Weekly Newsletter
The recent targeting of a glorious palace in Iran by the US and Israel is a heartbreaking sight. These centuries-old palaces are marvels of architecture and craft, representing Iran’s rich art history. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage in Gaza and now in Iran is a tactic aimed at erasing the country’s identity. When cultural sites are reduced to rubble, the occupiers believe they can eliminate the population’s sense of self and history. However, the resilience of collective memory remains, serving as a reminder of what once was.
In contrast, Qatar has emerged as a new destination for art fairs, with the recent opening of an Art Basel offshoot in Doha. While the art world celebrates this expansion, queer individuals like Nasser Mohamed are forced to flee Qatar to avoid persecution. In a poignant opinion piece, Mohamed highlights the hypocrisy of celebrating creative freedom in a country that criminalizes LGBTQ+ existence.
This week’s newsletter also delves into the problematic nature of art awards, questioning how recognition can often be a tool for organizing power and determining who benefits from visibility. Artist Damien Davis explores the complexities of art awards and their impact on cultural power dynamics.
Additionally, readers can explore a profile of Baghdad-born Whitney Biennial artist Ali Eyal, who reflects on his art as a means of processing the traumas of war and displacement. The newsletter also features insights on the intersection of art and politics, with a focus on how art can highlight and support local businesses in Chinatown.
For art enthusiasts, there are recommendations for great art books to read this month, including a catalog featuring Pao Houa Her’s work and insights into the influences of occultism on modernism. The newsletter also features a discussion on the portrayal of disaffected white girls in literature and an introspective look at artist Hilary Harkness’s creative process.
Overall, this week’s newsletter offers a diverse range of articles and perspectives on the art world, from the celebration of creativity to the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Stay informed and have a great weekend!
—Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief
(Photo credits: Art Basel Qatar in Doha, February 2026 – courtesy Art Basel)
