As art sales go online, the NYT notes an increasing generation gap, with older buyers tapering off their purchases and younger buyers continuing to collect. “The resistance from older collectors is still there,” says Anders Petterson, founder of analytics firm ArtTactic. “When there is no physical art world, how do you substitute that experience?” he added. “Younger people are a lot quicker to adapt.”
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RIP: Christo, Who Worked on a Monumental Scale, Passes Away at 84
June 1st, 2020
Christo at The Floating Piers, June 2016, Photo: Wolfgang Volz
Christo, the Bulgarian artist known for massively scaled environmental works that spread miles of fabric and other materials across natural landmarks and buildings at sites around the globe, has passed away at the age of 84. Working for much of his life alongside his late wife, Jeanne-Claude, who passed away in 2009, the artist’s iconic pieces, like 2005’s The Gates in New York’s Central Park, or his wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin, turned modern locales into subtle, surreal echoes of themselves. Read More »
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AO DIGITAL ROUND-UP – NADA FAIR, May 20th – June 21st, 2020
May 23rd, 2020
Edward Kay, via Rob Tufnell
Making its own entry in the string of fairs and digital viewing sites embaraced by the art world to mitigate some of the damage caused by COVID-19, the New Art Dealers Alliance has launched a new project, the aptly titled FAIR. Spanning several weeks of curated exhibitions from member galleries in New York and further afield, NADA’s new project will look to keep attention and focus on smaller galleries and artists amidst a time where many are suffering from the drop in physical contact and face to face encounters that make up so much of the art world’s business model. Taking place May 20–June 21, 2020, FAIR will directly support 119 NADA Gallery Members and 81 other galleries that have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, totaling nearly 200 galleries around the world. Read More »
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Hong Kong – Bosco Sodi: “A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains” at Axel Vervoodt Through September 5th, 2020
May 16th, 2020
Bosco Sodi, A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains (Installation View), via Art Observed
As the city of Hong Kong gradually reopens, galleries are slowly returning to business as usual, with shows returning to their exhibition schedules, albeit slowly and gradually. Among these shows is a quite striking exhibition of new pieces by Mexican artist Bosco Sodi at Axel Vervoodt, incorporating a range of material investigations and variations on his already enigmatic and exploratory processes. Titled A Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains, the exhibition takes the artist’s own hand and his engagement with traditional Chinese art techniques in equal stride. Read More »
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AO Digital Round-Up – Frieze Art Fair’s Online Viewing Rooms, May 8th – 15th, 2020
May 11th, 2020
Mark Manders, via Tanya Bonakdar
Taking the challenges raised by the COVID-19 pandemic head-on, the Frieze Art Fair has opened its Online Viewing Room program, bringing a selection of works by its exhibitors to view on its website. Opened as a stand-in for the cancelled New York edition of its international fair program, the online show has created an expansive online show, welcoming those left working from home or sheltering in place to take a leisurely browse through the show. Read More »
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Education Resources for Artists During COVID-19 Quarantine
April 23rd, 2020
Dike Blair, Untitled (2020), via Karma. The gallery is hosting a show of the artist’s work in its Online Viewing Rooms
As the weeks progress and institutions remain shuttered over COVID-19 concerns, many arts organizations are responding with online virtual education programming related to the arts, often accessible globally at no cost. Art Observed has compiled a selection of these resources, from online classes and exhibitions to panel discussions and online interviews. There has perhaps been no better time to develop and hone one’s skills, as regards both creating and appreciating art, and through these links, Art Observed hopes to enable its readers to branch out, exploring new concepts and skills from the safety of their homes, while helping to relieve some of the pressures and tedium of social distancing.
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Dustin Yellin and Vik Muniz Converse Live on Art Observed’s Instagram Channel
April 23rd, 2020
Dustin Yellin and Vik Muniz Converse on Instagram Live, via Art Observed
This week, artists Dustin Yellin and Vik Muniz sat down this week on Art Observed’s Instagram Live channel to discuss art, the current state of the world, and share insights into their practice. The full interview is now up on our Instagram channel. Read More »
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AO Reviews – “Richard Prince: Cowboy” Compiled by Robert Rubin, Out Now
April 16th, 2020
Richard Prince: Cowboy is now available HERE
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Resources for Artists During Covid-19
April 15th, 2020
Art Observed would like to share some information about resources available for artists during the ongoing Covid-19 situation. There are many organizations that, in the wake of galleries, exhibitions and museums closing, are providing resources for artists to continue their work. In addition, of the $2 trillion in economic stimulus provided through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act, up to $300 million is earmarked for the arts, including funds specifically for artists, cultural organizations, museums, libraries, and other groups, administered by various federal agencies.
While Covid-19 is impacting everyone’s lives in a way that is unprecedented, it is perhaps causing many to appreciate the arts more than before. People may be more inclined to purchase pieces for their homes, and there has been demand for online, virtual art shows and talks – art that is uplifting and that is accessible. Coming out of this, Art Observed hopes and expects the art world to re-emerge with renewed vigor. Until then, Art Observed hopes the below resources will be helpful.
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A Message of Support from Art Observed
March 30th, 2020Art Observed would like to send out a message of support and encouragement to all affected by the COVID-19 crisis.
Art Observed will be changing in reaction to a world that is itself in a state of change.
Restricted ability to physically engage with art work does not prevent us from the experience of viewing and thinking about art as well as connecting with each other in the process.
Art Observed will continue to transmit information on shows and the news surrounding them, but in new ways.
Art Observed will look to continue to support those in the art world whom we covered before, as well new participants whom we can connect with meaningfully through a digital format.
We also hope to continue to develop a passionate following of those interested in new phases and frontiers for art.
We invite all to collaborate with Art Observed as we look to adapt, restructure and continue our role to promote and support the art world.
While we look forward to returning to providing our readers and supporters live and timely coverage of art exhibitions, fairs and projects in the near future, we also look forward to taking this new step with you in the time in between.
If you are interested in exploring new strategies and ideas with Art Observed, please feel free to contact us at the handles below:
Email: info@artobserved.com
Instagram DM: @ArtObserved
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New York – Gerhard Richter “Painting After All” at the Met Breuer Through July 5th, 2020
March 29th, 2020
Gerhard Richter, Painting After All (Installation View), via Art Observed
Editors Note: Art Observed was on site for the opening of the exhibition and photographed this show before the closings related to COVID-19.
The Met Breuer is closing its doors this summer, following a fittingly ambitious final exhibition, a sprawling review of the work of Gerhard Richter, marking the first major exhibition in the United States on the work of the German artist in nearly twenty years. Read More »
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