AnalysisAfrica
'Restitution is important but it is not essential': the African museums building a homegrown cultural revival
Though African institutions want looted artefacts to return home, they are more preoccupied with promoting living artists and treasures
AnalysisThe Year in Review 2020
Museums 2020: the year of crashing revenues and anti-racism disputes
Turbulent year draws to a close with sector wracked by pandemic lockdowns and Black Lives Matter challenges
AnalysisArt market
'One of the most shocking, tumultuous years on record': art market figures reflect on 2020—and guess at what 2021 might hold
The pandemic has ripped apart the industry as we know it this year but it has sparked innovation and conversation like never before
AnalysisArt market
Art market 2020: the year of cancel culture and bricks-and-clicks
A year marked by wholesale event cancellations and job losses has also seen the art market innovate to keep businesses going.
AnalysisArt market
All ears: why collectors can’t get enough of industry hype right now
In an increasingly asset-driven art trade, collecting by listening to the buzz is fast becoming the norm
AnalysisArchives
The deaccessioning debate: 1990-2020
Th disposal of objects from museum collections has been a source of controversy for decades
AnalysisMuseums
Where next for museums? Four key takeaways from Louvre Abu Dhabi symposium on the post-pandemic future
Event marking anniversaries of the Emirati museum and New York University Abu Dhabi looked at museum collections, buildings and people, and the impact of coronavirus
AnalysisArt market
Africa’s art market grows even amid adversity
In a year marked by closures, cancellations and postponements, African art fairs are going ahead with new models and the continent’s galleries are growing
AnalysisArt fairs
'Dealers are smiling under their masks': Shanghai art week pulls in art-starved collectors
More than 100 art exhibitions and events have taken place in the Chinese city this week and galleries are reporting strong sales
Analysiselection 2020
What the presidential election means for the US art market—no matter who is in the Oval Office
A dwindling middle market faces a stingy Senate while rising inequality and public unrest could prompt even more private sales
Analysis US politics
The 2020 US election: what it means for the arts
With US polls closing on Tuesday night, The Art Newspaper looks at the cultural issues at stake in this election
AnalysisDigital Age
The Art Newspaper at 30: how has art criticism changed in the digital age?
Through blogs, websites and social media, there is more writing than ever on the arts. But whether it adds meaningful insight, or just noise, is a matter of debate
AnalysisArt & Technology
The model challenge: how to capture art in 3D for augmented and virtual reality
As the art world rushes to digitise we look at the different ways to create digital renderings of works
AnalysisAmerican art
'Comatose' pre-war American art market gets a digital jolt
Forced online due to Covid-19, this year's American Art Fair boasts more exhibitors as auction houses see new records set for late 19th century works
AnalysisArt theft
Steal and repeat: why art gets stolen time and again
When works of art are taken multiple times, it is often more about criminal prestige or bargaining chips for reducing prison sentences
AnalysisArt fairs
'If you're coming to buy, you have two hours to do it': what it's like at London's real-life 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
In the absence of the major fairs and auctions, Modern and contemporary African art is in the spotlight in London this week
AnalysisArt market
A Covid success story: how the London Original Print Fair helped its 68 dealers keep selling
London’s longest-running art fair survives virus by going fully online and diversifying
AnalysisArt market
Livestreamed auctions make gameshows of art, but where is the glamour?
Christie's and Sotheby's have rapidly adapted to 'bricks and clicks' sales, but they will need to do more to attract top-notch consignments and the experience-hungry generation
AnalysisControversies
Philip Guston’s KKK paintings ‘are not asleep—they’re woke’: catalogue contradicts museum statement controversially halting show
Essays from African American artists such as Glenn Ligon and Trenton Doyle Hancock show that issues were being addressed
AnalysisArt market
V.S. Gaitonde's £3.4m record-breaking painting leads strong South Asian sales season
Glut of collections have come to auction this month, with strong results for lesser-known Indian Modernists broadening a narrow market
AnalysisProtest
Student flash mobs in Thailand target ‘art scene run by elite old men’
Recent demonstrations break a long-held taboo–criticism of the Thai monarchy, an institution which protesters believe is the main obstruction to democracy
AnalysisArt market
The fairs are back in town: greater China reopens for business
Art021, West Bund Art & Design Fair and Art Taipei among fairs due to open in the region this autumn despite travel restrictions, shipping woes and Covid-19 fears
AnalysisArt market
The art market is more neoliberal factory farm than finely balanced ecosystem: now is the time to 'rewild' it
The Covid-19 crisis presents an opportunity for artists to reclaim power from the institutions that buy, sell and show their work
AnalysisBiennials & festivals
As crowds are banned, Riga’s art biennial transforms into a three-week live set for a feature film
Riboca2 shows “the fragility of our world, and our vulnerability within it”
AnalysisArt education
As autumn looms, US art schools prepare for students’ return amid the pandemic
From online lessons to outdoor classrooms, universities are attempting to make studio practices safe, but some students say the class quality does not match the steep tuition
AnalysisArt market
In the first partnership of its kind, Phillips and Poly Auction set their sights on Hong Kong
Mutually beneficial collaborations between Western and Chinese auction houses are on the rise
AnalysisArts funding
Ten tips to get Arts Council funding, according to an expert
What cultural institutions in England need to know before applying for the government's £1.57bn rescue package
AnalysisLooting
How recent anti-racism protests have pushed a longstanding debate about colonial looting in Europe
As the Black Lives Matter movement goes global, museums face renewed demands to restitute artefacts plundered from Africa
AnalysisMonuments
So we’re bringing down statues—but what kind of monuments would we like to see instead?
