Blog US politics
Secret deals: Hunter Biden’s gallery pens ethics agreement with White House to keep art sales anonymous
NewsProtest
Brooklyn’s long history of resistance is celebrated on Juneteenth
A series of installations and programmes draw on the Center for Brooklyn History's extensive archive
NewsTulsa Race Massacre
Calls for reparations lead the commemoration of Tulsa Massacre
US President Biden acknowledged during visit that "some injustices are so heinous… they cannot be buried"
NewsProtest art
Trump protest work recovered by FBI four years after being stolen by white supremacists
He Will Not Divide Us was subjected to multiple attacks from far-right extremists before being snatched in a raid in Tennessee in 2017
Newscoronavirus
Economic reports reveal drastic loss of arts jobs in the US
In New York, two-thirds of posts in the creative sector are gone, while nearly a quarter of the workforce in Los Angeles has been cut
NewsMonuments
Dolly Parton turns down memorial statue in Tennessee, saying she doesn’t want to be ‘put on a pedestal’
Lawmakers introduced a bill last month to honour the country singer’s contributions to the state
NewsFreedom of speech
Florida arts professor says she was targeted for work denouncing white supremacy in annual staff exhibition
The work has received pushback from Republican student groups who denounce the artist's decision to place the US flag on the floor
NewsCuba
With the country labelled a ‘terror sponsor’ and the government claiming activists are CIA agents, Cuba's artists are stuck in the crossfire
Concerns for the cultural sector follow Trump’s parting shot at the country, and the Castro regime's growing efforts to discredit dissidents
NewsPublic art
In unanimous decision, Kinderhook zoning board recognises Nick Cave’s Truth Be Told is art not a sign
The village zoning board agreed with public and art world opinion that the vinyl text installation is “a political message in art”
PreviewExhibitions
Slowing the news: artists commissioned to document a US election year through the act of drawing
The final part of an exhibition, delayed by the unprecedented events of 2020, opens at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum
CommentArts funding
Arts researchers can help America overcome its toughest challenges
As the Biden-Harris administration begins to fill its leadership roles, it is vital that our federal government includes creative thinkers
News US politics
Biden's repeal of US travel ban ‘changes the game’ for artists coming from Muslim-majority countries
Artistic Freedom Initiative group says the new executive order, overturning Trump's controversial rule, also allows artists to visit home “for the first time in years”
NewsArt market
Can Biden's inauguration galvanise the US art world into finally taking action against climate change?
As new US president plans to tackle global warming on "an epic scale", green initiatives such as Galleries Commit are gaining steam
NewsJoe Biden
The art in Biden’s Oval Office reflects hope for a less divided America
The office includes an ode to Roosevelt and a sculpture by the Indigenous artist Allan Houser
BlogMemes
The Art Newspaper joins in the Bernie Sanders meme mania
NewsInauguration
At US Capitol, a new president and vice president greet 1859 painting with a rainbow theme
Painting by Black artist was chosen under Jill Biden’s guidance for a gift-giving ceremony
BlogDiary
Shattered glass: women artists celebrate historic inauguration of US Vice President Kamala Harris
NewsLiterature
With powerful poem, Amanda Gorman sets the tone for Biden’s presidency
The 22-year-old Los Angeles poet was the youngest ever to deliver a recitation on Inauguration Day. Listen to and read her words here
AnalysisChina
'A win for internationalism': what a Biden presidency will mean for the Chinese art world
Donald Trump's trade war and 'cold war mentality' led to uncertainty and a fractured relationship
BlogThe Buck stopped here
Patti Smith marks US inauguration day with rendition of her song The People Have the Power—watch it here
NewsPublic art
Seesaw installation at US-Mexico border wins Design of the Year award
The joyful project became a counterpoint to the division and violence sown by the Trump administration
News US politics
US Capitol riot: Pennsylvania artist charged with violent entry and disorderly conduct
Federal authorities have ordered Andrew Wrigley to turn over his passport and avoid travel to Washington, DC after posting selfies from the insurrection
FeatureContemporary art
QAnon: the Italian artists who may have inspired America's most dangerous conspiracy theory
An anonymous left-wing art group known in the 1990s as Luther Blissett are wondering what they have unwittingly helped create
NewsPublic art
Biden inauguration is largely virtual—but some live art is planned
A public art installation of 200,000 flags opens on the National Mall, as coronavirus and heightened security forces most events online
NewsAcquisitions
'Consigned to history': Trump Baby blimp donated to Museum of London collection
Creators of inflatable effigy hope work serves as a "reminder of the fight against the politics of hate" that took place during Trump's presidency
NewsExhibitions
On eve of US inauguration, a chance to visit the president's office
Oval Office replica is a popular element of New-York Historical Society exhibition about the presidency
News US politics
‘The house needs a cleaning’: Women artists gather to show the path forward on inauguration day
Inspired by the historic election of Kamala Harris as America’s first woman vice president, artists collaborate on a new online work presented by Creative Time
News US politics
Storming of US Capitol: art world condemns police hypocrisy in pro-Trump riot
Artists Dread Scott and Glenn Ligon among cultural figures pointing out stark contrast in how law enforcement handled the mob compared with Black Lives Matter protestors
NewsMuseums & Heritage
Lone senator blocks US bills creating museums that would celebrate American Latinos and women
Utah Republican says that such museums would “divide an already divided nation”
Interview US politics
‘The arts were an integral part of my self-discovery’: an interview with Sarah McBride, state senator and Delaware Art Museum trustee
The newly elected US legislator and transgender activist credits her early education in the performing arts for opening her world view
News US politics
What will Joe Biden's culture policy look like?
