Last week we kept you up-to-date with art world news while mass protests were taking over the globe. A week has passed and, for good reason, those same demonstrations are ongoing. During this time many of us have been reflecting on our privilege, giving messages of support and solidarity to those campaigning for change. Because, let’s be honest, the art world has a lot of work to do before it becomes a place where everyone feels welcome. Given all this, we don’t blame you for being a little behind in art news. So here’s a list of everything you missed this week to help you catch up!
ART
Art Basel Is Cancelled
OK, so let’s just address the elephant in the room. Unless you managed to go on a complete digital detox this week, then you’ll know that this year’s edition of Art Basel has been cancelled. But don’t worry, we’ve got some tips to help you still kick-butt your career here!
Banksy Makes Work In Solidarity With Black Lives
Ever elusive British graffiti artist Banksy has posted a new work on Instagram in solidarity with the globe protesting for black rights. “People of colour are being failed by the system. The white system”, he says, “…this is a white problem. and if white people don’t fix it, someone will have to come upstairs and kick the door in.”
Duchess Of Cambridge Wants To See Your Photos
In a video uploaded to YouTube this week by British Vogue, the Duchess of Cambridge invited Brits to capture what life is like for everyone in the UK right now. Her favourite images will be on display in an exhibition called Hold Still at the National Portrait Gallery. You can submit your photos here!
KAWS Raises Money For Black Lives Matter Cause
KAWS is using profits from the sales of KAWSONE to go towards organisations that he believes are making positive change happen, including Black Lives Matter. We love that artists are coming together to make the world a better place.
LA Airport Gets Arty
While most of us don’t want to go anywhere near a plane right now, LA’s LaGuardia airport has just installed works by Sarah Sze, Laura Owens, Jeppe Hein, and Sabine Hornig to entice us all to travel again soon.
FASHION
Fashion’s Cruise Collections Go Online
As with everything else right now, fashion has gone digital, so this year’s cruise collections have obviously followed suit. As big brands like Chanel had a virtual presentation this week, we’re wondering how well the collections will do given that none of us will be going on any cruises anytime soon…
MARKET
There’s An Oversupply Of Diamonds Right Now…
Our eyes lit up a little when we saw this post on Hypebeast. Apparently the coronavirus pandemic has there to be caused an oversupply of diamonds, meaning that dealers are trying to work out how to get rid of their stockpiles without affecting the market. We’ll be happy to take some off their hands…
Kurt Cobain’s Guitar Up For Sale
If you’re looking for a piece of music history, now’s your chance. Kurt Cobain’s guitar, along with items belonging to Prince, Madonna and many more will be up for auction online through Julien’s Auctions on June 19.
Text Lizzy Vartanian