Plus, the creators of CryptoPunks are now represented by United Talent Agency, and that much-hated public art mound in the U.K. goes free.
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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 on this Wednesday, September 1.
Photography Brands Rush to Diversify – Campaigners have targeted camera companies Fuji, Canon, and Kodak for their male-centric and whitewashed marketing strategies. After being called out for ambassador programs and advertising that excluded people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, the companies have promised to review future content plans. (The Art Newspaper)
MoMA’s Door Got Spray Painted – One of the entrances to New York’s Museum of Modern Art was splashed with green and white paint around 6 p.m. on Monday. A post on Instagram tied the action to activists’ ongoing protests of the institution’s board members. Strike MoMA, which organized a series of demonstrations earlier this year, said, “If museums continue to try to do business as usual people autonomously and creatively will choose to continue, diversify, and escalate action and organizing.” (Hyperallergic)
New Travel Restrictions Complicate Art Basel – New public-health rules are likely to make it considerably more complicated for many to travel for Art Basel. The U.S. issued a “do not travel” advisory for Switzerland on Monday while Swiss authorities laid out strict new requirements for large-scale events. Plus, not all vaccines are recognized by Swiss authorities—Astra Zeneca is not on the list, raising alarm for many U.K.-based exhibitors and collectors. (The Art Newspaper)
They’re Making London’s Disastrous Mound Free for All – London’s latest disappointing tourist attraction, a grassy knoll dubbed the Mound, will be made free to visit after visitors complained that the £8 to £20 tickets were a rip off. The £6 million project, designed to lure shoppers back to central London, has been beleaguered by criticism—but since the project was made free, more than 60,000 people have visited. The Mound will close in January. (Evening Standard)
Art-o-rama Prize Winner – The Collezione Taurisano has announced the winners of its acquisition award from Marseille’s Art-o-rama fair. Anna Dot’s Donar un espai a la confusió (2017), presented by Bombon Projects Barcelona, and Mary Hurrell’s sound and voice installation Blush Response (2021), presented by Nicoletti gallery, will join the esteemed Italian collection. (Press release)
UTA Signs the CryptoPunks – In the strongest sign yet that NFT mania is hitting the mainstream, United Talent Agency has signed the ur-NFT cryptoart project CryptoPunks. Creators Larva Labs have agreed to have UTA rep them across film, TV, video games, publishing, and licensing. (The Hollywood Reporter)
The Fellini Museum Opens – A winsome museum dedicated to the famous Italian director Federico Fellini has opened in Rimini, Italy. The multimedia museum offers visitors a “felliniesque” experience, from interactive displays that materialize when visitors blow on a feather to a squishy sculpture of actor Anita Ekberg that doubles as a sofa. (New York Times)
Imperial War Museum Releases Ai Weiwei Signed Posters – To mark the close of its “History of Bombs” exhibition on September 5, London’s Imperial War Museum has released a limited run of hand-signed posters designed by Ai Weiwei. The posters will be available for £500 ($689) each at the museum and online. (Press release)
Ai Weiwei’s “History of Bombs” posters. Courtesy Imperial War Museums.
Ai Weiwei signing “History of Bombs” posters. Courtesy Imperial War Museums.