Perhaps the time has come to remove the plinth and stop celebrating individual heroes
Analysiscoronavirus
The trouble with video art in the age of Covid-19
Steve McQueen’s acclaimed survey at Tate Modern is the latest exhibition to fall victim to social distancing rules
AnalysisCathedral of Notre Dame
Where we are now with the restoration of Notre Dame after the rejection of modern architectural gestures
An insider report from the site on the latest discoveries and re-building techniques
AnalysisFakes & copies
Experts weigh in on alleged art forgery ring in Michigan
Art historians explain why the work of lesser known artists with rising markets, like George Copeland Ault and Gertrude Abercrombie, might become the target of a fakes scheme
AnalysisArt market
Sanyu, Zao Wou-Ki and Liu Ye: the Asian masters fetching millions at the Hong Kong auctions
Despite pandemic delays and the new National Security Law, the spring sales in the city last week fetched solid results
AnalysisMuseums & Heritage
A crisis in community reach: MoMA's arts educators on the consequences of their contract cuts
Poorly paid and with few employment benefits, freelance museum educators are more likely to be people of colour compared with full-time staff
AnalysisHong Kong
Some artists planning to leave Hong Kong in response to new national security law
Concerns over freedom of expression and self-censorship on the rise after introduction of new rules
AnalysisArt market
Could Covid-19 kill off the market for the art world’s star names?
Some big artists may be toppled from their pre-pandemic pedestals and new ones promoted to the art-as-investment pantheon
AnalysisBlack Lives Matter
Reform or reset? How cultural institutions are facing a reckoning over racism
US and UK museums have been accused of tokenism, hypocrisy and fake solidarity for rushing to declare support for Black Lives Matter. Where do they go from here?
AnalysisCommercial galleries
As galleries begin to re-open, dealerships that survived the Spanish Flu reflect on art sales in the age of pandemics
While some cultivated key clients like the Kennedys and Fords, others relied on close communication even under socially distanced circumstances
AnalysisArt market
A brave new virtual world or joyless mundane experience? Glamour of collecting gets lost in online translation
Digital transactions cannot replicate the social cachet of buying art at exclusive events—and prices will inevitably slide as a result
AnalysisFunding
UK arts funders unlock crisis grants after coronavirus—but at what cost?
Unrestricted money from public and private sources is helping to keep hard-hit organisations running, but capital projects could suffer
AnalysisArt market
The Green debate: How can the international art market recover sustainably?
As calls grow to tackle the coronavirus crisis and climate emergency together, a group of dealers teams together to form the Gallery Climate Coalition
AnalysisSaudi Arabia
Are Saudi Arabia's big culture plans turning to dust?
As oil prices slump and the pandemic continues to spread, the kingdom's ambitious initiatives are being scaled back
AnalysisArt & Technology
Extended reality: what future do AR and VR offer the art world?
Potential of new digital technologies comes to the fore as 5G connectivity expands and specialist equipment becomes more user-friendly
Analysiscoronavirus
Russian museums in crisis: State Hermitage projects losses of almost half its annual revenue after closing for two months
Loss of tourism and oil market crash because of coronavirus pandemic wreak havoc as institutions seek state help
AnalysisArt market
Frieze New York exhibitors bring a domestic touch to online viewing rooms
Why some galleries are trying to make the sterile virtual environment more homely, plus some early sales
AnalysisArt market
How Covid-19 has forced the art market’s speedy digital conversion
In lockdown, many galleries have had a Damascene moment with online programming
AnalysisContemporary art
Pandemic art: how artists have depicted disease
As the coronavirus forces us to endure an unprecedented time of distant social contact, art can remind us, assure us, of our interconnectedness
AnalysisArt market
When the emergency aid runs dry, what next for art galleries?
