Jimi Dams blasts the art world, as Envoy Enterprises closes in New York
After a decade on the Lower East Side, New York, Envoy Enterprises is to close its gallery space this August. The news comes via an email blasting the art world for its obsession with consumerism, stating that the gallery has “no interest in being part of an art industry where eyes have been replaced by dollar signs.” Owner Jimi Dams also cited the rise in the prevalence of ‘art fairs’ as “incomprehensible” — “its vulgarity staggering” — and simply stated: “it is not fun anymore.”
“We should be improving people’s lives through art, we should be trying to create a world where art is living on every level, indivisible from life and for everyone to experience. Art should be about an attitude and about not being frightened of being thought of as uncool. It should be the antithesis of consumerism and aesthetic corruption that riddles the art world.” Read the full letter here.
© Envoy Enterprises | Letter exerp from Twitter ©
Benjamin Sullivan wins BP Portrait Award
Artist Benjamin Sullivan’s portrait of his wife and baby daughter takes the £30,000 BP Portrait Award at the National Portrait Gallery in London. The painting Breech! (2017) depicts a weary but content mother breastfeeding her eight-month-old daughter — Sullivan’s 13th work to be shortlisted for the gallery’s portrait prize exhibition, a record for any artist. Previous winners include Clara Drummond (2016), Matan Ben Cnaan (2015), and Thomas Ganter (2014).
The second prize went to French artist Thomas Ehretsmann for Double Portrait, whose subject was also pregnant. Third prize went to Antony Williams. The free exhibition of finalists opens at the National Portrait Gallery June 22, through September 24, before travelling to Exeter, Edinburgh and Sunderland. Details via The Guardian.
Benjamin Sullivan, Breech! (2017)
Photographer Richard Mosse arrested on Greek island at Anti-Refugee Rally
News has emerged that 2017 Prix Pictet laureate, Richard Mosse was arrested on the Greek island of Chios on June 15. Well-known for his photographic work on the refugees streaming in from the Middle East and Northern Africa into Europe, it seems Mosse was arrested whilst observing an anti-refugee demonstration for an episode of Bloomberg’s “Brilliant Ideas” series.
Released several hours after his arrest, with the help of Greek photographer Daphne Tolis, as she explained to authorities Mosse was a famous photographer, the Irish photographer has spoken openly of the poor treatment he received at the hands of the Chios police. Details via The Art Newspaper.
Richard Mosse, Helliniko Olympic Arena (2016) ©Richard Mosse. Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York
Jeff Koons in a pickle
When, in November, Jeff Koons pledged the donation of a monumental sculpture, a hand holding a bouquet of balloon tulips, Bouquet of Tulips, to the City of Paris to honor victims of the 2015 terrorist attacks, it seems he did not consider the scale of the task at hand. As Mr. Koons donated the concept, not the construction, the project has seen seven months of delays and a 3.5 million euros ($3.9 million) raised in order to make and install the work that comes in at more than 40 feet high.
News has also emerged that the famous artist laid off around 30 members of his painting staff last week — including assistants working at the studio for more than a decade, many who received no severance other than the rest of their final day’s pay. It appears Koons is experiencing a fair few problems as of late.
Artists work in Jeff Koons’ private studio in 2010 in New York City. Photo by Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images.
Finalists revealed for 2017 MAIF Prize
The MAIF Prize for Sculpture has revealed the names of the five finalists for its 10th edition: Alfredo Aceto, Nicolas Boulard, Brice Chatenoud, Angelika Markul and Thomas Waroquier.
The prize for bronze sculptures was chaired by the President of MAIF, Dominique Mahé, and a jury composed of Marie-Anne Ben Maïz, honorary director of MAIF, Gaël Charbau, critic and independent curator, Emmanuel Daca, studio head at the Chapon de Bobigny Foundry, Marianne Lanavère, Anne Langlois, director of the 40mcube in Rennes, and Chiara Parisi, curator for contemporary art exhibitions at the Villa Medicis — joined by artist Marc Vellay. The five finalists will now prepare a model of their project, and a video presentation, through which the jury will select their winner.
