Awkward start tarnishes Sotheby’s Impressionist and Modern Art sale
Sotheby’s second major sale this week in New York experienced something of a false start last night, May 16. The announcement came from auctioneer Helena Newman, explaining that two lots had been withdrawn in the final hour — including the eagerly awaited early Egon Schiele painting (1909), estimated at $30-40 million.
Without the heavy-weight pieces in tow, the house could not compete with Christie’s $289m take the night before, but managed $173.8m, with fees, on 37 sold lots. Kazimir Malevich’s iconic Suprematist Composition with Plane in Projection led the sale, with active bidding between four bidders bringing the work to $21.2 million. Strong prices included those of Max Ernst, Jean Arp, and Diego Giacometti. Details via The Art Newspaper
Kazimir Malevich’s iconic Suprematist Composition with Plane in Projection
Chilean architects win competition to convert flour mill into HUGE Art Mill gallery in Qatar
Elemental, the Santiago-based architecture company, has won a competition to convert a former flour mill into a vast new gallery for Qatar Museums. Located on the coast of Doha Bay, the gallery, known as the Art Mill, will be positioned just to the east of the Museum of Islamic Art and will measure up to 80,000 sq. metres — to put this in perspective, the Tate Modern building in London, a converted power station, measures 55,000 sq. metres.
The Art Mill will “predominantly” constitute a gallery and exhibition space — though, the project includes a conservation center, museum storage space, educational facilities, conference halls, and event spaces. No opening date is set, however it is expected to be completed in time for Doha’s 2022 World Cup. Whether Art Mill will house Qatar’s modern and contemporary art collection, or host international exhibitions is unclear. Details via The Art Newspaper
Art Mill concept design by Elemental (© Malcolm Reading Consultants and Elemental)
New York’s Dia Foundation hires Abby Bangser in strategic initiatives
Hired as the Dia Foundation’s new deputy director of strategic initiatives, Abby Bangser will leave her current role as the artistic director of the Frieze art fairs in the Americas and Asia.
Bangser’s new position will “advance the strategic priorities of the institution and serve as the main liaison for Dia’s sites around the United States and beyond,” according to the institution. Details via ARTnews
Abby Bangser
“PAY TRUMP BRIBES HERE” projected by artist on Trump’s DC hotel
Washington DC-based artist Robin Bell has projected various phrases on the facade of the Trump International Hotel in an act of protest.
With phrases such as “Emoluments welcome”,“Pay Trump bribes here” and “Experts agree: Trump is a pig” lighting up the hotel’s entrance way, Bell explained he wanted to draw attention to the countless improprieties Trump has been accused of since entering the White House. The work went up at 10pm last night, however was quickly shut down by hotel staff. Details via Huffington Post
