In a perhaps unprecedented move, the entire first year class at USC’s Roski School of Arts MFA Program have dropped out of the program, protesting moves by Dean Erica Muhl to overhaul the department’s structure and funding models.  “Whatever artistic work we created this spring semester was achieved in spite of, not because of, the institution,” the seven students wrote in an open letter announcing their withdrawal.  “Because the university refused to honor its promises to us, we are returning to the workforce degree-less and debt-full.” (more…)

Oscar Murillo, A Mercantile Novel Candy Bars, via Art Observed

The art world has been good to Oscar Murillo over the past year.  Following a series of high auction sales and eager buyers, the 27-year old was quickly signed to David Zwirner, and has continued to command impressive press attention and plaudits for his paintings and installation work.

Oscar Murillo with the Colombina Employees, via Art Observed (more…)

The ongoing Istanbul Biennial has raised the ire of artists and activists over its tactical departure from a number of culturally and politically contested areas, following the massive protests this summer in Gezi Park.  Originally intended to meet the waves of gentrification currently sweeping through the city, the fair has moved its exhibitions to some of the city’s most established galleries.  “You lose time when you send things by email and try to get permission. It was the opposite during Gezi. People were improvising; they were very fast and very efficient at organising collectively. The biennial could learn from that.”   Says Artist Ahmet Ögüt, who runs the Tate-funded art school for refugees, Silent University. (more…)

In the run-up to his career retrospective at the New Museum next month, Chris Burden is profiled in the New York Times, detailing his diverse and challenging body of work, his position as a highly influential, yet elusively underground figure in the American art world, and his Topanga Canyon home where he lives and works with his wife, sculptor Nancy Rubins.  “One of the reasons Nancy and I have lived up here is so we can just leave lots of junk lying around, and it doesn’t bother anyone that much,” says Burden. “Money has come into this canyon in the last few years. By our standards, it’s starting to get a little too crowded.” (more…)