BEST?

Perfectly Preserved From Pompeii – A new show at NYU’s Institute for the Study of the Ancient World shows off incredible colorful frescoes from the doomed ancient city.

Viva La Biennale – Artistic director Cecilia Alemani announced the artist list for the Venice Biennale’s main exhibition, focusing on female and gender non-conforming artists.

What’s Up With the Gold Cube in Central Park – Artist Niclas Castello installed a giant $12 million gold cube in Central Park that will be minted as an NFT (duh).

Rauschenberg Gets a Catalogue Raisonne – The famously prolific artist’s paintings and “Combines” will be published in a 10-volume digital catalogue, available for free. 

Biden Reverses Trump-Era Art Rule – President Biden has reversed a Trump-era rule requiring pro-American art on all federal buildings. 

Pace Moves West – The mega gallery just got even more mega, acquiring L.A. staple Kayne Griffin and taking over its James Turrell-designed space.

Design Miami Goes Global – Art Basel’s sister fair is making its mark on Paris, where it will hold a debut edition in October.

Julian Assange Gets Into Crypto – The Wikileaks founder is the latest big name to hop on the NFT bandwagon, teaming up with crypto artist Pak on a project.

Sotheby’s Is Selling a Space Diamond… Or Is It? – The auction house is touting the sale of a mysterious black diamond that may be from outer space—but experts are more than a little skeptical.

WORST?

Goops! Gwyneth Paltrow Has a Knockoff Artwork – A flashy photo-spread showing Gwyneth Paltrow’s luxury pad included what appeared to be a work by Ruth Asawa, but turns out it’s not the real deal.

Inside Pandora’s Box – A new report delving into the Pandora Papers details more than 1,600 works of art that were funneled through shell companies.

Gallery Hack – Italy’s buzzy T293 Gallery was hacked, leading a collector to send more than $30,000 to a fake account.

Hong Kong Memorial Removed – As China continues to crack down on the city, one of the remaining Tiananmen Square memorials has been covered up. 

Berlin-Based Artists Boycott Art Space – Artists including Candice Breitz are protesting a new art space at the Tempelhof Airport because it’s backed by financier Walter Smerling.