The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum has announced the 2025 award honorees: architect-designer Mira Nakashima and sculptor Kan Yasuda, who will receive the 12th annual award at the museum's 40th anniversary benefit on November 17. In other industry moves, the Whitney Museum acquired digital artworks by Gretchen Andrew and Michael Mandiberg; Hesse Flatow added San Francisco-based artist Emily Harter to its roster; Alexander Gray Associates now represents Kamrooz Aram; Fong Chung-Ray joined Alisan Fine Arts; and Hakim Bishara was named editor-in-chief of Hyperallergic. Additionally, Ari Emanuel raised $2 billion in equity to fund Mari, a holding company that owns Frieze, tennis tournaments, and a majority stake in Barrett-Jackson auction house.
This roundup matters because it captures a snapshot of key institutional and commercial shifts in the art world, from museum acquisitions and gallery representation changes to leadership appointments and major financial moves. The Noguchi Museum's award highlights ongoing recognition of design and sculpture, while the Whitney's digital art acquisitions signal continued institutional embrace of new media. The formation of Mari, with its $2 billion war chest, underscores the increasing convergence of art fairs, sports, and luxury collectibles under large holding companies, reshaping the art market landscape.