Pace, William Kentridge, “AlgaeBTQ+”

Weekly Newsletter

We unveil the official gallery narrative. Additionally, memes flourish as Trump’s reflecting pool becomes more obscure.

Following the announcement that Pace had let go of dozens of staff and an equal number of artists, a troubling narrative began to emerge in parts of the art world. It suggested, “The gallery model is broken. This was inevitable.” This rhetoric largely came from individuals who helped develop the system they now criticize as irreparable.

This week at Hyperallergic, we exemplified independent journalism by challenging official narratives and focusing on the individuals involved, not the influential. 

In a sharp opinion piece, Barbara Pollack critiques a former art fair leader’s reserved New York Times commentary on the layoffs. Pollack argues, “[Marc] Spiegler discusses the gallery ecosystem’s decline as though he’s merely an observer, not a key architect.” Meanwhile, in “Pace Gallery’s Hall of Mirrors,” which I co-authored with Rebecca Schiffman, we feature insights from gallery workers and artists, offering a nuanced and personal perspective on the downsizing.

Our hearts are heavy with the immense loss and suffering in Venezuela. After two consecutive earthquakes hit the region on Wednesday, thousands, including artists and cultural workers, are still searching for loved ones. Please reach out if you know of any fundraisers or aid initiatives supporting artists and creative communities.

—Valentina Di Liscia, senior editor

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News

• The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, recently painted by President Trump in a shade he called “American Flag Blue,” is now turning a barf-green. Memes capturing this transformation are trending.
• In the wake of two powerful earthquakes on June 24 in Venezuela, at least 589 people have died and tens of thousands remain missing. Efforts by artists and the cultural community to aid recovery and find loved ones are underway.
• Democratic Socialist Claire Valdez, an artist and New York State Assemblywoman, has secured the Democratic nomination for New York’s 7th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives by a significant margin.
• Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City is infusing soccer fever into the Whitney Museum of American Art. Participants who create a World Cup-inspired poster with artist Rich Tu will receive free museum entry.
• A movement among hundreds of artists is calling for a two-year halt on artificial intelligence use in New York City classrooms.
• The South Bushwick Community Church in Brooklyn is aiming to raise $2 million following severe damage from a three-alarm fire on June 19.
• Art Movements: Trump eyes the Architecture Biennale, a Modigliani nude deemed “indecent” sells for $63.9M, the National Gallery of Art receives a major contemporary art donation, and more industry updates.

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Queer Elders

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Opinions

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Film

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From Our Critics

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Book Excerpt

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Guides

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• A View From the Easel: Explore artist Ashley Chew’s studio, a space fostering community and connection as a counter to exclusion in the art world.
• In Memoriam: This week, we remember Frayda Feldman, an expert on Andy Warhol prints; James Wagner, a dedicated art collector; Melodee Strong, a cherished Minneapolis muralist, among others.
• Required Reading: Scott Burton’s final sculpture, memories of Lebanese environmental activist Mona Khalil, AI’s impact on art journalism, NYC’s roller-skating queer icon, and more.

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ICYMI