Weekly Newsletter
Resignations at the Venice Biennale, the fall of the art school, Édouard Glissant’s art collection, Tania Bruguera on political art, and much more.
In 2019, Ralph Rugoff curated the 58th International Art Exhibition at the Venice Biennale with the theme May You Live in Interesting Times. It seems his wish came true, as current events have disrupted the upcoming biennale before it even begins.
The latest twist involves the collective resignation of the show’s international jury. While the jurors haven’t explicitly stated their reasons, they hinted that it relates to their recent decision to exclude countries accused of crimes against humanity, specifically Israel and Russia, from award considerations. Expect more developments during next week’s press preview. Our team will be on the ground covering the events. If you’re in Venice, feel free to say hello.
This week, Hakan Topal’s essay on the financialization and “administrification” of art schools and American academia was among our most popular reads. Did you know that between 1976 and 2011, administrative roles at American universities increased by 369%, while full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty positions grew by only 23%? The situation has not improved over time.
Enjoy more insightful reads below, and have a wonderful weekend.
—Hakim Bishara, editor-in-chief
The Death of the Art School
The widespread corporatization and increase in administrative roles at American higher education institutions have transformed students into mere consumers. | Hakan Topal
Call for Applications: 2026 Craft Archive Fellowship
The Center for Craft will award up to four $5,000 fellowships to support research on underrepresented craft histories, culminating in an article on Hyperallergic.
Learn more
Venice Biennale
- The Venice Biennale jury announced its collective resignation a week after declaring Russia and Israel would not be considered for awards.
- The American Arts Conservancy is fundraising for the United States Pavilion at the Venice Biennale through a “Support Our Mission” button on its website, inviting internet users to donate a minimum of $100 toward the project.
- Russia plans to return to the 61st Venice Biennale by using several workarounds to navigate international sanctions, such as limiting access to its pavilion to select guests and the press during vernissage dates.
News
- Xandra Ibarra’s nude performance at MFA Boston has sparked discussions on consent, viewer etiquette, art history, and the human body.
- Banksy has returned with a new anti-imperialist monument in central London.
- Mexican cultural workers have criticized a sculpture by Pedro Reyes at LACMA, accusing the museum of ignoring the controversial history of a similar artwork rejected by Mexico City in 2021.
- The High Line’s new 27-foot-tall Buddha is a revival of a significant piece of destroyed cultural heritage — the Bamiyan Buddhas.
From Our Critics
Alice Tippit’s Mischievous Erotics
Alice Tippit’s art conveys a profound skepticism about language’s capacity to truly capture the human experience. | Lori Waxman
The Revolutionary Tapestry of Nigerian Modernism
The first UK exhibition on this topic offers an ambitious, though uneven, exploration of how artists shaped a postcolonial identity. | Aditya Iyer
Édouard Glissant’s Museum-as-Archipelago
An exhibition of his collection highlights temporary alliances between artists, challenging established hierarchies. | John Yau
Comics
Lee ShinJa’s Handwoven Portals
South Korean artist Lee ShinJa, in her nineties, played a crucial role in elevating fiber art from domestic craft to the realm of contemporary experimentation. | Coco Picard
The International Center of Photography Presents Photobook Fest
This year’s fest will feature over 80 publishers with a full weekend of workshops, panels, and book signings. May 8–10 in Manhattan’s Lower East Side.
Learn more
Features & Interviews
Tania Bruguera on Why Today’s Art Must Be Political
Ahead of her “Tatlin’s Whisper #6” performance in Times Square, artist and activist Tania Bruguera discusses free speech in the face of rising authoritarianism with Hyperallergic. | Valentina Di Liscia
DACA Artist Uses Thread to Weave Immigration Stories
Arleene Correa Valencia uses bark paper and embroidery to thoughtfully explore the challenges of being undocumented in the United States. | Eliana Perozo
Joe Macken Spent 22 Years Building a Miniature New York by Hand
Describing it as a lifelong pursuit, Joe Macken’s 50-foot replica of New York is now displayed at the Museum of the City of New York. “I’ll never, ever, ever be finished with it,” he says. | Monica Uszerowicz
A Refreshing Turn to Craft at AIPAD’s Photography Show
In a year marked by AI image manipulation, this fair, emphasizing Latin American and Latine artists, brings a hopeful perspective. | Isa Farfan
Jozanne Rabyor on Lisa Yin Zhang’s “Required Reading”
I’m smiling because I enjoyed Romelo’s comments about the Russell at the Norton Simon. I paraphrase: “If it makes you feel something, you know it’s good art.” I love the very idea that museum security guards engage with and care about the creations that surround them. Thanks for bringing this to my attention along with the rest of these bits and pieces.
A View From the Easel: Hadieh Afshani
“A certain level of distraction can help me see the work more clearly.”
Remembering Raghu Rai, Jack Thornell, and Jarvis Rockwell
This week, we honor India’s most celebrated photojournalist, a Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer, and a multi-media artist.
​​​​Art Movements: Curators Named for El Museo’s Latine Art Survey
Biennale shake-ups, a new leadership model for Manifesta, and Marina Abramović, wine whisperer?
ICYMI
Our Guide to the Venice Biennale
Here’s what to see and do at this year’s edition, including national pavilions, collateral exhibitions, and notable events. | Hrag Vartanian
Opportunities This Month
Residencies, fellowships, grants, and open calls from the Bennett Prize, Oak Spring Garden Foundation, and more in our May 2026 list of opportunities for artists, writers, and art workers.
