The endlessly prolific Hans Ulrich Obrist has a new book out this week, titled Lives of the Artists, Lives of the Architects, tracing a series of the artist’s ongoing conversations with artists and designers over the course of his career, including pieces with David Hockney and Marina Abramovic. (more…)

Marina Abramovic has announced that she is preparing to publish her memoirs, due for the fall of 2016.  The book will be released in conjunction with the artist’s 70th birthday.  “My experiences have always been a big part of my work — they’re the source of everything I do, they’re my inspiration,” Abramovic said in a statement. “I hope that by sharing my story, I can give people the courage to do the things they’re afraid to do in their own lives.” (more…)

Former Harper’s Bazaar and V Magazine Editor Derek Blasberg has reportedly joined on with Gagosian Gallery in an unspecified position.  “Derek brings a new perspective to the gallery, and as one of the leading media voices in fashion and the creative arts, I think he will make a valuable contribution,” Larry Gagosian said in a statement. “Our aim is to create a diverse program, to inspire our audience and promote our artists. I look forward to working with Derek to broaden our reach.” (more…)

Writer Alain de Botton has contributed an essay to the Wall Street Journal, challenging the age-old questions of why art should matter to the average person.  Illustrating the art work as a moment of reflection and repose, de Botton reviews works by Hiroshi Sugimoto, Pieter de Hooch, Diego Velazquez and more, examining the benefits and impressions a single work of art can make in the viewer’s perception of the world. (more…)

The increasing use of the word “curation” in the economic and creative sphere has lead writer and curator Daniel Blight to question the cultural implications of the word for the world of fine art.  As people often taking a more proactive stance in creating meaning and distributional flows online, curators are challenge to increase emphasis on transparency and accessibility in the art landscape, Blight says. (more…)