The Weekly Wrap
This week, the art world has been ablaze with jaw-dropping revelations, transformative acquisitions, and boundary-pushing exhibitions. From political shakeups to fashion runways, here’s your quick hit of the must-know stories that are making waves in the art scene.
1. Rijksmuseum Unveils Newly Acquired Maria van Oosterwijck Still Life
The Rijksmuseum has just secured a stunning acquisition: Vanitas with Sunflower and Jewelry Box by 17th-century Dutch artist Maria van Oosterwijck. Purchased for €1.3 million, this still life from the 17th century is the museum’s first acquisition of her work. Van Oosterwijck’s brilliant combination of symbolism and florals explores themes of mortality and vanity, making this piece a perfect addition to the museum’s collection. It’s a stunning reminder that art, like life, is fleeting—and always worth celebrating.
2. Ricardo Scofidio, Visionary Architect Behind Iconic Art Spaces, Dies at 89
Ricardo Scofidio, the pioneering architect behind transformative art spaces like the High Line and The Broad museum, has passed away at 89. Co-founding Diller Scofidio + Renfro with Elizabeth Diller, his designs revolutionized how we interact with urban environments. From repurposing the High Line into a vibrant public park to reshaping MoMA and creating The Broad’s innovative design, Scofidio’s legacy will continue to inspire architects and artists alike for years to come.
3. Dumbo Projection Project Lights Up Brooklyn’s Streets
Brooklyn’s Dumbo neighborhood is once again transformed into an open-air art gallery with the return of the Dumbo Projection Project. From March 5 to May 25, 2025, Wednesday through Sunday evenings, the area’s iconic infrastructure serves as canvases for captivating video art displays. Volume Five, titled “Space,” runs from April 2 to 27, featuring works like Runway: From the Mars Desert Research Station by Juan José Cielo. Volume Six, “Unexpected Delight!”, follows from May 1 to 25, showcasing creations by NYU’s Interactive Telecommunications Program students. This project turns everyday urban space into a dynamic, accessible art experience.
4. Could Trump’s Shocking Purge Threaten America’s Art Legacy?
In a move that has the art world in a frenzy, President Trump has slashed funding and gutted the General Services Administration (GSA), the agency that maintains over 26,000 public artworks, including iconic pieces like Alexander Calder’s Flamingo and Michael Lantz’s Man Controlling Trade. Regional offices have been shut down, and essential staff have been laid off, leaving America’s rich artistic heritage in jeopardy. With these sweeping cuts, artists and conservators are on edge, questioning the future of America’s art legacy.
5. Museums and Galleries Embrace a ‘Slowdown’ in Exhibitions
In response to economic pressures and a desire for deeper engagement, many museums and galleries are scaling back the frequency of their exhibitions. Institutions like V&A Dundee have reduced major shows to one extensive exhibition per year, aiming for a more thoughtful and sustainable approach to curating. This trend reflects a broader industry shift towards longer, more immersive exhibitions that prioritize meaningful visitor experiences over a packed schedule.
6. Artist Rashid Johnson Struts the Runway at Gabriela Hearst’s Fall 2025 Show
Forget the runway: artist Rashid Johnson brought his own art to life at Gabriela Hearst’s Fall 2025 fashion show. Johnson, known for his dynamic, emotionally charged works, wore a rust suede overshirt from the collection, perfectly embodying the fusion of visual art and high fashion. The collaboration between the two powerhouses redefines the traditional lines between art and couture, setting the stage for future artistic endeavors to spill seamlessly from gallery walls to the fashion runway.
Wrap-Up:
This week was packed with seismic shifts in the art world—from scandals that make headlines to exhibitions that redefine public art. Stay tuned for the next edition of Art-iculate, where we continue to keep you at the forefront of the boldest and most disruptive art stories.
