The Weekly Wrap
This week, the art world has been a whirlwind of captivating events, groundbreaking appointments, and bold new directions. From high-profile acquisitions and the unveiling of new institutional leadership to fraud convictions that have rocked the art community, we’re witnessing both the glamour and the drama that make the art world endlessly fascinating. Get ready for an inside look at the stories that are reshaping the landscape of contemporary art.
1. Getty Trust Issues $500 Million in Bonds for Disaster Preparedness.
The Getty Trust is issuing $500 million in bonds to enhance disaster preparedness, including fire protection and infrastructure upgrades, to protect its priceless art collections. The move comes after recent wildfire threats to the museum’s holdings, underscoring the institution’s proactive approach to safeguarding its treasures. The funding will help enhance fire suppression systems and bolster critical infrastructure such as surveillance and irrigation, ensuring that the museum can protect its iconic artworks against natural disasters.
2. Christophe Cherix Appointed Director of New York’s MoMA.
Christophe Cherix has been named the new director of MoMA, succeeding Glenn Lowry after his three-decade tenure. Cherix, who has been with the museum since 2007 and served as the chief curator of drawings and prints, is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the institution. Known for his groundbreaking exhibitions and his passion for contemporary art, Cherix’s appointment comes after a six-month international search. He will officially take the reins in September 2025, continuing MoMA’s legacy of innovation and excellence.
3. Art Advisor Lisa Schiff Sentenced for $6.5 Million Fraud.
Lisa Schiff, once a prominent art advisor to high-profile clients including celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, has been sentenced to two and a half years in federal prison for defrauding clients out of approximately $6.5 million. Schiff, who operated Schiff Fine Art, sold clients’ artworks without their consent and misappropriated funds meant for art purchases to finance her lavish lifestyle. She pleaded guilty to wire fraud in October 2024, and in addition to her prison sentence, was ordered to pay restitution. The case has shocked the art world, raising questions about oversight in art advisory practices.
4. Unveiling the Enigma of Albert C. Barnes: A New Biography
Blake Gopnik’s forthcoming biography, The Maverick’s Museum: Albert Barnes and His American Dream, offers a deep dive into the life and legacy of Albert C. Barnes, the eccentric collector and founder of the Barnes Foundation. Known for his fierce dedication to the arts, Barnes amassed one of the most significant collections of modern art in history, including works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. Gopnik explores Barnes’ complex personality, his revolutionary approach to art education, and the controversial decisions that shaped his museum’s legacy. The biography sheds light on a man whose ambition and contradictions continue to captivate the art world.
5. Lap-See Lam Wins 2025 Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award
Swedish artist Lap-See Lam has been awarded the 2025 Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award, receiving a $100,000 cash prize, a solo exhibition at Henie Onstad Kunstsenter in Oslo, and the acquisition of her works into the museum’s collection. Lam’s multidisciplinary practice, which explores themes of identity, belonging, and migration, has garnered widespread acclaim. Her work, often combining digital media, sculpture, and installations, engages deeply with the experiences of the Cantonese diaspora in Europe. This prestigious award further cements her place as one of the leading voices in contemporary art.
6. Art Basel Hong Kong 2025: Highlights from the Fair
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 attracted art lovers from across the globe, showcasing a wide range of works from artists like Yayoi Kusama, Martin Wong, and many others. With 240 galleries from 42 countries, the fair featured exciting pieces that sold quickly, such as Kusama’s INFINITY-NETS [ORUPX], which went for $3.5 million. Notable booths included P·P·O·W’s presentation of Martin Wong’s early ceramics and Axel Vervoordt’s display of Sopheap Pich’s monumental sculpture The Absent Tree (2024). Also making waves was Lu Yang’s immersive AI-generated art experience, offering a glimpse into the future of art-buying and interaction.
Wrap-Up:
This week has been a whirlwind of high-stakes drama, transformative shifts, and celebrated achievements across the art world. From monumental sales at Art Basel Hong Kong to groundbreaking biographies and career-defining moments, the art scene is alive with energy and evolution. Stay tuned for more updates in the next edition of Art-iculate, where we continue to bring you the latest and most dynamic moments.
