BEST?

Emory Douglas’s Wisdom – The artist, famed for creating the image of the police officer as “pig” for the Black Panther newspaper, spoke with Melissa Smith about the role of art in struggle and today’s protests.

Art Market Darling – Who was the best selling artist in May 2020? Thanks to Artnet’s Price Database, we know, and while it’s no surprise who stole the show, the prices may surprise you.

Bringing Home the Bacon (Yes, It’s Time to Use That Pun Again) – Sotheby’s inaugural hybrid contemporary art sale brought in a whopping $300.4 million, thanks to a moody Francis Bacon triptych.

Tools Rewrite History – In Gabon, a scientist has discovered ancient tools that seem to confirm his hypothesis of a previously unknown ancient human civilization in the Congo Basin.

What the Doctor Ordered – A medical school is using art in a novel way to help would-be doctors check their assumptions and see how bias works.

What Is Social Justice Curating? – Jasmine Wahi, the Bronx Museum’s official social justice curator, talks about making change inside museums and shares her reading list.

Powerful Portraits – An online show spotlights artist Michelangelo Lovelace, whose tender portraits of Black nursing home residents have taken on new meaning today.

WORST?

Are Blockbusters Over? – In the current turbulent times, a host of factors have come together to make it seem that blockbuster museum shows might be a thing of the past.

Murakami’s Money Troubles – Superstar artist Takashi Murakami’s art company Kaikai Kiki is facing bankruptcy, the artist announced in an emotional Instagram video.

Bruguera Detained, Again – Artist Tania Bruguera was detained by Cuban authorities en route to a protest against police brutality in Havana.

NYAA’s New Epstein Report – The New York Academy of Art has released the results of an investigation into accusations by Maria Farmer, one of Jeffrey Epstein’s first known first victims, depicting Farmer as an unreliable witness.

Christie’s Makes Big Changes – The auction house folded its freestanding Modern and Impressionist departments into a new department called “20/21.” It also shed staff.

Trump’s Executive Order on Monuments – The president wants to prosecute anyone who damages federal monuments, promising “[l]ong prison terms for these lawless acts against our Great Country!”

Milton Glaser Dies – The celebrated graphic designer behind the famed ” I ❤ NY” campaign passed away at 91.