The year 2025 has been quite eventful, filled with memes, art sales, and cultural highlights. As we approach the end of the year, let’s take a moment to reflect on some of the most memorable moments that have defined this year.
One of the standout events in the art world is the opportunity to own a Picasso painting for just $117 through a raffle, with proceeds going towards Alzheimer’s research. This initiative stands in stark contrast to the multi-million-dollar art sales that often prioritize profit over charitable causes.
In the realm of art criticism, two noteworthy reviews have caught our attention. “Coreen Simpson: A Monograph,” edited by Sarah Lewis, Leigh Raiford, and Deborah Willis, delves into Simpson’s exploration of beauty and community through photography and jewelry. On the other hand, “Jeff Wall Photographs 1984–2023” at the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto offers a thought-provoking look at Wall’s disorienting photography, challenging viewers to reconsider notions of photographic truth.
Additionally, our latest Art Movements feature covers Nnena Kalu’s Turner Prize win, François-Xavier Lalanne’s hippo-shaped bar auction, and MacKenzie Scott’s generous donation to the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. In A View From the Easel, we explore the studios of an 83-year-old woodworker in North Carolina and a Kansas City-based artist’s enchanting dyeing techniques with indigo.
Required Reading delves into discussions on the racist origins of “Jingle Bells,” India’s burgeoning drag scene, and the chaotic world of airport-lounge wars during holiday travel. And for those looking to navigate the complexities of tax season, “Taxes for Humans: A Radical Reimagining of Financial Empowerment” offers valuable insights for artists, freelancers, and the self-employed.
In case you missed it, Lisa Yuskavage’s provocative depiction of nude women and Danelle Manthey’s exploration of Christmas kitsch across the US provide thought-provoking insights into contemporary art and culture.
As we approach the end of 2025, stay tuned for more Best of 2025 lists and continue to engage with the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape that defines our world today.
— Lakshmi Rivera Amin, associate editor
