Art Industry News is a daily roundup of the most important developments emerging from the art world and the art market. Here’s what you need to know this Thursday, July 28.
NEED TO READ
How the influx of New York galleries is affecting the Los Angeles scene – Eleven New York galleries have opened in Los Angeles or will land soon. The Sean Kelly Gallery, Marian Goodman Gallery and Lisson Gallery join Hole Galleries, which opened a large space in April. Dealers say the draw is the artist community, the expanding museum scene and access to Los Angeles collectors. “If you’re an artist and you’re trying to reach the whole world with your art, if it’s not seen in Los Angeles, it’s not going to happen,” says Marc Glimcher, CEO of Pace. (Los Angeles Times)
Tory MP Goes After ‘Straight White Male’ Art Project – A national initiative to fund public artworks that reflect the words “Straight White Male” has drawn criticism over a poster by artist Nadina Ali, which reads: “Hey, straight white males, pass the power!” Neil O’Brien, a Conservative MP, took to social media to denounce the work: “I’m sick of paying taxes on this racist and divisive rubbish.” The head of Artichoke, the group behind the show, responded: “Nadina Ali’s artwork… directly asks that people with power simply share it. It’s ironic that someone in a position of power would question that request.” (Independent)
Museum association calls for UK government investment amid inflation The Museums Association is calling on the UK government to give museum workers a new “pay deal” that can match spiraling inflation. In a statement, the association said the rising cost of living is causing “serious problems” and that directors and funding bodies must find ways to make “substantial payoffs.” [for] the museum’s workforce this fiscal year.” (TAN)
Annie of Zelensky Leibovitz Photo session attracts fire – Fashion “special digital cover story” with photos of the Ukrainian president and his wife by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz is drawing criticism from all quarters. “The idea of a conflict zone as a backdrop…is vile,” artist Adam Bromberg wrote in a viral Instagram post, criticizing the images. Meanwhile, Leibovitz’s photos have become fodder for political debate, with Texas Republican Rep. Mayra Flores tweeting: “Biden: Let’s keep sending billions of dollars in foreign aid to Ukraine, they need it! Reality: The Zelensky family gives us a photo session to be on the cover of Fashion magazine.” (Instagram, news week)
MOVEMENTS AND AGITATORS
Lots of people are having sex in this Polish war museum Fort Gerhard, a 19th-century former Prussian fortress in Świnoujście, which is close to the German border in the north, is a hot spot for lovers, according to its upgraded high-quality CCTV system. The museum released a statement noting that several pairs of lovers have been caught in the act this summer on camera. He is warning people that although there are many dark corners, they are being filmed and are imploring couples to move elsewhere. (Poland Notes)
Black portraiture from the early 20th century gets new names and consideration: Sensitive portraits of black models are on display in a major retrospective “Glyn Philpot: Flesh and Spirit” at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester, UK. The white painter, who was active in the early 20th century, frequently painted his muse and servant Henry Thomas, who was Jamaican. But many of his themes are unknown. “A lot of those works were simply called ‘Black’s Head,’” said Simon Martin, the show’s curator. “In 2022, if we can and can put in the effort to find out who those people are and where they come from, I think we should.” (New York Times)
Ford and Mellon Foundations Name 2022 Disability Futures Fellows – The scholarship has named 20 disabled American artists, filmmakers, and journalists with unlimited grants of $50,000. These include Nasreen Alkhateeba filmmaker who documented US Vice President Kamala Harris on the campaign trail, and antoine hunter, also known as Purple Fire Crow, a deaf indigenous choreographer. (New York Times)
FOR THE SAKE OF ART
Lorna Simpson represents Brittany Griner for WEATHER – Almost three months after his arrest in Russia for carrying cannabis oil, the WNBA superstar is on the cover of WEATHER magazine in an image created by artist Lorna Simpson. US President Biden has approved a plan to trade convicted arms dealer Viktor Bout, who is serving a 25-year sentence in the United States, in exchange for the release of Griner and Paul Whelan, an American held captive in Russia. They have not yet responded to the offer. (guardian)
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