With short-term assistance varying between countries, trade organisations fear many businesses will close permanently due to coronavirus lockdowns
AnalysisOnline sales
As the art world urgently moves online, some galleries fear digital displacement
Just as mega dealers have bought up prime real estate, so too are they dominating bandwidth in the virtual landscape
Analysiscoronavirus
Coronavirus threatens the Yanomami community that Brazilian artist Claudia Andujar has devoted her career to protecting
As Covid-19 continues to spread in Latin America, Brazil's Indigenous peoples are at risk more than ever due to lack of government protection
AnalysisArt market
Great Depression of the 21st century looms over the art market
As the IMF warns we are heading towards the worst economic slump in living memory, the art industry starts to fear a double dip recession
Analysiscoronavirus
‘Emergency grants are not going to rid us of this crisis’— is there hope for a new New Deal in the US?
A new survey reports 95% of American artists have lost income due to coronavirus as the nation's unemployment rate rises to Great Depression-era levels
AnalysisMuseums & Heritage
'There is no fast track back to normal': museums confront economic fallout of the pandemic
Closed museums are losing millions in income, ushering in job cuts, appeals for emergency relief and lasting changes in strategy
AnalysisArt market
Will art fairs return in 2020?
As coronavirus lockdowns are extended across much of the world, leaving galleries unable to trade, hopes are fading that autumn events will be able to go ahead
Analysiscoronavirus
How Korea's galleries evaded a coronavirus standstill
Although the country's museums have been closed since February, its commercial galleries were allowed to remain open—and sales have continued at a steady pace
Analysiscoronavirus
Can’t pay your rent? Here’s what you can do if you're a UK gallery
Coronavirus has left many art businesses struggling to pay their bills, but there are resources available to help
AnalysisArt market
South American galleries face steep challenges as the region's biggest fairs shutter due to the spread of coronavirus
In economically shaky countries like Argentina, annual fairs like the now-cancelled ArteBA are a financial lifeline. Now galleries must "rethink how to produce"
AnalysisArt theft
Boomerang art thefts: the stolen art that finds its way back
From a Van Gogh left in a public toilet to a Klimt found inside a gallery wall, just what is it that prompts criminals to return such valuable works?
Analysiscoronavirus
Galleries and auction houses reflect on Italy’s ground zero
Events have moved to summer and autumn in a swift response, with acceleration of online activity
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Art's Most Popular: here are 2019's most visited shows and museums
Ai Weiwei was a hit in Brazil, records were broken in London and Paris—but is this the final year of museum visitor growth?
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Which museums have the biggest social media followings?
Increasingly, the digital sphere is a new frontier for institutions to battle it out for the attention of culture-seekers
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
What were the most visited ticketed shows in London, Paris and New York last year?
Londoners stuck to the tried-and-tested and New Yorkers showed their patriotic sides, while Parisians were drawn in by golden treasures
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Here are 2019's most visited contemporary art exhibitions
Jean-Michel Basquiat brought in big crowds in Paris—but who beat him to claim the top spot?
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Here are the most visited Old Master exhibitions of 2019
The hype surrounding major anniversary celebrations saw big turnouts for Bruegel, Leonardo and Rembrandt
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Here are the ten most visited photography exhibitions of 2019
Female artists dominated the top ranks of last year's photography shows
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Here are the ten most popular Post-Impressionist and Modern art exhibitions of 2019
Big names such as Munch, Klimt and Van Gogh dominate the rankings, but a couple of lesser-known artists did surprisingly well
AnalysisArt's Most Popular 2020
Here are the ten most visited 19th century art exhibitions of 2019
Which Impressionist made the biggest impression in this category?
Analysiscoronavirus
Post-pandemic, the art market might return to 'normal'—but do we want it to?
Many in the art world see the impact of coronavirus as a chance to slow down the frenetic pace of global activity and rethink the whole system
Analysiscoronavirus
New York galleries turn on the cameras as they turn off the lights during coronavirus lockdown
As programming and expansion plans are halted, innovation kicks in with virtual performances and tours
AnalysisArt market
Muted sales in Art Basel’s online viewing rooms as art market turns to technological solutions amid coronavirus crisis
Dealers say expectations were low but are grateful to be in touch with the art community
AnalysisChina
How Chinese museums are coping with coronavirus: an in-depth report
As museums remain on lockdown in China, we reveal the full extent of the crisis for both state and private institutions and their innovative short-term solutions
AnalysisArt market
Business as usual as Arco opens in Madrid against a backdrop of coronavirus anxiety
Spanish art fair celebrates the work of Cuban-American artist Felix González-Torres, who died of Aids in 1996
AnalysisArab Spring
The ripple effect of the Arab Spring
Political upheaval across the region presents challenges—and opportunities—for artists and collectors
AnalysisArt market
'You have the right to culture with a capital C': Africa's growing collecting class shifts focus to home
From Marrakech to Cape Town, the continent's growing fairs and auctions scene is catering to a burgeoning domestic buying base
AnalysisArt market
Phillips’s sale reveals contemporary art's hottest stars but still misses its low estimate
Auction results this week are expected to be down by almost a quarter signalling a "low tide" in London
AnalysisArt market
Christie’s contemporary sale fails to pack a punch as auction house records lowest total in a decade
Brexit casts a shadow over consignments in London, but young American female painters add some pizazz
AnalysisArt market
When artists and galleries split, what are the legal implications?
