayne State University, Center Galleries at the College for Creative Studies, Galerie Camille, the historic Scarab Club, Detroit Artists Market, Ellen Kayrod Gallery, Schinkel Fine Art, and the N'Namdi Center for Contemporary Art. Each venue is described with its unique focus, from diaspora-inspired ceramics and student showcases to artist residencies and senior artist platforms, with several exhibitions closing in April 2025.

the secret islamic devotional art that depicts muhammad

The article explores the little-known tradition of figurative Islamic art depicting the prophet Muhammad, which has existed since at least the 13th century in Persian and Turkish cultures. It notes that while a ban on such imagery is widely observed in Arab countries, no explicit prohibition appears in the Quran, and devotional images—often in miniature form—have been created by Muslims for personal and religious use. Examples include a mural in Tehran and a work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Scholars like John Esposito, Omid Safi, and Christiane Gruber are quoted to contextualize this tradition in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo attacks, which reignited debate over depictions of Muhammad.

art michele oka doner public installation

Michele Oka Doner, an 80-year-old artist known for her public installations, is preparing to unveil "Talisman," a new work composed of 300 illuminated heads that will create a sacred grove on the Park Avenue Mall at 66th Street in New York this spring. In an interview with CULTURED, she discusses the engineering challenges of the project, including weight limits imposed by the MTA due to the tunnel beneath the mall, and reflects on her earlier public works such as the mile-long floor installation at Miami International Airport and "Radiant Site" at the Herald Square subway station, which she won a national competition for in 1987.

BMCC’s Shirley Fiterman Art Center Fall Exhibition to Feature Artists Courtney McClellan and Victoria Dugger

Borough of Manhattan Community College's Shirley Fiterman Art Center will present two concurrent exhibitions from September 10 to December 20, 2025: Courtney McClellan: Simulations and Victoria Dugger: Late Bloomer. McClellan's installation features photographs of mock courtrooms at law schools across the American South, exploring performance and the law through what she calls 'applied fiction.' Dugger's mixed-media works, including painting and sculpture, use playful yet grotesque imagery to interrogate growth, identity, and embodiment as a Black, disabled woman. Both artists, who live and work in Georgia, will participate in an opening discussion and reception on September 10.

From Rocky to Rizzo: Monument Expert Paul Farber Talks Statues and Public Spaces

Paul Farber, founder of Monument Lab, discusses his new exhibition "Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments" at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The show moves the iconic Rocky statue inside the museum and examines how a fictional boxer's statue became Philadelphia's most famous work of art, exploring broader questions about collective memory and public commemoration. Farber also reflects on the dismantling of the Frank Rizzo statue and how unintentional monuments like the Berlin Wall shape cultural discourse.

60% of Sudan’s National Museum Looted, Report Says

60% of Sudan’s National Museum Looted, Report Says

Over 60% of the holdings of the Sudan National Museum in Khartoum have been looted during the country's ongoing civil war. The paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which controlled the capital for two years, deliberately targeted high-value portable objects like gold and jewelry, stripping storage areas while leaving less portable artifacts behind. Although the museum building remains standing, tens of thousands of antiquities from its collection of 150,000 objects were plundered, with some appearing for sale online.

walters art museum chief collections curatorial affairs officer

The Walters Art Museum in Baltimore has appointed Katherine Larson as its chief collections and curatorial affairs officer, a newly created senior role. Larson will also serve as senior curator of Ancient Art, overseeing curatorial operations, collections, conservation, research, the exhibition calendar, and fundraising, beginning March 30.

UMich art museum glorifies left-wing protests

A new exhibition at the University of Michigan Museum of Art (UMMA) titled “American Sampler: The Art, Language and Legacy of Protest” features posters, pamphlets, and video from 1960s and ‘70s left-wing protest movements, including the Black Panthers, Vietnam War protesters, and the anarchist Yippies. Guest curator Julie Ault organized the show using materials from U-M’s Labadie Collection, which holds radical literature. Conservative commentator Bobby Mars, writing for the Michigan Enjoyer, criticizes the exhibit for allegedly glorifying violence and anti-American sentiment, arguing that the museum’s framing encourages today’s students to protest against the government.

Between here and home

Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson, NY, presents "Between here and home," a group exhibition running from May 22 through July 12, with an opening reception on May 23. The show features works by Fred Cohen, Frank DePietro, Deb Lawrence, Olan Quattro, and ransome, exploring the concept of home as an evolving construct shaped by memory, material, and experience. The exhibition draws on the Welsh idea of hiraeth—a longing for a lost or imagined home—and includes paintings, collages, and mixed media works that reflect each artist's personal engagement with place, interior space, and inherited histories.

