Kassel city councillor strikes a chilling tone denouncing documenta artworks
German politician Thomas Materner, member of the xenophobic AFD party and municipal councilor in Kassel, has sent shockwaves rippling after describing the work of artist Olu Oguibe as “ideologically polarizing, deformed art”. Exhibited as part of documenta 14, the town of Kassel have been discussing the acquisition of Oguibe’s Das Fremdlinge und Flüchtlinge (Monument for Strangers and Refugees). Such terminology employed by Materner strikes a chilling tone with its proximity to the Nazi’s designation of Modern art as “degenerate art”.
Materner added that his party called upon people to protest in front of the work “following each terrorist attack carried out by an immigrant”. Adam Szymczyk, artistic director of this year’s documenta has expressed his horror at these words. More via HNA (in German).
The Guggenheim New York waves goodbye to Maurizio Cattelan’s golden toilets
Nancy Spector, artistic director of the Guggenheim New York has announced via the institution’s blog that America, a work by artist Maurizio Cattelan taking the form of an 18 carat gold toilet, is to leave the museum on September 15, one year after its installation. Spector noted the work’s great success, “More than 100,000 people have waited patiently in line for the opportunity to commune with art and with nature.” Read the full blog post here.
Installation view: Maurizio Cattelan: “America”, Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, Photo: Kristopher McKay
23 new exhibitors for NADA Miami Beach
The New Art Dealers Association has revealed its list of participants for its 15th edition of NADA Miami Beach running December 7 through 10. One hundred and eight galleries from 16 different countries will be present, including 23 first-time exhibitors such as Clearing (Brussels & Brooklyn), And Now (Dallas) and Natalia Hug (Cologne).
The fair, led by Heather Hubbs, will also feature exhibitors including Shane Campbell Gallery (Chicago), Antoine Levi (Paris), Bodega (New York), Galería Agustina Ferreyra, (Mexico/San Juan) and LETO (Warsaw). More on Artnews.
