BEST?
Show Me the Money – Even a pandemic didn’t stop auction houses, who swiftly pivoted to online sales and netted almost a billion dollars collectively.
Decoding Cuomo – What exactly is going on in Governor Cuomo’s bizarre new pandemic poster? Artnet News’s Katie White tackles the mind-boggling symbolism.
Banksy Takes the Tube – The anonymous street artist spray-painted his iconic rats onto the subway line to remind patrons to wear a mask, but an actual transit employee accidentally washed it away.
You Can Be Like Mike – Christie’s is offering up rare sneakers and game-worn goods from Michael Jordan’s legendary run with the Chicago Bulls in a new auction collaboration with Stadium Goods.
France Makes Good – New legislation in France is helping the country make historic moves toward fully restituting artifacts looted from Senegal and Benin.
Bum’s the Word – Museum curators took to social media to participate in a challenge to share their collections’ most glorious gluteus.
History in Venice – Since the Venice Biennale was postponed, curators from each echelon of the organization have created a super show about how history affects the biennale.
Monument to a Movement – YBA Marc Quinn installed a sculpture of a Black Lives Matter protester in place of the Edward Colston statue that was thrown in the river earlier this summer.
WORST?
Frieze on Hold – Organizers announced Frieze and Frieze Masters, set to open in London, will be online events instead, citing health and travel concerns.
Nonprofit Sector in Peril – According to a new study, nonprofit arts organizations have lost in excess of a billion dollars since the health crisis began in March.
Museum No More – Turkey’s president Tayyip Erdoğan has successfully lobbied a court to revoke Hagia Sophia’s status as a museum, so that it can resume use as a mosque.
Judge Grants No Bail to Inigo – Once high-flying art dealer Inigo Philbrick is to remain in US custody after a court denied his loved ones’ attempts to put up property for collateral.
British Airways to Sell Artwork – The cash-strapped airline is defraying costs by consigning artwork, including a Bridget Riley canvas, to Sotheby’s later this month.
Hong Kong Closes Museums – Despite having early success quelling the coronavirus, Hong Kong is backtracking on opening plans, re-closing museums for the third time.