James Meyer, a former studio assistant to Jasper Johns, has plead to selling a series of the unfinished works by the artist, and fraudulently covering his sales with false inventory. Meyer ultimately made over $3 million off the sales. “Meyer will now have to pay for that decision,” says US Attorney Preet Bharara. (more…)
The Wall Street Journal has published a memorial to sculptor Anthony Caro written by Karen Wilkin, a curator and former assistant who spoke at a memorial service for the artist last year, remembering the artist’s demanding nature and quick intuition. “While Tony was invariably pleased when you were excited and enthusiastic about particular works, she writes, “he was far more interested in the problematic, recalcitrant ones. And he was always eager to respond to suggestions from fresh eyes—respond immediately, that is, by working on the sculpture.” (more…)
Experts have identified a work found in a private Swiss collection to be a portrait by Leonardo da Vinci, which has been considered lost for over 500 years. The portrait, depicting noblewoman Isabella D’Este, is believed to have been painted by Da Vinci and several of his assistants. “There are no doubts that the portrait is Leonardo’s work,” said Carlo Pedretti, an emeritus professor of art history at the University of California. (more…)
An investigation into the death of David Hockney’s studio assistant, Dominic Elliott, has revealed that the young artist died as the result of drinking acid. Elliott, whose autopsy revealed the presence of several drugs in his system, had been drinking with Hockney’s former partner, John Fitzherbert. “I cannot comment on any of the lifestyle habits he has,” Mr Hockney said in a statement. (more…)
Artist David Hockney has broken the silence surrounding the death of his assistant, 23-year old Dominic Elliott. Elliott’s death, the causes of which remain somewhat of a mystery, sidelined the painter, forcing him to take a break from his prolific work. “The spring didn’t start until late April this year. I wasn’t doing anything much, had nearly given up, and was still thinking about going to LA when my assistant, Jean-Pierre, said I didn’t really have an option. I had to continue with the work. And he was right. I’m not going to retire. I just keep working and that’s what I think I should do.” (more…)
The Guardian has published a lengthy piece on the role of the artist’s assistant, and assistant’s often ignored contributions to the work of major artists. The piece features an interview with Jake and Dinos Chapman, who recall their early work as assistants to Gilbert and George. ‘It was hard labour by any measure,” says Jake Chapman. “There was absolutely no creative input at all. They were very polite and it was interesting to hear them talking – as we did our daily penance.” (more…)