As successful artists increasingly seek non-exclusive contracts with multiple galleries, clarity becomes critical in navigating splits between artist and gallery
AnalysisArt market
US banker buys Brexit Banksy at Sotheby's, making a bigger splash than David Hockney’s pool painting
Auction house fields a steady contemporary evening sale in London
AnalysisBuyer's Guide
How to buy a... René Magritte
The artist’s trademark motifs make his work easily recognisable and desirable—but there is more to this Surrealist than apples and bowler hats
AnalysisArt fairs
India Art Fair opens with a strong national spirit amid ongoing protests
Director Jagdip Jagpal says the fair is proud to remain regional while dealers double down on "Indian taste"
AnalysisBuyer's Guide
How to buy a...Charles White
He chronicled the African American experience when white male abstraction ruled. Now record prices for his work are frequently reset
AnalysisOutsider art
Outsider art pulls an 'in' crowd in New York
The city's Americana week saw works by 20th century self-taught artists edging out traditional folk art and antiques thanks to a growing celebrity-studded client base
AnalysisArt market
Singapore's SEA Focus fair navigates censorship and Taipei Dangdai date clash
Strong second edition of event, dedicated to Southeast Asian art, narrowly avoided coronavirus panic
AnalysisArt market
How serious are the dangers of market sponsorship of museum exhibitions?
Involvement from galleries and auction houses is on the rise as public institutions face dwindling government funds and increased scrutiny over toxic philanthropy
AnalysisArt market
Dealers mix it up at more international Brafa fair
Galleries are displaying different styles and cultures at the Belgian antiques fair this year
AnalysisHeritage
If the US destroys Iranian cultural sites, President Trump will be criminally liable by international law
The US is signatory to The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, which forbids any act of hostility to cultural property
AnalysisArt market
Jitters and reasons to be cheerful: art market experts give their 2020 predictions
Faced with economic uncertainty, turmoil in Hong Kong, Brexit and a shrinking auction market, the art trade has some justifiable anxiety about the coming year
AnalysisThe Year in Review 2019
King Tut’s golden year, Koons’s worst: the highs and lows of the art world in 2019
As Notre Dame burned, protestors called the shots and a gold toilet vanished, it was certainly a year to remember
AnalysisThe Year in Review 2019
Finally out of the shadows: the biggest exhibition trend in 2019
We look back at some of the best shows this year
AnalysisThe Year in Review 2019
From cancelled fairs to street art's auction room takeover: the art market's fruitiest stories of 2019
We look back at the stories that have overturned the art world order this year
AnalysisArt market
'Christmas dinner without the turkey': little festive cheer at Sotheby's Old Masters sale
December auction generates less than half the total of last year's sale, with several lots failing to sell
AnalysisChina
Why museum partnerships between China and the West are booming
Cultural institutions have embraced mutual benefits of collaboration, despite challenges of communication and censorship
AnalysisArt market
Tiepolo and Giovanni di Paolo spark excitement in underpowered Christie’s Old Master sale
Auction raised more than last year but supply still limited as Brexit-dominated general election looms
AnalysisImmersive experiences
Snap and go: the pros and cons of the art experience economy
Immersive experiences define the most popular contemporary exhibitions, but where does this leave the commercial art world?
AnalysisSotheby's
Sotheby’s at the crossroads: new owner, new chief executive, new era
Will new management be able to grow the newly privatised auction house on a tight budget?
AnalysisArt market
Randomness rules New York's $42m American art sales
Small works won out at Sotheby's and Christie's as top lots went for their low estimates or were withdrawn
AnalysisAuctions
New York's autumn sales were subdued but not necessarily septic
Overall sales were down by around 30% but beyond the disappointing headline figures, women and minority artists shone
AnalysisClimate Change
Three ways museums can face up to the climate crisis
No issue is more relevant—and relevance is the cultural sector’s current leitmotif
AnalysisAuctions
Countdown to the auction block: one Rodin's journey from consignment to sale room
How a work of art comes to auction is far from a simple process and its place in the eventual sale order is crucial