Art Movements
The artist recognized for her playful inflatables has been honored with the Bucksbaum Award; additionally, a new grant supports artists with cancer, Murmurs Gallery is closing, and more updates are shared.
Pat Oleszko at Whitney Biennial opening night on March 3, 2026 (© BFA 2026, photo Darian DiCianno/BFA.com)
Art Movements, published every Thursday afternoon, offers a concise summary of essential news, appointments, awards, and other events in the current art scene.
Pat Oleszko Receives Whitney Biennial Award
Pat Oleszko, an artist whose large inflatable sculptures and early film work impressed attendees at the Whitney Biennial, has been awarded the 2026 Bucksbaum Award. This $100,000 prize is bestowed by the Whitney Museum of American Art to a Biennial artist whose work exemplifies “a unique blend of talent and imagination.” After concluding a major solo exhibition at the SculptureCenter in New York City and currently displaying works at The Campus in Upstate New York, Oleszko is experiencing a remarkable year.
Murmurs Gallery Closing Down
The Los Angeles-based Murmurs Gallery, known for showcasing artists like Sula Bermúdez-Silverman and Alison Nguyen, has announced the closure of its physical location in Downtown LA. The founders stated, “The artistic landscape is undeniably under economic pressure. We are relinquishing our space not to cease operations, but to explore more sustainable ways to continue.” A farewell celebration is scheduled for the fall.
Grant Announced for Artists Living With Cancer
Jacolby Satterwhite, having survived cancer twice, is the inaugural recipient of the Artists Living with Cancer grant, offered by the Rema Hort Mann Fund and the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation. This inspiring initiative aims to deliver crucial assistance to visual artists receiving treatment in the New York metro area. Following this first $25,000 award, the program intends to provide one-time grants of up to $10,000.
Acquisitions
This week, the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) announced the acquisition of over 90 modern and contemporary artworks from January to June 2026. Notable additions include works by Rose B. Simpson, Ana Mendieta, Betye Saar, and Kishio Suga. Among the highlights is a watercolor on paper by graphic artist Orlando Smith, who is incarcerated at San Quentin prison. “Aging Is A Fact!” (2025) highlights the challenges faced by the prison’s aging population.
Additional Updates
- The James Cohan Gallery will now be called Norr Cohan following David Norr’s acquisition of sole ownership of the New York City space.
- Jeanette Andrews has joined the Trotter&Sholer gallery.
- Louis Blue Newby is now represented by Ehrlich Steinberg gallery.
.