The art world cheered at Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential election. But, with a formidable to-do list—not least dealing with the coronavirus pandemic—where will the arts feature on his agenda?
ReviewExhibitions
A stitch worth 1,000 words: how America’s First Ladies used their wardrobes to make a statement
The National Portrait Gallery has organised a historic show on the women in the White House
ReviewVideo art
As Trump baselessly cries voter fraud, one artist surveys the rise of conspiracy theories in US politics
Cassandra Zampini's short film Media Warfare compresses four years of fake news into a harrowing 25-minute survey of America's shattered psyche
News US politics
Kara Walker kicks Donald Trump to the curb and more of the best Instagram art responding to the US election
From Jules de Balincourt's painting of Kamala Harris to Rania Matar's photograph of Boston celebrations, we look at artists' reactions to Joe Biden's win
Newselection 2020
Art world rejoices in Biden’s win of US presidency
Artists, collectors, policy makers and gallery owners share their reactions after the tightly fought election
NewsDesign
Mississippi voters approve new state flag design, trading controversial Confederate symbol for magnolia flower
The replacement banner was approved by a 71% majority, and was created by a local graphic designer
ReviewExhibitions
The fraught history of voting transparency in the US, explored
A show at the Corning Museum reveals how corruption and intimidation have historically suppressed the votes of non-white, non-male demographics as US presidential election results remain in flux
Featureelection 2020
And now we wait? Seven works that perfectly depict the US election limbo
The Trump-Biden race is turning into a protracted nail-biter, so we’re finding some solace in art
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
PreviewPrivate view
Our pick of must-see gallery shows opening around the world in November
From new works by the emerging artist Collins Obijiaku in Accra to a pre-election tribute to the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg in Los Angeles
NewsCovid-19
Exclusive survey: how small US galleries are surviving the coronavirus crisis as Trump tables relief plans
With a second federal aid package stalled until after the election, our study reveals the financial straits some galleries are finding themselves in—and how they are responding
Newselection 2020
Living monuments of Trump’s failures arrive in Washington ahead of the election
The Trump Statue Initiative, a guerrilla troupe of performers, have satirized the darkest moments of the presidency
News US politics
Chicago students help Jenny Holzer get out the vote
Young citizens, many of them voting in their first presidential election, provide phrases to be shown on LED billboard trucks across the city
News US politics
Shepard Fairey—creator of famous Obama 'Hope' poster—makes new Time cover image ahead of US election
For first time in 100-year history, magazine replaces logo with the imperative to vote
NewsLaw
Sackler family to pay $225m in civil settlement with US government
The deal with the Department of Justice, which also includes guilty pleas and a $8bn fine against Purdue Pharma, does not prevent future claims against family members or company executives
Newscoronavirus
New York lawmakers to discuss the economic impact of Covid-19 on cultural institutions
"The arts and cultural sector has been especially hard hit," says Senator José Serrano
Previewelection 2020
Bureaucratic but not boring: exhibition explores the visual history of US election ballots
With early voting already underway in the 2020 presidential election, a show at New York's Cooper Union reveals the "power of design in our civic process"
NewsMail art
Mark Mothersbaugh and Beatie Wolfe want your postcards for democracy
The artists have launched a mail art project to support USPS and mail-in voting efforts
Commentelection 2020
Why vote? To protect those who cannot
The proverbial arc of history will not bend toward justice without our help
ReviewExhibitions
Sue Coe takes on Donald Trump in final Galerie St Etienne show
The artist’s grotesque and violent images of the US president fit in with her works of political and social protest, made since the 1970s
NewsExhibitions
Trump descends into hell—the state of America as seen by artist Jim Shaw
New London show at Simon Lee Gallery also takes a swipe at art world excess
News US politics
Ahead of US elections, artist group highlights 'devastating impact' of Trump's travel ban three years on
The controversial executive order issued by the US president three years ago continues to affect artists from countries throughout the world
NewsAuctions
Judy Chicago's Birth Project series work will benefit Planned Parenthood as reproductive healthcare comes under renewed threat
With a high estimate of $350,000, the sale of "Trinity Birth Quilt" at Sotheby's Choice Works charity auction event could reset the artist's auction record
Newselection 2020
Anti-Trump artist billboards greet presidential candidates in Cleveland
Ahead of Tuesday’s debate, political action committee Artists United for Change rolled out a new campaign to #VoteThemOut aimed at five battleground states
Comment US politics
For the arts, there’s only one choice in this election
The Biden-Harris campaign has pledged funding and support for arts and culture as a key policy issue
CommentPolitics
Philip Guston drew Richard Nixon's face as a hairy scrotum and phallus—what would he make of President Trump?