Persistent low attendance and funding cuts are forcing US museums to think local

A federal judge ruled on December 3 that all grants from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) must be reinstated, offering relief to museum directors like Scott Stulen of the Seattle Art Museum, which lost $300,000–$400,000 in annual federal funding in 2025. The American Alliance of Museums (AAM) survey of 511 directors found that over half reported fewer visitors than in 2019, with 29% citing declines tied to weakened travel and economic uncertainty. However, some museums like the Toledo Museum of Art and the Art Institute of Chicago have seen local attendance rise, offsetting losses in international tourism.

Emily Legleitner - University Art Department Gallery

Emily Legleitner, a Detroit-based interdisciplinary artist working in print media and installation, presents her solo exhibition "My Life Is the Size of My Room" at the University Art Department Gallery from August 18 to September 26. The show includes a reception and welcome back party on September 4. Legleitner's work explores autobiographical experiences and emotions tied to anxiety, mortality, longing, and the human condition.

Celebrating ‘stars’ in student art

The Association of Student Artists is hosting its 32nd annual exhibition, titled “Among the Stars,” at Kingsford High School. The event showcases over 600 artworks from students across nine regional school districts, featuring a diverse range of mediums including oil painting, sculpture, digital art, and metal smithing. The program includes a public viewing, an awards ceremony for Merit and Best in Show honors, and portfolio reviews conducted by representatives from several major regional universities.

‘SARA’ gallery opening celebrates Andean Peruvian culture with corn-based dishes

The University of Michigan Sustainable Food Program has launched “SARA,” a new art exhibition at the Rooting for Change Cafe in Palmer Commons. The gallery features over 10 works by local photographer Erick Díaz Veliz and student artist-curator Antonella Sara, ranging from agricultural photography to mixed-media pieces inspired by the “arte huanca” style of Peruvian painter Josué Sánchez. The opening event integrated culinary traditions with visual art, serving tamales and chicha morada to highlight the sacred role of corn in Andean heritage.

Metro Detroit artist set to bring mosaic art show to life

Mixed media artist Michelle Sider will showcase more than 50 colorful mosaic art pieces in her biggest solo exhibition, titled “Seeking Light,” opening Wednesday, May 20 at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Stamelos Gallery Center. The show highlights her work in glass mosaics and mixed media, and was previewed on the WDIV program 'Live in the D.'

Ann Arbor guaranteed income program inspires ‘No Strings’ art exhibit

An art exhibition titled 'No Strings' has opened in Ann Arbor, inspired by the city's guaranteed income program. The show features works from local artists who explore themes of economic security, dignity, and community support, drawing directly from the experiences and principles of the universal basic income initiative.

Jamestown Arts Center opens solo exhibition by François Poisson this spring

The Jamestown Arts Center is set to host "In the Zeitgeist," a solo exhibition by Maine-based artist François Poisson running from April 10 through June 13. The showcase spans a decade of Poisson’s multidisciplinary work, featuring signature series such as his "Bunny Cars" sculptures and "Exhaust Sticks" that explore themes of national identity, political upheaval, and the American ethos. The exhibition will open alongside "NEXT," a group show dedicated to emerging local talent.

30th annual Prison Creative Arts Project exhibition showcases work by incarcerated artists

The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) at the University of Michigan has launched its 30th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons at the Duderstadt Center Gallery. The landmark show features 872 artworks created by 613 incarcerated individuals across 26 Michigan correctional facilities, making it the largest and longest-running program of its kind in the United States. The opening event included a celebration program with performances and testimonials from artists who credit the program with providing vital creative direction and personal transformation.

Quilts made by 35 fiber artists on exhibit in Poway through April 4

Thirty-five fiber artists from the Southern California/Nevada region of Studio Art Quilt Associates (SAQA) are showcasing their work in the exhibition “Beyond the Canvas” at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The exhibition features a diverse range of styles, including abstract designs, landscapes, and representational pieces, all created using fabric and thread rather than traditional paint or clay. Featured artists such as Kathleen McCabe, Mary Tabar, and Kathy Piper demonstrate the versatility of the medium through works that range from hand-dyed cotton abstracts to nature-inspired imagery.

Lansing’s gallery and museum scene lively, despite losing a big one

The Lansing area lost the Lansing Art Gallery this year, but the local arts scene remains vibrant with several other venues. The Michigan History Museum offers immersive exhibits on state history, including the special exhibition “Black Bottom Street View” about Detroit’s historic neighborhood. The MSU Museum is undergoing an 18-month renovation but hosts a pop-up exhibition “Physical Spells [The Wor(l)d in the Atom]” featuring artist Violeta López López. The Nelson Gallery in downtown Lansing continues to showcase local contemporary art and plans holiday events, while Struk Studio, founded in 2023 by David Such, offers a contemporary mixed bag of works.