BEST?

What’s Behind the KAWS Phenomenon? – On this week’s Art Angle podcast, Ben Davis discusses his theories behind the metoric rise of the street artist.

A Could-Be Caravaggio – Authorities stopped the sale of a painting that experts now believe is a genuine work by the Old Master painter.

Art Basel Slims Down – The megafair revealed that its Hong Kong edition will host a slew of “ghost booths” and will be half the size of its previous edition.

Mutual Aid Marches On – Networks created during the worst of the pandemic for struggling art workers have no clear end in sight, and may become permanent.

An Art Flipping Donor – In the latest “Wet Paint” column, there’s juicy gossip on the newest location of a David Zwirner gallry, and a collector who reneged on a museum gift.

Parade of Mummies – Egypt threw an incredible parade of mummies across the city of Cairo to celebrate the opening of a new museum.

Picasso Portrait Could Rake in Millions – A 1932 painting of the artist’s young lover could fetch up to $55 million at Christie’s, suggesting a return in market confidence.

Fabergé Lays a Luxe Egg – The latest ornate egg is a collaboration with Game of Thrones to celebrate its 10th anniversary.

More Museums Consider Repatriation – A London museum is creating a plan that would potentially allow for the return of 15 Benin Bronzes.

WORST?

Sale of Wartime Drawings Cancelled – eBay axed a planned sale of drawings by a Japanese artist interned during World War II after critics said it was profiteering from oppression.

Louvre Never Believed in the “Last Leonardo” – A new documentary reveals that the museum had doubts about the Salvator Mundi’s authenticity all along.

Police Nab Suspect in Lockdown Heists – Dutch authorities arrested one man suspected of stealing both a Van Gogh and a Frans Hals painting from museums during the pandemic.

Couple Mistakenly Mar $500,000 Painting – A couple visiting a street art show in a Seoul mall used paint and brushes on display to add their own mark, misunderstanding the installation.