Welcome to our Sunday Art Brunch series, where each week we bring you the latest and most interesting developments in the art scene. From new exhibitions and conversations with artists to market developments and professional observations, we've got you covered. Take a moment to relax and enjoy a carefully crafted selection of art news with us to start your Sunday on a positive note.
Phillips new Asia headquarters launches with mediocre evening auction in Hong Kong generating $45 million in sales
Phillips held its first major auction of the year at its new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong, which achieved a hammer total of HKD 285m ($36.3m), above the lower end of the premium-free presale estimate at HKD 273.5m ($34.8m). Artnet reports the yhe auction saw the sale of several key lots, including a painting by Yoshitomo Nara's 1995, which sold for nearly HKD 83.9m ($10.7m), and Yayoi Kusama’s Pumpkin from 1995, which sold for HKD 56m ($7m). Although 90% of the 40 lots offered were sold, the percentage of lots sold was the lowest compared to the past four sales, while a quarter of the lots offered were on third-party guarantees. The sale was seen as an indicator of the market's tone following a vibrant Hong Kong Art Week.
Fondation Louis Vuitton exhibition delves into the collaboration between Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat
The exhibition "Basquiat x Warhol: Painting Four Hands" at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris reveals that Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat began collaborating earlier than previously thought. Research for the show indicates that the two artists started collaborating in the autumn of 1983, and Basquiat modified small silkscreen paintings after Warhol encouraged him to do so. As USA Art News telling, the Paris show includes more than 80 paintings jointly created and signed by the two artists, including masterpieces such as "Felix the Cat" and "Ten Punching Bags." The exhibition runs until 2 July.
Hammer Museum in Los Angeles aims to increase visibility with renovation and expansion
The Hammer Museum in Los Angeles has completed over two decades of renovations, culminating in the unveiling of the renamed Lynda and Stewart Resnick Cultural Center. The museum now features a new 5,600-square-foot gallery, sculpture terrace, and lobby showcasing four exhibitions. Hyperallergic reports that the most recent renovations aimed at making the institution more visible from the street, thereby creating better public awareness of what is now Los Angeles’s third largest art collection after the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) and the Getty Institute. The Hammer Museum has evolved from the inside out as well, with its collections and programming transformed in parallel with its architecture, establishing a leading contemporary art collection and a range of film programming in the Billy Wilder Theater. The museum is open to the public and admission is free.
The artists trending this March: a series created by Artsy
The Artsy team creates a monthly series called "Trending Now," which showcases three artists who are currently popular on the Artsy platform. The team uses their art expertise and Artsy data to select these artists and explain why they are trending. The chosen artists are those who are making an impact in auctions, gallery exhibitions, fairs, social media, and other Artsy engagement. Additionally, the team considers popular headlines and features. All data used in this series is pulled from user engagement from February 1st through March 23rd, 2023. Enjoy more on Artsy.
Max Mara Art Prize for Woman: Dominique White is the winner
Dominique White, a sculptor and installation artist inspired by the myths of the sea, has won the Max Mara art prize for women 2022-24. The Guardian tells that her works are centred around the idea of creating new worlds for "blackness" and incorporate theories of black subjectivity, Afro-pessimism and hydrarchy. She will receive a six-month residency in Italy to develop her proposal, Deadweight, which will explore Mediterranean slavery and maritime history. White, who was born in 1993 and studied at Goldsmiths and Central Saint Martins, won the 2022 Foundwork artist prize as well as awards from Artangel and the Henry Moore Foundation. She believes her family's immigrant journey from the Caribbean to the UK is what inspired her interest in the sea.The Max Mara prize was set up in 2005 to support female-identifying artists during a crucial stage in their careers. The winner was announced at a ceremony held at London's Whitechapel Gallery.
