This week’s art news roundup includes significant events and protests in the art scene. On October 10, activists gathered outside a Westchester County courthouse during Purdue Pharma’s initial Chapter 11 bankruptcy hearing. The hearing aims to address over 2,600 lawsuits brought by various governmental entities. Protesters threw mock ‘blood money’—dollar bills marked with ‘Oxy’ and red paint—and scattered fake prescription bottles on the courthouse steps. They staged a die-in for 200 seconds, symbolizing the daily drug overdose deaths.
Meanwhile, over 200 artists, scholars, and critics have signed an open letter urging MoMA and board member Larry Fink to divest from private prison companies. Released by the New Sanctuary Coalition, this call to action precedes the museum’s gallery reopening on October 21. Notable signatories include Tania Bruguera, Hito Steyerl, and Claire Bishop. In South Africa, SWEAT is advocating for the removal of Zwelethu Mthethwa’s artwork from the Javett Art Center, following his murder conviction. In support, artist Candice Breitz requested her installation be replaced with a #SayHerName sign.
Elsewhere, artist Oriel Ceballos faced arrest in Washington Square Park after a confrontation with Park Enforcement Patrol. In San Francisco, the debate over a controversial mural at George Washington High School is heading to court. Also, Kara Walker’s Fons Americanus has been installed at Tate Modern’s Turbine Hall, while a new Vatican monument honors migrants worldwide.
Desert X, known for its contemporary art exhibitions, will expand to Saudi Arabia, prompting board resignations over human rights concerns. In New York City, community protests favored artist Vinnie Bagwell’s proposal for a Central Park statue. A KAWS artwork depicting Mao Zedong was withdrawn from auction in Hong Kong after backlash in China. Additionally, The Good Liars launched a satirical campaign in NYC subways targeting political figures.
Finally, significant auction sales included Elizabeth Catlett’s record-setting sculpture at Swann Galleries, alongside works by Henry Ossawa Tanner and Kenneth Victor Young. These transactions are part of our ongoing coverage of noteworthy art market developments.
