From the Venice Biennale’s Highlights to Anna Delvey’s Prison Sentence: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news—fast.

The 58th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, "May you live in interesting times." Photo by Awakening/Getty Images.

BEST?

Vicarious Viewing – If you can’t make it to Venice, the next best thing is look at our photo roundup of all the works of art on display in the Giardini and the Arsenale.

Undercover Cupid – Restorers discovered a painting of cupid underneath a well-known canvas by Dutch master painter Vermeer.

Martin Puryear’s Quiet Power – The sculptor representing the US at the Venice Biennale presents “Liberty,” a slow-burning meditation on power and freedom.

Portrait of a Market – A deep dive into the market data of Chinese artist Zao Wou-Ki proves the appetite for his lush paintings is even rosier than you might think.

Ahead of the Auctions – Next week kicks off the spring auction cycle, where more than $1 billion worth of art will hit the auction block, including pieces from the collection of late publishing tycoon SI Newhouse.

Letters from Camp – We scouted the pink carpet for the best iterations of the camp aesthetic, from Ezra Miller to Katy Perry. Plus, see inside the Met’s Costume Institute, where the curators trace the evolution of camp, from Oscar Wilde to Ru Paul.

Ghana’s Debut – The African country’s first foray at the Venice Biennale is just the beginning of an international pitch for art relevance.

WORST?

Venice’s Performances Are a Wash – Rain plagued the city of Venice during the opening of the biennale, causing a delay in the event’s inaugural performance program.

Socialite Sentenced – A New York criminal court decided the fate of so-called “socialite-scammer” Anna Delvey: up to 12 years in prison plus fines and restitution. Meanwhile, a photographer who covered the trial found inspiration for a new suite of paintings based on the guilty grifter.

Venezuela Hits a Snag – While political turmoil sparks social discord at home, Venezuela’s pavilion in Venice stands empty, at least for now.

Hito Steyerl Fires Back at Weapon Makers – In her Venice video installation, Steyerl takes aim at gun manufacturer Leonardo, which appropriated the name of the famous artist and inventor.


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