IN MEMORIAM: Renowned sculptor Thaddeus Mosley has passed away at the age of 99 in Pennsylvania. His innovative works, crafted from salvaged wood, were celebrated for their elegant forms and unique approach to weight distribution in space, garnering admiration throughout his career.
SHOW ME THE MONEY: Recent filings from the UK Companies House provide a comprehensive overview of the art market's landscape, particularly following the closure of Stephen Friedman Gallery last month. Reports by The Art Newspaper highlight that these filings, while reflecting data from 2024, show various financial trends among major galleries and auction houses. Notably, Pace is late on its filing, Thaddaeus Ropac experienced a 26% drop in turnover, while White Cube saw an impressive 44% increase. These insights, although limited to their UK operations, offer a glimpse into the broader international market dynamics.
DOGE employees have come under scrutiny for allegedly utilizing ChatGPT in decisions regarding the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) grants, raising questions about the influence of technology in funding decisions.
In the art world, the reopening of the Russian pavilion at the Venice Biennale has sparked protests from Ukrainian officials and artists, including the collective Pussy Riot, who argue that this move undermines ongoing peace efforts amidst the current conflict.
On a different note, hundreds of artworks created by infamous prisoner Charles Bronson, now known as Charles Salvador, will be auctioned in the UK on March 11, showcasing the transformative power of art even in challenging circumstances.
A recent UK High Court ruling mandates an art dealer to disclose transaction histories related to artworks owned by celebrities Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, aiming to address concerns over unauthorized profits from their acquisitions of six Banksy prints.
In a significant loss for the art community, experimental Malaysian artist chi too has died at the age of 44, while artist Ken Turnell has also passed away at 77, leaving behind a legacy of impactful works.
New research has uncovered that the Barcarrota library's collection, including a 16th-century manuscript, belonged to Fernão Brandão, a nobleman who fled the Inquisition, highlighting the historical significance of art and literature in preserving cultural narratives.
ARE SCARY TIMES GOOD FOR ART? The art market appears resilient even amidst global uncertainties, as historical pieces attract buyers seeking stability in turbulent times. As experts note, the art industry often operates independently of current events, suggesting a potential for future growth and transformation.