The physiognomy of deviousness, greed, ruthless opportunism, risible self-importance and gobsmacking albeit garden variety stupidity provides artists of Guston’s bent and calibre with a virtually bottomless well of imagery
NewsMonuments
Ruth Bader Ginsburg to be memorialised with statue in Brooklyn
Governor Andrew Cuomo has suggested a site for the monument of the Supreme Court justice, overlooking the Statue of Liberty
NewsPhotography
Photographers fear steep costs and little payment for covering protests
A lack of protections for—and an increase in domestic dangers to—photojournalists is becoming increasingly visible amid the pandemic and political rallies
Newselection 2020
Wake up call: artist Hank Willis Thomas wants to spur voter turnout with the Wide Awakes group
Based on the 1860 Wide Awake movement that mobilised against slavery and helped elect Lincoln, the new network of artists and creatives has launched Kickstarter's largest collaboration to date
PreviewExhibitions
Incarceration is part of the American experience for many—its art is explored in a major new show at MoMA PS1
Exhibition in New York will include works made by those who are part of—or who have ties to—the largest prison population in the world
NewsLabour
It is not just artists who are starving: how the US can rebuild its creative industry post-Covid
A proposal issued to both presidential campaigns by Americans for the Arts outlines a national strategy to put creative workers back to work
NewsMoney laundering
Will US Congress finally pass anti-money laundering legislation?
A recent Senate report found that secretive art market enables sanctions circumvention
NewsMonuments
As monuments to Christopher Columbus come down across the US, Italian-Americans campaign to protect a symbol of 'culture heritage'
Some Italian-Americans, including the New York governor Andrew Cuomo, say statues of Columbus symbolise the history of Italians in the US
NewsBooks
Former US president George W. Bush unveils portraits of immigrants in new book
But blowback has been swift against the hobbyist painter, whose immigration policies while in office included the creation of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement
NewsArt market
Senate investigation finds art market secrecy allowed Russian billionaire brothers, friends of Putin, to evade government sanctions
A detailed report calls the trade “the largest, legal unregulated industry in the United States” and recommends increased transparency and government oversight
NewsExhibitions
'Get rid of prisons': artist Stanley Whitney speaks out against US judicial system in online show
Initiative highlights disproportionate number of African Americans incarcerated in the US
NewsPublic art
Murals that ‘whitewash’ American history come under fire
Monuments are not the only problematic depictions of the past
NewsEducation
International art students may be forced to leave the US under Trump's new ICE policy on remote learning
Harvard and MIT filed lawsuits against the US government while the president of CalArts calls the move an act of "political theatre" amid the pandemic
NewsProtest art
Artists call out the injustices immigrants suffer in the US ahead of Independence Day
A collaborative sky writing project featuring contributions from Patrisse Cullors, Dread Scott and Hank Willis Thomas will mark 80 sites used to limit immigrants
InterviewLGBTQ
Art can help the public engage in personal advocacy: Alphonso David, president of the Human Rights Campaign
The nation's largest LGBTQ civil rights organisation recently unveiled a mural by Hank Willis Thomas on its Washington, DC headquarters stating Black Trans Lives Matter
NewsConfederate monuments
The war over racist monuments is escalating throughout the US
The disposal of Confederate monuments will not erase America’s history, but some say removing them from public view is crucial to moving forward
News US politics
Art history fact check: Trump can’t tell the difference between Teddy Roosevelt and an anonymous Remington cowboy
In a defence of racist statues as educational opportunities, the US president misidentifies a famous bronze as a portrait of a president in a Fox News interview
NewsMonuments
Controversial Roosevelt statue will be removed from entrance to New York’s American Museum of Natural History
The former president’s great-grandson supports the removal of “relics of another age”
NewsPublic art
Hank Willis Thomas covers US Justice Department with thousands of words from inmates
Launched last night, the guerilla intervention is the latest public work in Washington, DC to address structural racism—but can art effect change?
