From a Record-Setting Warhol Marilyn to the Death of Art Patron Budi Tek: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news, fast.

Andy Warhol, Shot Sage Blue Marilyn (1964). Photo: Christie's Images Ltd.

BEST?

New Downtown Digs – As it celebrates 10 years in business, Venus Over Manhattan gallery is opening a new location in downtown New York.

It’s Not Art Basel Paris – The art fair juggernaut, seemingly pressured by its French hosts, will name its new edition Paris +, by Art Basel.

A Warhol Marilyn Could Set a New Auction Record – A colorful portrait of Marilyn Monroe by Andy Warhol could become the most expensive work ever sold at auction.

Stan the T. Rex Has a New Home – The full-scale skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus rex that sold for $31.8 million will be the star of a forthcoming natural history museum in Abu Dhabi.

A New Show Lets You Inside King Tut’s Tomb – In the latest addition to the immersive experience craze, National Geographic is organizing a show taking audiences inside the famed boy king’s final resting place.

JR Rallies Citizens for Public Art Installation – The French artist enlisted Ukrainian civilians in the city of Lviv to unfurl a massive photograph of a young girl to demonstrate the country’s resilience.

Bonhams Shopping Spree Continues – The auction house purchased another smaller outfit, marking its third acquisition in as many months.

Sotheby’s Is Selling Invisible Art – A sales receipt for an invisible artwork by Yves Klein may fetch a cool $500,000 at Sotheby’s.

 

WORST?

Arts Institutions Destroyed in Mariupol – As the Russian invasion of Ukraine stretches into its second month, an art school sheltering civilians was destroyed days before the reported leveling of museum dedicated to one of the country’s most famed painters.

Art Collector Budi Tek Has Died – After a years-long battle with cancer, the renown patron of Chinese art died at age 65.

Memphis Airport Faces Censorship Allegations – The airport temporarily removed a self-portrait by Tommy Kha in which he depicts himself as Elvis.

Hungary’s Government Cracks Down on Free Expression – A report reveals that Viktor Orbán’s regime is “systematically” diminishing freedom of expression.

Museum Director Axed Following Performance Stunt – The director of the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art was fired after an aerialist accidentally plunged into an oil-filled art installation.


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