This Week in Contemporary Art
This week, the contemporary art world has been buzzing with notable events, groundbreaking appointments, and striking controversies. Notable figures such as Lisa Schiff, Lap-See Lam, and Christophe Cherix have featured prominently, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic nature of contemporary art. From institutional leadership changes to celebrated awards and significant legal drama, the week has been full of significant developments.
Getty Trust Issues $500 Million in Bonds for Disaster Preparedness
The Getty Trust issued $500 million in bonds to bolster disaster preparedness, focusing primarily on fire protection and infrastructure upgrades. Following recent wildfire threats, this substantial investment underscores the institution’s proactive approach. Critical improvements include enhancing fire suppression, surveillance, and irrigation systems to safeguard invaluable art collections.
Christophe Cherix Appointed Director of MoMA in New York
MoMA has appointed Christophe Cherix, previously chief curator of drawings and prints, as its new director. He succeeds Glenn Lowry after a distinguished 30-year tenure. Cherix joined MoMA in 2007 and is celebrated for curating innovative exhibitions. When he officially assumes his role in September 2025, he is expected to bring fresh insights and contemporary perspectives to the museum.
Art Advisor Lisa Schiff Sentenced for $6.5 Million Fraud
High-profile art advisor Lisa Schiff received a two-and-a-half-year federal prison sentence for defrauding clients of approximately $6.5 million. Schiff, known for clients such as Leonardo DiCaprio, illegally sold artworks without consent and misappropriated funds for her lavish lifestyle. This case has ignited debates about accountability within art advisory practices.
Unveiling the Enigma of Albert C. Barnes in a New Biography
Blake Gopnik’s upcoming biography, The Maverick’s Museum: Albert Barnes and His American Dream, explores the life and legacy of Albert C. Barnes, the visionary founder of the Barnes Foundation. Barnes famously assembled a historic collection including works by Cézanne, Matisse, and Picasso. His complex personality and revolutionary educational approaches continue to captivate and influence art enthusiasts.
Lap-See Lam Wins Prestigious 2025 Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award
Swedish artist Lap-See Lam has received the prestigious 2025 Lise Wilhelmsen Art Award, which includes a $100,000 prize, a major solo exhibition at Oslo’s Henie Onstad Kunstsenter, and museum acquisitions of her works. Lam explores themes of identity, migration, and diaspora through digital media, sculpture, and installations. This recognition underscores her significant impact on contemporary art.
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025: Highlights from the Fair
Art Basel Hong Kong 2025 dazzled global audiences, showcasing vibrant works by artists such as Yayoi Kusama and Martin Wong. Notably, Kusama’s INFINITY-NETS [ORUPX] sold for $3.5 million. Additionally, P·P·O·W highlighted Martin Wong’s early ceramics, and Axel Vervoordt presented Sopheap Pich’s monumental sculpture The Absent Tree (2024). Lu Yang’s innovative AI-driven interactive art experience further emphasized the fair’s cutting-edge appeal.
Wrap-Up
Overall, this week’s events underscore the evolving, unpredictable, and exhilarating nature of contemporary art, featuring significant leadership changes, intriguing legal dramas, and outstanding artistic achievements. Stay tuned for further coverage and analysis in upcoming editions of Art-iculate.
