This week's art news curation + standout shows LDN, Paris, Basel
We talk Perrotin, James Turrell, Takashi Murakami, Fondation Beyler, among others
Hello art lovers,
January always feels like the most boring month in the art world, but this newsletter indicates the opposite. I am especially excited about Fondation Beyler and Perrotin Paris ( more details at the end of the newsletter). As a bonus, I’m including a link to an art fair calendar for 2025.
THIS WEEK’S NEWS CURATION
⭐Perrotin, the internationally acclaimed gallery, will launch a new space in London's prestigious Claridge's Hotel in 2025, blending contemporary art with the luxurious ambiance of a five-star setting.
⭐Sotheby’s will accept cryptocurrency payments at an auction in Saudi Arabia, signaling a pivotal integration of blockchain technology into the art market, in line with the region’s modernization efforts.
⭐James Turrell’s "Roden Crater Project," an ambitious land art installation in Arizona, continues to evolve, incorporating celestial phenomena into immersive observatory spaces with support from patrons like Kanye West. It is to be the most ambitious artwork of our time.
⭐Thaddaeus Ropac will open a new gallery in Milan’s Palazzo Belgioioso in 2025, offering a 280-square-meter space for art and sculptures, led by Elena Bonanno di Linguaglossa as executive director.
⭐Art Deco, born from the 1925 Paris Exposition, fuses classicism and modernism with luxurious materials and global influences, maintaining its appeal as it turns 100 and inspires designers worldwide.
TO SEE IN LONDON & WORLDWIDE
Even though Murakami isn’t on my list of favourite artists - in my eyes he is cool but too commercial- this show really made me appreciate his work and moved a trip to Japan up my travel list ( I mentioned this show in my December art guide London ).
🤍 Takashi Murakami's exhibition, "Japanese Art History à la Takashi Murakami," is on display at Gagosian's Grosvenor Hill gallery in London from December 10, 2024, to March 8, 2025. The show features new large-scale paintings that reinterpret traditional Japanese artworks, such as Iwasa Matabei's "Rakuchū-Rakugai-zu Byōbu," blending historical themes with Murakami's signature Superflat style. This fusion of past and present reflects Murakami's ongoing exploration of Japan's cultural history through a contemporary lens.
🤍 Now, for fans of great institutional exhibitions: Fondation Beyler in Basel just opened "Northern Lights"exhibition. This wonderfully curated ( I haven't seen it, obviously, but based on my research and previous track record of Fondation Beyler, I suspect it will be incredible ) showcases paintings of the Far North by artists such as Edvard Munch and Emily Carr. The collection features works from both well-known and lesser-known artists, offering a diverse perspective on the theme. The exhibition has been described as stirring, highlighting the unique beauty and atmosphere of northern landscapes.
I love the theme, and the lineup is stellar, and it will be on until May 2025!
🤍Speaking of Perrotin - for the lucky ones who live or will be visiting Paris next month, I definitely wouldn't miss this show: “Clear History’ curated by Oli Epp ( a very cool contemporary artist whoI have been following since he barely had 1k followers on Instagram). This show will be packed with some rising stars including Oli's own work.
The show explores the intersection of digital erasure and material permanence. Through works by various international artists, the show delves into themes of authenticity, artifice, and the contradictions of modern life, especially in the context of technology's promise to revise and erase history. The exhibition challenges the idea of "clearance" in digital terms, suggesting that history resists such simplification.
🤍For those who like to plan and stay on top of things, here is a comprehensive overview of art fairs for this year.
Thanks for this!!
The Beyeler Foundation indeed always has incredible exhibitions. Great selection of gallery shows and thank you for sharing the art fair list!