Petition reaches over 500 signatures questioning Berlin’s Museum of Modern Art
A group of artists and architects have started a petition demanding a public discussion on the plans for Berlin’s Museum of Modern Art to be built in the center of the Kulturforum — a collection of museums that includes Mies van der Rohe’s New National Gallery, the Kunstbibliothek art library, and the Hans Scharoun-designed Philharmonic.
The petition calls for Herzog & de Meuron’s design to be displayed publically at the construction site, along with a transparent financial plan to address the proposed €200 million budget, which financial experts have cited as not being nearly enough.
Controversial from the outset, the petition was penned by Dr. h.c. Kristin Feireiss, of the Berlin-based Aedes Architekturforum, and includes members of Berlin-based foundations, like Bernhard Schneider of the Stiftung Zukunft Berlin. Details via Artnet
Marisol Estate left to Albright-Knox Gallery, New York
The entire Estate of María Sol Escobar has been left to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery in Buffalo, New York.The French sculptor of Venezuelan heritage, who spend most of her working life in New York City, passed last year, 2016, at the age of eighty-five. Upon her death, Marisol gifted the museum more than 100 sculptures spanning her 60-year career, more than 150 works on paper, thousands of photographs, along with a collection of works by other artists.
The museum first purchased works by the artist — The Generals (1961–62), and Baby Girl (1963) — in the early sixties, for which Marisol was incredibly grateful, and maintained a strong relationship with the gallery for the rest of her career. Highlights include The Funeral (1996) based on John F. Kennedy Jr.’s funerary procession, and The Hungarians (1955). For further details of the Marisol bequest, see here.
Marisol, Image courtesy of The New York Times © The New York Times
Christie’s and Sotheby’s top online platform ranking by fine art insurer Hiscox
According to the Hiscox Online Art Trade Report, released yesterday, Christie’s online business increased by 34% in 2016, whilst Sotheby’s grew by 19% to $155 million. Ranking the auction houses first and second respectively, the report surveyed a total of 758 art buyers.
The report suggests “the future of the online art market is one dictated by the existing traditional players rather than a new online-only player,” with figures showing a power shift back towards established models. This is supported by the recent demerger of online-only auctioneers Auctionata and Paddle8 after less than a year.
A4 Contemporary Arts Center reopens in Chengdu
The A4 Art Museum’s reopening, two and a half miles away from its original location, marks the Center’s transformation into a Museum. Director Sun Li, highlighted that “the transition from an art center to a museum not only means an upgrade of the space, but also demands efforts in carrying out further research on new art forms and broadening the social role of the museum.”
An inaugural exhibition titled “Creating Spaces”, running through July 16, focuses on thirteen contemporary Chinese and international artists. The first of many to take on the new 38,000 square foot space, over-looking a man-made lake. Details via e-flux.
A4 Art Museum. Photo courtesy of Manzu Studio.
Souls Grown Deep Foundation collaborate with High Museum of Art in Atlanta
High Museum of Art, Atlanta, has acquired 54 artworks from the nonprofit Souls Grown Deep Foundation, dedicated to preserving and championing artworks made by African Americans in the American South. The combined gift and purchase of the collection includes the work of Thornton Dial, Ronald Lockett, Joe Minter, Joe Light, Royal Robertson, Georgia Speller, Eldren Bailey, and Vernon Burwell. The gift hopes to “anchor the institution in the foundation’s hometown of Atlanta,” said the president of the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, Maxwell L. Anderson.
Earlier this year in February, the Fine Arts Museum of San Francisco acquired 62 works from the Foundation — marking the foundation’s strong alliance with museums who seek to champion art previously marginalised and neglected in the art community.
Thornton Dial, Sr. Crossing Waters (2006–2011)
Lindsay Pollock steps down as Art in America Editor in Chief
The parting of Lindsay Pollock from Art in America comes after six years in the position of Editor in Chief at the magazine. In a statement, Pollock explains that she has “decided the moment is right to move on to other projects and possibilities.”
Previously, Pollock has worked for Bloomberg News and The Art Newspaper. Details via ARTNEWS.
Art in America ©, cover of April issue 2017 | Art in America ©, cover of March issue 2017 | Lindsay Pollock
