Daily Newsletter
Study respondents reacted more negatively toward artists committing sexual assault than murder. Plus, an unexpected pairing with Picasso’s “Guernica.”
I’ve often pondered what actions lead to cancellation in the art world, as it seems not much does. However, a recent psychological study offers some insight: participants viewed artists accused of sexual assault more negatively than those accused of murder.
Amid ongoing conflicts, the Reina Sofía Museum showcases art history’s iconic anti-war piece, Picasso’s “Guernica” (1937), alongside other artworks to draw political comparisons. Currently, it is displayed with South African artist Dumile Feni’s “African Guernica” (1967), a timely pairing noted by Agnish Ray, as racial tensions rise in Spain.
In another part of the art world, a unique garden is taking shape in Queens. Editor-at-Large Hrag Vartanian explores artist and poet Precious Okoyomon’s commissioned piece at MoMA PS1’s courtyard, where visitors can enter a large teddy bear’s back and slide through its mouth.
—Lisa Yin Zhang, associate editor
Sexual Assault Allegations Get Artists Canceled More Than Murder, Study Finds
A recent psychological study on so-called “cancel culture” and artistic impact found that its respondents reacted more punitively toward an artist accused of sexual assault (SA) compared to an artist accused of murder.
The sentiment was consistent whether the artist was previously unknown or identified as a respondent’s favorite, and the study revealed that political orientation was not a predictor across the responses. | Rhea Nayyar
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Features
From Our Critics
Widline Cadet’s Doubled Diaspora
The Haitian-born photographer explores how various media, from dusty analog photo albums to cell phone videos, store and shape personal histories of migration. | Debra Brehmer
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