catherine pegard named french culture minister frieze los angeles clocks enthusiastic sales morning links for february 27 2026 1234774900
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Catherine Pégard, the former president of the Château de Versailles, as the new French Culture Minister. Pégard faces immediate challenges, including addressing the recent theft of the French crown jewels from the Louvre and managing Macron’s ambitious $1 billion overhaul of the museum. Meanwhile, the VIP opening of Frieze Los Angeles has reported robust sales, with dealers describing the atmosphere as a "frenzy" amidst a notable trend in textile-based art and photography.
These developments highlight significant shifts in both the political and commercial sectors of the art world. Pégard’s appointment signals a push to stabilize France's premier cultural institutions during a period of security and financial scrutiny. Simultaneously, the strong performance at Frieze Los Angeles suggests a resilient high-end art market, while the passing of video art pioneer Ulysses Jenkins and Flash Art founder Giancarlo Politi marks the end of influential eras in contemporary art history.