From the Turner Prize Twist to Maurizio Cattelan’s Apeel-ing Bananas: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news, fast.

Maurizio Cattelan's Comedian, for sale from Perrotin at Art Basel Miami Beach. Photo by Sarah Cascone.

BEST?

Best of the Beach – Artnet News’s editor-in-chief highlights his favorite works on view at Art Basel, featuring examples by Dana Schutz and David Lynch.

The Starmakers – Over the course of their collecting careers, Don and Mera Rubell have anointed a new generation of rising art-world stars.

It’s About Time – Tal R won an injunction against the Kanske and Letho watch brand that prevents the company from shredding one of his paintings for decorations.

Beliebe Them – Art lovers got a sneak peek into the minds of Hailey and Justin Bieber when the couple co-curated a selection of artworks for Paddle8’s online charity auction.

Turner Prize Turnaround – In a surprise move, all four Turner Prize nominees accepted the award, and critics say this could be the end of an era.

Art Adores Dior – Dior Men’s latest collection was a joint production by Kim Jones and Shawn Stussy, and the catwalk was erected in a Rubell-owned building in Miami.

Smithsonian Sacks Sackler – The Smithsonian’s Freer and Arthur M. Sackler galleries, together known as the “Freer Sackler,” are being rebranded as the National Museum of Asian Art, though the institution says it’s not a response to anti-Sackler sentiments throughout the world.

WORST?

A “Scandalous” Show Gets Censored – A feminist art show in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, was criticized by the country’s culture minister as “scandalous.” After a major backlash and death threats, the museum’s director resigned.

Sotheby’s Exodus – In the wake of Patrick Drahi’s acquisition, more high-level staffers are leaving the auction house, including August Uribe.

Press Pause – Artist Michael Rakowitz is asking MoMA PS1 to pause his video work in an act of solidarity with protestors demanding that MoMA board member Laurence Fink divests from private prisons.

Basel Goes Bananas – Maurizio Cattelan somehow duped a group of collectors into buying bananas duct-taped to walls for $120,000 a pop. Seriously.

Southern Troubles – Texas officials are debating whether to keep a portrait of Confederate President Jefferson Davis in the state’s senate chamber.


Follow Artnet News on Facebook:


Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
Article topics