Jeff Koons poses with his piece Gazing Ball (Bottlerack) (2016). Photo by Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images.

BEST?

Germany Plans Return of Benin Bronzes – In a landmark decision, Germany has announced that it will begin to return the looted art objects in 2022.

The Art Fair Freeze Is Thawing – Rejoice art lovers, Frieze New York is preparing to open IRL next week, with new health and safety precautions in place.

Phillips Names New CEO – The auction house has appointed an ex-Christie’s exec to replace Edward Dolman as CEO.

Ai Weiwei the Author – Activist artist Ai Weiwei is writing a memoir about his family’s history of dissidence in China.

EmRata Releases NFT – The supermodel Emily Ratajkowski is releasing an NFT involving a Richard Prince work that was appropriated from her own Instagram account.

Cappellazzo Decamps from Sotheby’s – Art-market rainmaker and head of the global fine art division Amy Cappellazzo is leaving Sotheby’s.

MoMA Musical Chairs – After activists thwarted Leon Black’s chances at reelection to the museum’s board, MoMA announced that Marie-Josee Kravis will take his place.

Earliest Human Home Unearthed – Archaeologists have discovered a South African cave inhabited by humans 2 million years ago.

The Basquiat Boom Continues – Yet another painting by the beloved artist is hitting the auction block, this time with a $50 million pricetag.

WORST?

Koons Quits Larry and David – Superstar artist Jeff Koons will now be represented worldwide by Pace, ditching Gagosian and Zwirner.

The Burden of Knockoffs – A theme park in Indonesia must destroy its knockoff installation of Chris Burden’s Urban Light after it lost a lawsuit brought by the artist’s estate.

Archaeologists Up in Arms – Dozens of archaeologists are furious at the news of a renovation of the Acropolis.

Oscars NFT Fumble – An artist is redesigning a Chadwick Boseman-themed NFT after a wave of criticism.

Kanye’s Old Sneakers Bring in Bank – A pair of “Nike Air Yeezy” sneakers that the rapper wore to the Grammy’s sold for $1.8 million in a Sotheby’s private sale.

Cadre of Gallery’s Opt Out of Frieze – One-third of galleries who signed up to show at Frieze New York have dropped out, and been replaced with local galleries.

 


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