From Kim Kardashian’s Art Drama to the Met Museum’s Divisive Decision: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news—fast.

Kim Kardashian West. Photo: Presley Ann/Getty Images for ABA.

BEST?

Artists and Lovers – Artnet News’s Katie White delves into the torrid, turbulent, and touching love stories that shaped art history on this week’s Art Angle podcast.

The Photo in the Attic – A man opened up a locked door in his attic to discover a trove of historical photographs, including a famous portrait of Susan B. Anthony.

Breakfast Fit for an Emperor – Archaeologists at Hadrian’s sprawling villa in Italy have discovered the chamber where they believe he had breakfast every morning.

What’s In the Cards? – Art world soothsayer Sarah Potter predicts what’s in store for the industry in 2021—and it may surprise you.

Damien Hirst Turns Curator – The former YBA is taking over Gagosian’s Britannia Street Gallery in London for an entire year as curator.

Nikes Fit for a President – Sotheby’s is auctioning off a pair of Nike sneakers designed for Barack Obama to kick off Presidents Day—for a mere $25,000.

Kim Kardashian’s Artist Daughter – The Internet went berserk this week when KKW posted a painting by her daughter North West, and then had to defend the youngster’s work against haters who thought it was fake.

Basquiat Could Break Record – A 1982 painting by Jean-Michel Basquiat could become the most expensive work by a Western artist to sell in Asia.

 

WORST?

Reckoning With a Dark Legacy – The victims of Viennese Actionist artist Otto Muehl’s years-long abuse are reckoning with the artist’s legacy years after his death.

All Talk, No Action – Museums have promised to implement diversity, equity, and inclusion programs, but workers have seen little evidence of new policies being implemented.

Met Staffers Speak Out – After its director said he’d consider selling art to help buffer financial fallout, staffers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art are criticizing what could set a dangerous precedent.

Christie’s Closes Auction Archive – In light of budget cuts, the auction house closed its much-used London archive to the public.

SFMOMA Director to Depart – The nearly 20-year veteran director Neal Benezra is leaving the San Francisco museum after a tough year.


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