From Christie’s Big Bet on Hong Kong to Hobby Lobby’s Looted Dream Tablet: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news, fast.

One of the thousands of looted ancient artifacts that Hobby Lobby returned to the Republic of Iraq. Photo courtesy of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

BEST?

Guarding America’s Pastime – Cleveland’s baseball team has rebranded itself as the Guardians, paying tribute to beloved sculptures that line the bridge leading to the stadium.

Space Jam Kicks Sell for Stratospheric Sum  A pair of Nikes made for Michael Jordan sold for over $176,000 at Sotheby’s.

Pompidou Names New Director  France’s Centre Pompidou named 39-year-old Xavier Rey to lead the museum as it closes for a three-year renovation.

Marian Goodman Cements Succession Plan  The veteran art dealer named five new partners, while she will take on the role of CEO.

Australia Returns Looted Indian Artifacts  The National Gallery of Australia returned 13 works bought from disgraced art dealer Subhash Kapoor, who is now in prison.

Christie’s Bets Big in Hong Kong  The auction house announced plans to quadruple its sales room and increase auctions three fold in the city.

Viva Venice!  We’re still months and possible mask mandates away from the so-called “art world Olympics,” but here’s an updated list of all confirmed artists headed to the Venice Biennale in 2022.

WORST?

LA Art Dealer Slapped With Embezzlement Charges  Founder of Ace gallery Douglas Chrismas was arrested on federal charges alleging he stole more than $260,000 from his gallery.

Holocaust Memorial Approved, Despite Criticism  Starchitect David Adjaye’s plans for the London-based memorial got the green light, despite protests that it overstates Britain’s role in saving Jewish people.

Art Dealer Sentenced for Fraud  Former socialite art dealer Angela Gulbenkian was sentenced to three years in prison for her bad business practices.

Hirst Takes a Hatchet to Studio Jobs  The For the Love of God artist reportedly laid off 63 employees, despite taking advantage of a $21 million pandemic bailout.

Authorities to Return Gilgamesh Tablet  The United States is restituting some 17,000 objects including the Gilgamesh Dream Tablet once owned by collector Steve Green to Iraq.


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