Art Industry News is a daily digest of the most consequential developments coming out of the art world and art market. Here’s what you need to know this Monday, August 7.
NEED-TO-READ
Montreal Biennale Flounders in Debt – The 2016 biennale closed this past January, but reportedly still owes a whopping $200,000 to artists and installers. Board chair Cédric Bisson has assured participants that they will be paid—but it remains unclear exactly when. (The Globe and Mail)
An Art Critic Assesses Cindy Sherman’s Instagram – Jason Farago examines the photographer’s experimental Instagram account, which recently went public. In his glowing review, the critic calls it an “act of generosity from an artist who is less outgoing than most Instagram hounds.” (New York Times)
Dasha Zhukova and Roman Abramovich Split – The Russian billionaire and the Garage magazine founder, who built an enviable art collection, are separating after a decade of marriage. In a statement, they say they are committed to jointly raising their children and will continue to work together as co-founders of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Moscow and the New Holland Island cultural center in Saint Petersburg. (Page Six)
Iraq Wants Smuggled ‘Hobby Lobby’ Antiquities – What will happen to all those artifacts illegally obtained by the US arts-and-crafts outlet Hobby Lobby? They may return to Iraq. The Iraqi embassy is working with the US government in a quest to recover the 5,500 items, which were purchased by the chain in 2010. (Al-Monitor)
ART MARKET
Artlogic Announces US Expansion – The London-based firm, which designs databases and websites, is formally expanding to the US, adding new clients including Marian Goodman, Gagosian, Elizabeth Dee, and the Marciano Art Foundation. (The Art Newspaper)
START Art Fair Reveals Exhibitor List – The fair’s fourth edition is slated to take place from September 14–17 at London’s Saatchi Gallery. This year’s event, which has a focus on Asian art, will also host Chinese artist Liu Bolin’s first major UK performance. (Press release)
COMINGS & GOINGS
Walker Art Center’s Deputy Director Resigns – David Galligan, deputy director of the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis, has stepped down. His last official day at the museum is scheduled for August 11, though he will stay on through September 8 to help with the transition. (Artforum)
Liverpool Biennial Appoints Five New Trustees – The biennial has added collector and arts administrator May Calil, artist Chris Evans, creative director Jonathan Falkingham, author Sandeep Parmar, and marketing executive Anna Valle to its board of trustees. (Artforum)
Columbia Museum of Art Names New Director – Della Watkins has been appointed director of the South Carolina museum. She was previously executive director of the Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke, Virginia, and will start her new position on October 1. (Artforum)
FOR ART’S SAKE
New Architecture Biennial to Launch in France – Biennale d’Architecture d’Orléans will present new research and works by 40 invited artists and architects. The biennial, which will take place at Frac Centre-Val de Loire in Orléans, France, has yet to announce official dates. (Press release)
V&A Chief Apologizes to Breastfeeding Mother – After she was asked to cover herself while breastfeeding at the London museum, a woman took to Twitter to point out the irony of the request considering the V&A’s numerous depictions of nude women. Tristram Hunt, the V&A director, then personally—and publicly—apologized on Twitter. (Guardian)
Cleveland Museum Reveals New Scholarship on Korean Panels – An exhibition of Korean painted screens known as Chaekgeori includes a panel that has been newly attributed to the famous 19th century Korean court painter Yi Taek-gyun thanks to new scholarship. (Press release)
LCD Soundsystem’s Album Art Is Underwhelming to Fans – The recently reunited band’s much-anticipated fourth album, titled “American Dream,” will be released on September 1. But fans have already expressed disappointment with the album’s cover art—one joked that he might even cancel his vinyl preorder. Check it out below. (NME)