From Hunter Biden’s Life as an Artist to a Brazen Theft at an Italian TV Station: The Best and Worst of the Art World This Week

Catch up on this week's news, fast.

Hunter Biden.

BEST?

Hunter Biden, Unfiltered – The first son spoke to Artnet News’s Katya Kazakina about his newfound love of painting, and how it’s helping him in his quest for “universal truth.”

Robert Indiana Estate Reaches Settlement – The extensive lawsuits embroiling the late artist’s estate and financial backer came to an end after three long years.

MacKenzie Scott Donates Billions – The ex-wife of Jeff Bezos just gave out $2.7 billion in grants with millions going toward worthy arts organizations.

Reflecting on AIDS and Identity – Artist and activist Gregg Bordowitz spoke to Artnet News’s Pac Pobric about the multifaceted nature of individuals and advocating for all parts of himself and others.

Source Code for the World Wide Web Hits the Block – The inventor of the Internet’s source code is selling it as an NFT, and bidding starts at just $1,000.

Mini Pompeii Discovery – Construction workers in Verona unearthed extraordinary Roman frescoes buried beneath a defunct.

Obama Portraits on Tour – Kehinde Wiley and Amy Sherald’s striking portraits of President and First Lady Barack and Michelle Obama are going on an 11-month tour, kicking off in Chicago.

Manhattan D.A. Returns Looted Objects – A whopping 27 looted artifacts worth $3.8 million were returned to Cambodia.

WORST?

Authorities Raid Hong Kong Show – Police were called to an art show commemorating the 2019 pro-democracy protests over a complaint of “seditious” content.

Police Allege Unhappy Employees Stole Art – Authorities say that disloyal employees likely stole around 120 pieces of art that once hung around the Italian offices of broadcasting company Rai.

Artists Decry New Anti-LGBTQ+ Laws – Hungary’s new anti-LGBTQ+ laws are drawing ire from artists and activists around the country.

Notre Dame Still Needs More Money – Since the devastating fire in 2019, the church has raised almost $1 billion, but says it needs more.