Art Industry News is a daily summary of the most important developments in the art world and the art market. Here’s what you need to know this Friday, June 30.
NEED TO READ
Austria repatriates Mexican ball pit artifact A Mesoamerican artifact has been returned to Mexico after surfacing at an undisclosed auction house in Austria. The object, called a yoke, dates back to between 400 and 900 CE and was used in a ritual ball game. It was recovered by the Mexican Embassy in Austria with the help of the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Culture, and the National Institute of Anthropology and History in Mexico City. (ART news)
The Battle of the Philadelphia Museum Union Contract – The Philadelphia Museum of Art Union alleges the museum reneged on an indemnification provision. According to the union, the institution’s CEO, Sasha Suda, and general counsel Al Suh, said the museum would not honor a “longevity-related salary increase” that will impact employees of all the departments. (Hyperallergic)
Anne Pasternak applauds critics – In an interview, the Brooklyn Museum director said she was “unprepared” for the art world’s reaction to the “It’s Pablo-matic” exhibit that opened this month. She is disappointed but sure of its relevance: “I think this exhibition will go into art history textbooks, and I think we will talk about it quite richly, moreover. Listen to the new Art Angle Podcast where we dive into the controversy around this exhibition co-organized by actress Hannah Gadsby. (braked)
Video artist to represent Taiwan in Venice – Artist Yuan Goang-ming and curator Abby Chen will work together to represent Taiwan at the 60th Venice Biennale in 2024, which runs from April 20 to November 24, 2024. The pioneering video artist has worked with the medium since 1984. (Asia-Pacific Art)
MOVERS AND SHAKERS
Lubaina Himid wins the Maria Lassnig Prize – The British artist has received the fourth edition of the Mid-Career Prize, which includes €50,000 ($54,200) and an exhibition at the UCCA Contemporary Art Center in Beijing. (ArtReview)
The Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna appoints a new director – The American art historian Jonathan Fine will take over the museum in January 2025. He has been director of the Weltmuseum in Vienna since July 2021. He succeeds Sabine Haag as general manager of the prestigious city museum. (The arts journal)
Frieze Artist Award Nominated – Adham Faramawy is the recipient of the Frieze London Artist Award 2023. The artist will have the opportunity to start a commission at Frieze London, which will take place from October 11 to 15, 2023. (Press release)
Artsy lays off 35 employees – The online art platform laid off 35 employees, or around 15% of its workforce last week. (ART news)
FOR ART
Sculpture by David Adjaye at the Griot Museum of Black History – The St. Louis Museum has unveiled the new permanent sculpture by British-Ghanaian architect and artist David Adjaye Asasius III (2023). This is the very first permanent public work in Adjaye. The piece was ordered as part of counter public, the city’s triennial civic exposition. (The arts journal)
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