London Mayor Sadiq Khan Says Greece and UK Should 'Share' Parthenon Marbles + Other Stories

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 on Tuesday, July 4.

NEED TO READ

Right-wing protest against LGBTQ art exhibition in Istanbul – New art venue ArtIstanbul Feshane, which opened to the public last week, was forced to temporarily close in response to a protest against works that conservative critics perceived as “LGBT propaganda”. Two works singled out by the media are installations exploring gender and homosexuality by Turkish artists Taner Ceylan and Ekin Keser. (Hyperallergic)

Outcry over latest hiring of African art curators at New Orleans museum – The museum’s announcement that it had hired a white woman, Amanda M. Maples, for the role caused considerable backlash. The museum responded to critical comments on Instagram, noting that Maples’ experience and strong relationships with African art institutions made her the most qualified candidate. (ART news)

London Mayor Sadiq Khan Says Greece and UK Should ‘Share’ Parthenon Marbles – The Labor Party politician told the Greek newspaper Your Nea that he believes that Greece and the United Kingdom could share the ancient marbles. “I obviously want Londoners to be able to see the Elgin [Parthenon] Marbles, but I don’t see why the British Museum, the British Government, the Greek Government and the Athens Museum can’t come to an accommodation to share these wonderful, wonderful Elgin [Parthenon] Marbles,” he said. (The arts journal)

New French law for the restitution of works of art looted by the Nazis – A unanimous vote by the French National Assembly established a single law for the return of Nazi-looted items to Jewish heirs, which previously required a new law tailored to each case. The legislation applies to items seized between January 30, 1933 and May 8, 1945. (Apollo)

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

The National Gallery of Art in Washington will move the portrait of Leonardo – The Renaissance Masters Ginvera de’ Benci portrait is temporarily taking up residence in gallery 39, dedicated to Flemish and Dutch art, while its usual place in gallery 6 is being reorganized. She is expected to return early next year. (TANNING)

Zeno X Gallery announces its closure after 42 years – The Antwerp gallery, founded in 1981 and with two sites in the Flemish city, has announced its closure. The founders cited health issues that “made the stress and pressure too much”, but pledged to finish the gallery’s exhibition program until the end of the year. (Press release)

The Berlin Biennale names its next curator – Writer and curator Zasha Colah will oversee the 13th edition of the biennale, which has been postponed to 2025. Born in Mumbai and currently based in Turin, Colah is artistic director of the artistic association Ar/Ge Kunst and lecturer in curatorial studies at the Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti in Milan. (Press release)

FOR ART

New paintings by Damien Hirst at Phillips London – As part of a long-standing collaboration with HENI, artist YBA is curating a new exhibition ‘Where the Land Meets the Sea’ at Phillips London to showcase new works from his series ‘Coast Paintings’, ‘Sea Paintings’ and “Seascapes”. . The show runs from July 20 to August 18. (Press release)