Restitution of David Drake’s Pottery
A historic restitution has taken place, involving two stoneware vessels created by the 19th-century potter David Drake. Drake, an enslaved artist from South Carolina, created thousands of poignant ceramic works inscribed with lines of poetry. The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, which has held the vessels in its collection since 1997, has returned one of the jars to Drake’s known descendants and purchased the other back from them. Both vessels, dating back to 1857, were likely sold to profit Drake’s enslaver, as the artist received no compensation for his work.
In response to this restitution, Drake’s descendants have established the Dave the Potter Legacy Trust to reclaim Drake’s legacy and ensure that his dignity and memory are honored through meaningful restitution and compensation. This includes representing the interests of other descendants who may come forward in the future.
Alliances and New Beginnings
- Carol Sauvion is stepping down as executive director of Craft in America after nearly 20 years. Robyn Hollingshead and Ann Ruhr Pifer will assume the roles of co-executive directors at the end of the year.
- Brooklyn-based artist Char Jeré is now represented by Andrew Kreps Gallery, while sculptor Reginald Madison is now represented by Uffner & Liu gallery in partnership with September Gallery.
- The Matthew Wong Foundation will present an exhibition of rarely seen works by the late painter in Venice next year, timed with the 61st edition of the Venice Biennale.
- The Frick Collection appointed Laurence Milstein as chair of its Young Fellows Steering Committee, with Casey Kohlberg named vice chair.
- Karim Crippa, the longtime communications head of Art Basel Paris, was named the fair’s new director.
- The New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA) partnered with the Finnish Cultural Institute and the Consulate General of Finland in New York to send three of its members to the Nordic country for exhibitions of works by Finnish artists.
Big Rothko Energy
Mark Rothko’s painting “No. 31 (Yellow Stripe)” is set to go on auction at Christie’s fall marquee sales. The large canvas features fiery red and orange colors on a yellow background and is estimated to be in the region of $50 million. This piece, coming from the collection of Robert F. and Patricia G. Ross Weis, is a significant artwork that captures Rothko’s iconic style.
Wildcard
New York art dealer Vito Schnabel, known for being the son of painter Julian Schnabel, has selected the artworks for the new London outpost of the popular Italian restaurant Carbone. This collaboration between the art world and the culinary scene promises to bring a unique aesthetic to the dining experience.
Ai Weiwei, Angel Otero, and Ron Gorchov are all artists whose works are featured at a trendy New York restaurant. However, getting a table at this exclusive establishment is no easy feat, as even celebrities like Justin and Hailey Bieber have reportedly been turned away. It seems that the art in a Swiss storage vault may get more visibility than the pieces on display at this restaurant.
One of the restaurant’s regular patrons, artist Julian Schnabel, revealed his favorite dish in a recent interview. He raved about the “Orecchiette Vito,” describing it as the “Nepo baby of pasta.” It seems that not only is the art on the walls impressive, but the culinary offerings are also top-notch.
As you try to secure a reservation at this elusive dining spot, consider supporting independent journalism like Hyperallergic. In a time when critical reporting is increasingly scarce, outlets like Hyperallergic rely on readers like you for funding. By becoming a member, you can help ensure the integrity and independence of their coverage, which spans everything from art history to contemporary art.
So, if you’re lucky enough to snag a table at this art-filled restaurant, savor every moment and every bite. And remember, supporting independent journalism is essential in keeping art accessible and inclusive for all.