NewsCoronavirus resources
Could a Nixon-era employment scheme get artists back to work?
The Comprehensive Employment and Training Act provided a lifeline for thousands of artists during the 1970s economic crisis
News US politics
New artist resale rights contract in the US has a charitable twist
Kadist in San Francisco and Paris is promoting a new agreement that artists can use to make sure profits made from their works go to a cause
NewsConfederate monuments
Virginia vows to remove monument to Confederate general Robert E. Lee amid ongoing anti-racism protests
Governor says that the state will "no longer preach a false version of history" as calls for racial justice echo across the nation
NewsProtests
Monuments across the US are toppled, damaged as protests over George Floyd's death continue
Lawmakers mobilise the National Guard to quell destruction while demonstrators deface Confederate memorials and public works emblematic of white supremacy
NewsNazi loot
US government recommends that the Supreme Court hear German museums’ appeal on Guelph Treasure claim
The solicitor general’s recent filing suggests the Nazis’ looting of Jewish collections in Germany was a domestic rather than international crime
Commentracism
The US has a big racism problem and the art world is not helping
A looted Kaws sculpture and museums' silence reveal a predatory not progressive industry as protests flare following the killing of George Floyd
NewsHeritage
Steve Bannon wins first major battle for medieval monastery
Italy retaliates with criminal prosecution of right-wing religious group funded by US President Donald Trump’s former chief strategist
News US politics
Mayors of major US cities urge Congress to provide additional support for the arts and culture sector
Spearheaded by the San Francisco Arts Alliance, more than 20 mayors have signed a letter requesting additional aid in its next relief package
News US politics
The unsung agency working to maintain museum and library access in the US
The leader of the Institute of Museum and Library Services tells us what his organisation is doing to help spaces reopen
News US politics
The NEA hopes to keep arts jobs alive in the US—with limited federal relief funds
Up to 30% of arts spaces may close permanently, and agency chief fears rural areas in the US will be the hardest hit
Newscoronavirus
Cultural figures discuss ‘Art in the Time of Coronavirus’
The UN-sponsored event led by Christopher Bailey, the WHO’s lead on art and health, included art critic Jerry Saltz, Brooklyn Museum director Anne Pasternak, and artist Mona Chalabi
NewsEconomics
US coronavirus legislation could do more for the arts, Boston museums say
The coalition is asking for $6bn in federal aid, and to permanently expand the charitable giving deduction to encourage US taxpayers to donate to non-profits
NewsLabour
New York art-handling company lays off pro-union workers, while others are paid to stay home during coronavirus pandemic
Teamsters union has filed charges against the company with the National Labor Relations Board claiming the cuts are retaliation against efforts to organise
Newscoronavirus
Coronavirus complicates US Census—and the arts funding tied to it
Art + Action has launched a multi-pronged initiative to reach Bay Area residents in hard-to-count communities, and galvanise the art world to get behind the national headcount
CommentEconomics
US artists need a federal bailout now
Congress needs to protect this country’s creative workforce
Newscoronavirus
US dealers rush to leave Maastricht as Trump’s European travel ban causes confusion
Aiming to stop the spread of coronavirus, the suspension begins at midnight on Friday and is expected to last 30 days
News US politics
More than 2,000 artists and cultural figures sign letter endorsing Elizabeth Warren for US President
The Artists for Warren campaign launched on Super Tuesday, as many US voters head to the polls to choose the Democratic candidate
NewsExhibitions
Somali artists put their art on the map in Minnesota
Rochester Art Center engages with Soomaal House of Art at a time of rising anti-immigrant rhetoric
News US politics
Artist Whitney Bedford is drawing a portrait of Elizabeth Warren every day until she is elected president
The Los Angeles painter started the project shortly after the Democratic primaries began
ReviewBook Shorts
Twentieth-century American hopes and dreams are shown in black and white in this book of prints
Volume shows how the political and social aspirations of the Progressive Movement inspired American artists
Comment US politics
Under the Biden administration, can US cultural policy better reflect American values?
Building relationships with all stakeholders—from dealers and collectors to museums and archaeologists—is vital
Peter K. Tompa