NEED TO READ
Jordan Wolfson Speaks to Photographer Heji Shin – In a wide-ranging back and forth, the two artists discuss therapy, karma, and the wise words of Jeff Koons before pondering which character traits tend to push someone toward expressing themselves through art. (Interview)
Architect Michael Hopkins Dies at 88 – The British architect best known for Portcullis House, a 2001 governmental building in London that presents a contemporary take on the Victorian Gothic style, has died at age 88. He also designed the Mound Stand at Lord’s cricket ground. (Guardian)
Takashi Murakami Loves and Fears A.I. – The art superstar admitted in a new interview that he anticipates dramatic changes will be brought about by A.I., shifting the power from artists to tech engineers. “The wackiest ideas, those that even A.I. cannot generate, will become even more valuable,” he said, while “artists who create familiar things will be left behind.” Even he has fears of “one day being replaced.” ()
Indigenous Masks Were Treated With Toxins Before Repatriation – A pair of wooden masks were repatriated to the Kogi community in Colombia, but they arrived with a warning that they are most likely no longer fit for ceremonial use. The objects had been treated with toxic chemicals while held in German museum collections. (Guardian)
MOVERS & SHAKERS
National Photographic Portrait Prize Winner – Artist Shea Kirk has won Australia’s annual portrait prize for her photograph of her friend artist Emma Armstrong-Porter. “I’ve always struggled with my weight” Armstrong-Porter said, but I’ve begun to reclaim my skin, by designing symbols about my life so far that I’ve been getting tattooed. I’m starting to feel more at home in my big queer body.” The work is on view now at the National Portrait Gallery. (Guardian)
Elena Filipovic to Helm Kunstmuseum Basel – Elena Filipovic will begin her new role as director of Switzerland’s Kunstmuseum Basel on June 1, 2024, taking over for Josef Helfenstein, who is retiring after eight years. Filipovic is currently a curator at Kunsthalle Basel, organizing shows for artists including Anicka Yi, Deana Lawson, and Michael Armitage. (Press release)
Art Collector Puts Trove of Video Works Online – Hong Kong-based collector Shane Akeroyd has made his entire library of video art, featuring more than 90 artists’ works, available to the public online. On the Akeroyd collection website, viewers can see seminal works by artists including Joan Jonas, Wong Ping, and Vvzela Kook. (South China Morning Post)
Berlin Biennale Postponed – It seems Covid-related delays may not yet be a thing of the past. The 13th edition of the Berlin Bienniale has been postponed to 2025 due to “organizational delays” caused by the pandemic. It also hopes to avoid getting lost in the onslaught of biennials that were already postponed until 2024. ()
FOR ARTS SAKE
Turkish Modern Museum Unveiled – Istanbul Modern was five years in the making and is now, finally, welcoming the public inside its 108,000-square-foot Renzo Piano-designed building. It hosted an official inauguration today with the celebrated Italian architect in attendance, and released a horde of impressive new photographs. Visitors to the newly opened restaurant can also enjoy views across the river to one of history’s greatest cultural wonders, the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque. ()
Istanbul Modern. Photo: Cemal Emden, courtesy of Istanbul Modern.
