The recent allegations against a museum trustee have sent shockwaves through the art world, prompting artists to take a stand against injustice. In a bold move, over 150 artists and art workers called on the Museum of Modern Art in New York to sever ties with its chairman, Leon Black, due to his association with convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. While Black eventually stepped down from his role, he still remains on the museum’s board of trustees, raising questions about accountability and ethical governance.
Amidst these troubling developments, new allegations of sexual abuse have emerged against Black, further tarnishing his reputation. Despite the serious nature of these allegations, MoMA has remained silent, prompting criticism from the art community. The full story of these disturbing events is detailed below, shedding light on the need for transparency and accountability in the art world.
On a more uplifting note, artists in Minneapolis have been mobilizing against the presence of ICE agents in their city. Following the tragic murder of Renee Good by ICE agents, local artist Art Price decided to use his resources to resist ICE’s occupation. Using tools like beads, ink, and posters, Price and his fellow artists are sending a powerful message of solidarity and resistance, urging ICE to leave their community.
In other news, the Philadelphia Museum of Art bids farewell to “PhAM,” a beloved figure in the art world. Additionally, the Rubin Museum’s Annual Grant Program is funding Himalayan art and research, providing support for artists and scholars in the field.
From our critics, we explore Deborah Jack’s immersive elegy for water, a poignant reflection on cartography, empire, and ecological adaptation. We also remember Richard Gorman, Seyni Awa Camara, and Björn Roth, honoring their contributions to the art world and their legacies.
In case you missed it, artist Hew Locke’s exhibition, Passages, offers a haunting reminder of the ghosts and wounds we carry with us through life. His work serves as a powerful exploration of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.
Overall, the art world continues to grapple with important issues of ethics, accountability, and social justice. Through the creative efforts of artists and the critical engagement of critics, we are reminded of the transformative power of art in addressing the pressing issues of our time.
