A member of the loose-knit British Black arts movement of the 1980s, Ingrid Pollard continues to investigate themes of race and British identity in her multidisciplinary social practice. The Guyana-born artist was one of four contenders for the recently awarded Turner Prize, with work on display at Tate Liverpool throughContinue Reading
A review of 96 artifacts from the Kingdom of Benin in Swiss museums found proof or strong evidence that more than half of the items were stolen by British soldiers in the 19th century. A research report from the Swiss Benin Initiative (SBI) released this week found that 21 BeninContinue Reading
The exhibition “But Tell Me, Is It a Civilized Country?” is the result of Max Guy’s deep dive into the Land of Oz, a territory the self-deprecating Witch of the North described as uncivilized because it harbors wizards and witches like her. The exhibition title—actually, the witch’s question to DorothyContinue Reading
An open letter voicing support for Manuel Borja-Villel, the former head of the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía, is circulating amid Spain’s election to appoint a new director for the state-backed museum. Borja-Villel abruptly stepped down on January 20 from his post after 15 years with the institution.Continue Reading
The historic center of the Ukrainian Black Sea port city Odesa has been added to UNESCO’s list of endangered World Heritage sites. The key strategic port city, known for its cosmopolitan history and architectural landmarks, has been the target of Russian bombing since its invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.Continue Reading
Italian Monsignor Michele Basso, a Vatican official who was once investigated by the Roman government for allegedly trying to sell counterfeit antiquities and paintings, died in early January, sparking renewed interest in his extensive art collection and how he came to acquire it. Basso’s death has also raised questions aboutContinue Reading
When Ben Werther was 8 years old, he’d head to the field at the back of his elementary school to dig in the dirt. “People would play soccer or football, or just try to kill each other, whatever it is you’re doing in third grade,” he recalled, speaking in hisContinue Reading
The Manila-based gallery Silverlens, which opened a New York outpost last September, has taken on the estates of two major Filipino American artists from the postwar era: Carlos Villa and Leo Valledor. Villa’s estate is represented in partnership with Anglim/Trimble in San Francisco. Lifelong friends who called each other “cousin”Continue Reading
For the annual Art in America Guide, published in print in January, the editors spoke to five directors of notable museums and institutions—Adriano Pedrosa of the Museu de Arte de São Paulo; Ibrahim Mahama of the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art, Tamale, Ghana; Sharmini Pereira of the Museum of Modern andContinue Reading
To receive Morning Links in your inbox every weekday, sign up for our Breakfast with ARTnews newsletter. The Headlines ARCHIVE FEVER. The New York Public Library has purchased the literary archives of Joan Didion and John Gregory Dunne, the New York Times reports. The material from the late couple runs a formidable 240 feet, and include drafts, photos, research materials, personal records, and letters, includingContinue Reading
