The art world is buzzing with excitement as we approach the end of 2025. From raffle tickets for a Picasso painting to generous acts of philanthropy, the latest news is a mix of highs and lows.
I recently purchased a $117 raffle ticket with the hopes of winning a $1 million Picasso painting. While I’ve never been lucky with prizes before, the idea of having a masterpiece like that hanging in my living room is too tempting to resist. It’s more about the fantasy than the actual win, but hey, a little dreaming never hurt anyone.
On the other end of the spectrum, Sonya Yu, a Bay Area art collector and entrepreneur, has made a generous gesture by covering three years of admission fees for MoMA PS1 in Queens, New York. This act of kindness ensures that entry to the museum is free for everyone, allowing more people to access and appreciate art.
However, not everyone is as fortunate as Sonya Yu. Faculty members at the New School in Manhattan are facing tough times as 40% of them have received buyouts or early retirement offers due to the school’s $48 million deficit. This has led to protests from the faculty members who are understandably upset about the situation.
On a brighter note, Jennifer Samet’s beloved column, Beer With a Painter, is making a comeback. This series of interviews with painters about their practice has been a hit, and this month, Jennifer sits down with artist Melissa Joseph to discuss her unique felt paintings that push the boundaries of the medium.
As we reflect on the year that was, we can’t help but look back on the art, books, and memes that defined 2025. It’s been a year of creativity, innovation, and inspiration, and we hope you enjoy revisiting some of the highlights.
And as we approach the end of the year, we want to wish a Happy Hanukkah to our readers who celebrate it. May the coming year be filled with light, joy, and creativity for everyone.
In this season of giving, we also want to express our gratitude to our readers for supporting independent journalism. If you’d like to show your support, consider signing up as a paid member to help sustain Hyperallergic and our mission of bringing you the latest in art and culture news. Thank you for being a part of our community, and here’s to a bright and art-filled 2026. As we head into the weekend, it’s time to reflect on the best of 2025 so far. The year has brought us an array of incredible art and cultural highlights that are worth celebrating. From groundbreaking exhibitions to thought-provoking opinions and reviews, there’s no shortage of exciting content to explore.
One standout from 2025 is Amy Sherald’s “American Sublime” exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Sherald’s powerful and evocative work has captivated audiences, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary American art.
In addition to Sherald’s exhibition, the National Museum of the American Indian is presenting “Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe.” This retrospective showcases the work of Truman Lowe, a HoocÄ…k (Ho-Chunk) artist known for his intricate sculptures and drawings. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in Native American art and culture.
Moving on to news and features, Hyperallergic is covering a range of important topics, from the School of the Art Institute’s decision to cut its media arts program to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The platform continues to provide insightful commentary on current events and cultural issues, shedding light on often overlooked stories.
In the realm of reviews, critics are taking a closer look at exhibitions like Wifredo Lam’s retrospective at MoMA and Coreen Simpson’s photography. These reviews offer valuable insights into the work of these artists and provide readers with a deeper understanding of their creative processes.
And for those looking for a more personal touch, the “Beer With a Painter” series is back with an interview featuring New York-based artist Melissa Joseph. Joseph’s unique approach to painting, which involves using felt as a medium, offers a fresh perspective on traditional art practices and explores her Irish and Indian heritage.
As we head into the weekend, there’s no shortage of art and culture to explore. Whether you’re visiting a museum, reading a thought-provoking article, or diving into a new exhibition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So have a great weekend, and remember to take some time to appreciate the incredible creativity and talent that 2025 has to offer.
