Have you stopped shaking hands, kissing your friends goodbye, and generally retreated from public transport? Don’t worry, we’ve all been doing it. Our cupboards are now stocked with soap, tissues, wipes and fear. Art world? Who cares! But really, we do care, so here’s an update of what happened this week.
ART
Ulay Passes Away Aged 76
Probably best known for his relationship with art goddess Marina Abramovic, performance artist Ulay passed away due to cancer in Ljubljana in Slovenia. Marina released a statement saying: “It is with great sadness I learned about my friend and former partner Ulay’s death today. He was an exceptional artist and human being, who will be deeply missed. On this day, it is comforting to know that his art and legacy will live on forever.” Rest in peace Ulay.
Daniel Arsham Collabs With Robots
Well kind of, the artist’s latest collaboration with Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama includes a pair of robot hands holding a decaying camera. We’re kind of obsessed with the combination of Arsham’s obsession with decay and the ultra-futuristic robot inspo from Sorayama.
Maurizio Cattelan Designs Iggy Pop Record
Fresh after his collaboration with Kendall Jenner, Maurizio Cattelan is working with Iggy Pop on cover art for his latest album FREE. The record will be signed by both Cattelan and Pop that will be released at New York’s Perrotin Gallery on March 7.
The Louvre Closes Its Doors
Any guesses why? The coronavirus…duh! With over 5,000 international visitors a day, the Louvre staff voted to stop regular museum operations over fears of catching the virus. Here’s hoping it reopens soon…
Miley Cyrus Gets Matisse Tattoo
Matisse is an art world legend, so for a tattoo choice, he’s probably a safe bet. Miley Cyrus has just had a nude by Matisse tattooed on her right arm. His dancing figures are super dreamy, and on her Instagram, she captioned the big reveal with lyrics from Leonard Cohen’s Dance Me To The End of Love, stating that her new ink is “Matisse X Cohen.”
FASHION
North West Steals Show At Paris Fashion Week
Kanye West has never looked as happy as he just did when his daughter North West took the stage at his Yeezy presentation during Paris Fashion Week. Probably the most famous 6-year-old on the planet, North completely stole the show by rapping on stage.
Models Walk On Water At Balenciaga Show
Defying gravity? Well, not exactly, the water-submerged Balenciaga catwalk was a comment on climate change, with graphics mimicking fire, rain and thunder while models walked on water. A creepy look at the future of fashion if we don’t act to help our planet.
Dior Partners With Louvre To Restore Parisian Gardens
If you’re an art fan, and you’ve been to Paris, chances are you’ve been to the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens. The garden is situated between the Champs-Elysees and the Louvre and houses statues by the links of Rodin and Louise Bourgeois. It’s now getting a revamp, and is being financed with help from Dior. The collaborative project is hoping to preserve the environment, and it is worth noting that the last Dior show was staged there.
New Era Takes Inspo From Van Gogh And Monet
Ever wanted to wear a painting on your head? Well now you can. New Era Japan have just released a collection of caps covered in paintings by Monet and Van Gogh. All priced $56 and under, the hats are available on the store’s website.
MARKET
Art Dubai Postponed Due To Covid 19
In case you’ve been living under a rock, Covid 19 is the technical name for the coronavirus. Anyway….back to the real news, Art Dubai has decided to postpone its March 2020 edition in favour of a programme tailored to the local cultural community instead. It is said to include the existing fair programme contributors, but we’re not sure exactly what that means just yet…
Bernard Arnault Bids On The Ritz
French billionaire at the head of LVMH group and serious art collector (he has several Picasso’s, Andy Warhol’s and more in his collection) Bernard Arnault is now rumoured to be making attempts to buy London’s Ritz Hotel… is there anything he can’t have?! (Seemingly not!)
Text Lizzy Vartanian
