Art Industry News: King Charles III Sat for a British Photographer for His Official Coronation Pictures + Other Stories

NEED-TO-READ

U.K. Politicians Ignore Steve McQueen’s Grenfell Film – The British artist and director said members of parliament turned down an invitation to watch his short film recording both devastation and community spirit in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire in north west London in 2017. Only four MPs have so far attended screenings at the Serpentine Gallery. “Their silence says a lot about what is happening in this country,” McQueen said. ()

People Arrested for Building on Archaeological Sites – Four individuals were arrested on the Greek island of Rhodes for doing construction work in locales replete with fragile archaeological sites. The move comes as the government cracks down on developments planned that would threaten the ancient cultural heritage. (AFP)  

Palace Releases Official Coronation Portraits – The official photographs commemorating King Charles III’s coronation were taken by 59-year-old British artist Hugo Burnaud, the first since Cecil Beaton photographed Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. In one portrait, the King is pictured in Buckingham Palace’s Throne Room clad in purple and gold robes with white fur, holding the Sovereign’s Orb in one hand and the Sovereign’s Scepter in the other. Burnaud has also taken portraits of Charles and Camilla for their 2005 wedding, as well as the union of Prince William and Princess Kate in 2011. (New York Times)

UNESCO Calls for Enhanced Protection of Artists – The international agency has issued a research publication that calls on states worldwide to do more to support artists working in emergency situations like conflict, natural disasters and political instability. UNESCO also announced an investment of $1 million for projects protecting artistic freedoms in more than 25 countries. (Press release) 

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Alison Jacques Now Reps Monica Sjöö – The late Swedish painter is having a moment with her first major institutional retrospective at Moderna Museet opening this Saturday and touring to Modern Art Oxford in the U.K. in the fall. Next year, she will be the subject of her first solo show at Alison Jacques in London. () 

Julia Gutman Wins Archibald Prize – The 29-year-old, Sydney-based artist has received $100,000 for her portrait of the Australian musician Montaigne, thanks to an unanimous decision by judging panel. The prize, which honors a portrait of a person “distinguished in art, letters, science of politics,” has been awarded annually since 1921. () 

PPOW Adds New Artists – The New York gallery has welcomed the painters Mosie Romney and Grace Carney to its roster. Romney’s first solo exhibition at the gallery is slated for the fall of 2024. () 

FOR ARTS SAKE

Basquiat Works Adorn New Bag Collection – Images from the artwork of Jean-Michel Basquiat are featured on a new collection of three different bag styles by the emerging fashion brand Homage Year. In 2022, the artist’s estate announced a collaboration with the Black Fashion Fair that would give 10 Black designers “unprecedented access” to use works exhibited as part of the “King Pleasure” exhibition. (Complex) 

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