As the art world shakes off the summer heat, September bursts into action with a packed schedule of fairs, exhibitions, fashion shows, and major announcements. From New York’s Armory Week to Frieze Seoul, and the introduction of the Museum of Looted Antiquities, a virtual platform highlighting the global black market for stolen artifacts, the scene is buzzing with fresh energy. Galleries are unveiling new exhibitions, while museums are making bold moves, expanding their focus, and embracing digital innovations.
This fall’s art and fashion calendar is brimming with global events, from Art Athina in Greece to Haute Photographie in Amsterdam, with the much-anticipated Paris Fashion Week also in full swing. In New York, the excitement reached new heights with Volta and the Affordable Art Fair all vying for attention. The art world isn’t just returning to its usual rhythm; it’s transforming, with leadership changes, fresh initiatives, and institutions rethinking how they engage with audiences.
Amidst all this, key players are making waves with notable arrivals and exits. Whether it’s new faces stepping into leadership roles, curatorial shifts, or innovative projects taking shape, the worlds of art, fashion, and beyond are evolving quickly. Let’s dive into the latest Hellos and Goodbyes shaping the post-summer landscape:
1. Mirella Roma Steps Up as Hauser & Wirth CEO.
Hauser & Wirth has appointed Mirella Roma as its new CEO, capping her 27-year rise through the gallery ranks. Roma, who’s practically been with the gallery since day one, takes over from Ewan Venters, who will now focus on running Artfarm, the gallery’s hospitality venture, because art and fine dining can make quite a pairing.
Iwan Wirth praised Roma as an integral part of Hauser & Wirth’s success, saying she’s the perfect choice to lead the gallery into its next chapter. Venters leaves with a standing ovation, ensuring the gallery’s smooth transition into its exciting future.
2. Paulina Pobocha Heads to Chicago as New Chair of Modern and Contemporary Art at AIC.The Art Institute of Chicago just made a power move by appointing Paulina Pobocha as its new Chair and Curator of Modern and Contemporary Art. Fresh off her year at the Hammer Museum in L.A., where she was busy organizing the 2025 edition of ‘’Made in L.A., ‘’ Pobocha is now taking charge of AIC’s modern and contemporary offerings.
With 15 years at MoMA and exhibitions like Thomas Schütte under her belt, Pobocha brings serious curatorial chops. Add in a $75 million boost to the museum’s expansion plans, and Chicago’s art scene is in for an exciting ride. Looks like the Windy City just got a major artistic upgrade!
3. Frick Collection Taps Axel Rüger as New Director Ahead of 2025 Reopening.The Frick Collection has named Axel Rüger as its new director, just in time for the museum’s much-anticipated reopening in early 2025. Rüger, currently serving as CEO of London’s Royal Academy of Arts, brings an impressive résumé, having overseen a £23 million redevelopment and curated exhibitions like ‘’Souls Grown Deep Like the Rivers.’’
Rüger’s leadership experience includes directing Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum and curatorial work at London’s National Gallery. As he steps into his role at the Frick, Rüger will lead the institution through its largest renovation in nearly 90 years. With his combination of curatorial prowess and strategic insight, he’s well-positioned to guide the Frick into an exciting new chapter.
4. Another Big Move at Hauser & Wirth: David Lewis Joins as Senior Director.
It’s getting busy over at Hauser & Wirth! In the latest power play, David Lewis, formerly of his own critically acclaimed gallery, has joined the team as Senior Director in New York. Known for championing both fresh talent and overlooked legends like feminist trailblazer Mary Beth Edelson and expressionist Thornton Dial, Lewis has a knack for shaking up the art scene.
With his deep knowledge and sharp curatorial eye, Lewis is ready to dive into Hauser & Wirth’s ambitious projects. Looks like Hauser & Wirth is on a roll, stacking up talent like a well-curated exhibition!
5. Frankfurt’s Städelschule Welcomes Barbara Clausen as New Rector.
Städelschule, the place for pushing boundaries in Germany’s art scene, has appointed Barbara Clausen as its new Rector and Director of Portikus, effective October 1, 2024. With over two decades of experience as a curator and art historian, Clausen brings fresh energy to one of Germany’s most innovative art schools. Known for her groundbreaking work at venues like Tate Modern, she’s set to steer Städelschule into its next chapter.
6. Berlin’s 032c Gallery Launches with “Productive Narcissism” Exhibition.
Berlin’s latest hipster hangout, 032c Gallery, has officially opened following the freshly wrapped Berlin Art Week. Founded by 032c’s Joerg Koch and led by Artistic Directors Claire Koron Elat and Shelly Reich, the new space brings a semi-traditional gallery model to the city’s buzzing art scene.
The debut exhibition, ‘’Productive Narcissism,’’features works by Jon Rafman, Hugo Comte, Amalia Ulman, and others, exploring the relentless cycle of self-reinvention driven by external pressures. If you’re craving some post-Art Week cultural intrigue, 032c Gallery is the spot to check out.
7. Hirshhorn Names José Roca as Inaugural Curator of Latin American and Latin Diasporic Art.
The Hirshhorn Museum in Washington, DC, has appointed Colombian curator José Roca as its first-ever Curator of Latin American and Latin Diasporic Art. This newly created role, funded by board chair Estrellita B. Brodsky, marks a significant step in expanding the museum’s focus on twentieth- and twenty-first-century art from Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America.
