VIEWER’S CHOICE
Ben Davis weighs in on the inescapable topic of art and gentrification in New York, coming to the conclusion that if a lot of things don’t change—and fast—the whole art scene had better “gas up the car, because we are heading to the burbs.” If you are alarmed (or perhaps intrigued) by this notion, be sure to read the full essay: Why I Believe New York’s Art Scene Is Doomed.
HOLLYWOOD
Famous actor, part-time performance artist, and full-time weirdo Shia LaBeouf is no stranger to a good old fashioned media frenzy. But accusations that his performance alongside pre-teen dancer Maddie Ziegler in a music video for Sia has pedophilic undertones is definitely a new and unfortunate controversy for the Hollywood star. For the details, see Shia LaBeouf Embroiled in Pedophilia Controversy.
ROYALS
We often hear about the lifestyles of the rich and the famous, but how much do you know about their college majors? Turns out, the Duchess of Cambridge has something in common with many of us: she studied art history. But while we got saddled with student loan debt, she went on to become a princess. If you’re curious how her art education has come in handy in her royal duties, check out Kate Middleton’s Art History Background Revealed.
ETERNAL QUESTIONS
A new exhibit at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art that features Clayton Cubitt’s videos of women getting off while reading books (didn’t they tell you reading could be fun?) has caused us to wonder: just how sexy can high art get before it just becomes pornography? For Brian Boucher’s opinion on the topic, read How Erotic Can Fine Art Get Before It Becomes Pornographic?
ART CRIME
As his trial progresses, more details have emerged about the alleged illicit business practices of the German art adviser Helge Achenbach. Achenbach stands accused off defrauding the late billionaire and Aldi supermarket heir Berthold Albrecht, resulting in estimated damages of €23 million. For the details of the trial, see Achenbach Confesses to Yet More Fraud.
NEWS TO KNOW
Artist Hides Forgery in Major London Museum
Banksy Gives Artwork to Teenager on Train
Artist and Former MIT Professor Robs Banks Claiming It’s His Art
Is the Brant Foundation a Tax Scam or an Art Investment Vehicle?
Why Falling Arts Attendance Has Major Implications for the US Economy