Roca, who has previously curated for Tate and led Flora ars+natura in Bogotá, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He will be curating exhibitions and acquisitions remotely from Bogotá, contributing to the Hirshhorn’s mission to diversify and deepen its collection. Looks like the Hirshhorn is making bold moves to spotlight Latin American art!
8. Ludovic de Saint Sernin Tapped as Next Jean Paul Gaultier Guest Designer.
Ludovic de Saint Sernin is officially stepping into the spotlight as Jean Paul Gaultier’s next guest designer, debuting his collection at Paris Couture Week in January 2025. Known for his sleek, boundary-pushing designs (and a few Kardashian-approved looks), de Saint Sernin joins the ranks of Olivier Rousteing and Haider Ackermann in reimagining Gaultier’s legendary style.
After launching his own label and a brief stint at Ann Demeulemeester, de Saint Sernin is ready to bring his bold touch to Gaultier’s storied couture house.
9. Glen Lowry to Step Down as MoMA Director in 2025.
After 30 years at the helm, Glen Lowry will leave his role as MoMA’s director in September 2025. During his tenure, Lowry oversaw two major renovations, quadrupled the museum’s endowment to nearly $1 billion, and merged MoMA with PS1. At 70, Lowry, now five years past MoMA’s usual retirement age, said, “I didn’t want to be the guy who stayed too long.” His departure marks the end of an era for the museum, which he has led since 1995.
10. Solvej Ovesen Exits Fotografiska Berlin After 7 Months.
After just under seven months, Solvej Ovesen is stepping down as Director of Cultural Events and Programming at Fotografiska Berlin, citing strategic and commercial changes. In a gracious Instagram post, she thanked colleagues, artists, and partners for the “magic” they created together.
Now, Ovesen is taking some time to focus on sustainable leadership, writing a book, and continuing her curatorial work. But this isn’t a farewell for good, she’s already looking ahead to new opportunities in the art world.
11. Rebecca Horn, Groundbreaking German Artist, Dies at 80.
Rebecca Horn, renowned for her multimedia work blending sculpture, performance, and film, passed away on September 6, 2024, at age 80. Her six-decade career explored human fragility and the intersection of technology and nature, reshaping how we think about existence and the body.
Currently, a retrospective of her work is on display at Haus der Kunst in Munich, a poignant celebration of her lasting influence. Horn’s innovative approach will continue to inspire generations, solidifying her as one of the most important artists of her time.
12. Gallery Owner Gets 5 Years for Fine Art Photo Scam.
Wendy Halsted Beard, 59, once a respected Birmingham gallery owner, has been sentenced to five years in prison for defrauding elderly collectors. Rather than handing over profits from selling their fine art photography, Beard pocketed the cash and, in some cases, the artwork.
Her excuses? Fake lung transplants and imaginary assistants, but the FBI wasn’t buying it. The scheme involved more than $3.5 million in stolen art and funds. In addition to her prison sentence, Beard has been ordered to pay over $2 million in restitution, a cautionary tale for art dealers everywhere.
13. Former Trump Adviser Charged with Money Laundering Through Art and Antiques.
As we say goodbye to another figure entangled in controversy, Dimitri Simes, former Trump adviser and Russian TV commentator, bids farewell to his clean record. Simes and his wife, Anastasia, have been charged with violating U.S. sanctions and laundering over $1 million through art and antiques. The couple allegedly used their Virginia home to funnel high-end items for sanctioned Russian entities.
Still believed to be in Russia, they face up to 20 years in prison if convicted. Seems like the art world won’t be waving goodbye to legal trouble anytime soon!
14. Caroline Rush to Step Down as BFC CEO in 2025.
After 16 years of steering the British Fashion Council through countless fashion weeks, Caroline Rush has announced she’ll be stepping down as CEO in June 2025. Rush, who helped transform the BFC into a global powerhouse, will continue leading the organization while they hunt for her stylish successor
From supporting emerging designers to pushing sustainability initiatives, Rush doubled the BFC’s revenue and made London a true fashion capital. Now, after over a decade of keeping the UK’s fashion flag flying high, Rush is ready for her next challenge. As we wave goodbye, one thing’s clear: her successor has some big (and very fashionable) shoes to fill!
15. Ai Weiwei Sculpture Smashed During Exhibition Opening in Bologna.
At the Palazzo Fava in Bologna, a man deliberately destroyed Ai Weiwei’s Porcelain Cube during the opening of the Who Am I? exhibition. Caught on CCTV, 57-year-old Czech Vaclav Pisvejc pushed the sculpture off its plinth and lifted a piece of the shattered artwork.
Known for previous art-related vandalism, Pisvejc was arrested on the scene. Despite the disruption, the exhibition continued, with a photograph replacing the damaged sculpture.
16. LACMA Calls It Quits on South L.A. Satellite, Citing Budget Blowout.
LACMA, aka the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (for those tuning in from outside the 90210), has pulled the plug on its much-hyped plan to open a satellite campus at South L.A.’s Wetlands Park. Initially pitched as part of a grand “de-centering” strategy, the project hit a financial iceberg, with repair costs soaring way past the original $25 million estimate. Turns out, fixing up a historic transit barn is a tad pricier than expected.
But don’t worry, LACMA isn’t hanging up its art hat just yet. They’re still sending artwork to local spots like Charles White Elementary School. And, in a move that’s sure to raise some eyebrows, they’re packing their bags for Sin City, lending pieces to the upcoming Las Vegas Museum of Art. Looks like what happens in Vegas might actually be borrowed from L.A.!
Text by Maria Nitulescu
