Sotheby’s has reportedly begun negotiations to make a significant investment in Pace Gallery.
Sotheby’s and Pace Gallery are in discussions over a potential joint venture that would mark a new business model for both institutions. While details remain fluid, the partnership could provide financial support for Pace—amid mounting overhead costs—while granting Sotheby’s deeper access to the private sales market and high-profile collectors. With both companies seeking innovative ways to navigate a sluggish art market, this deal could reshape the traditional roles of auction houses and galleries.
Madison Square Park Conservancy names Denise Markonish as its new chief curator.
Following 18 years at MASS MoCA, where she served as the institution’s first-ever chief curator, Denise Markonish will join Madison Square Park Conservancy this June. Appointed to the role of Martin Friedman Chief Curator, Markonish succeeds Brooke Kamin Rapaport, who was with the conservancy for more than a decade. Markonish—who partnered with Madison Square Park Conservancy to bring Martin Puryear’s 40-foot sculpture Big Bling to downtown North Adams, MA, following its installation in the 6.2 acre park circa 2016–2017—will steer future programming and its visionary public art program.
One of Zaha Hadid’s final projects, the Romeo Hotel Roma has opened in an Italian palazzo.
Zaha Hadid Architects has reimagined a 16th-century Roman palazzo as the Romeo Hotel Romal—a project initiated by the late architect during her lifetime. Its landmarked exterior blends with futuristic interiors of sweeping curves and illuminated vaults, preserving the building’s history while introducing sculptural elements in wood, brass, and stone, concealing modern infrastructure without disturbing the structure. During construction, ancient ruins—including a Roman wall and artifacts—were uncovered and are now showcased beneath the hotel’s spa and pool, reinforcing the dialogue between past and present.
The Hilma af Klint Foundation president intends to no longer publicly display the artist’s work.
Erik af Klint, chairman of the Hilma af Klint Foundation, is fighting to restrict public access to the artist’s work, insisting it should be viewed only by “spiritual seekers” in accordance with the late artist’s intentions and the foundation’s statutes. His legal battle to remove opposing board members has sparked controversy, with critics arguing his interpretation misrepresents Hilma af Klint’s intentions and threatens to erase her influence from the art world. While he envisions the paintings housed in a temple for the faithful, resistance from the foundation’s board and the broader art community seems to make his vision difficult to enforce.
Bernard Arnault is seeking a second extension of his leadership term at the helm of LVMH.
Bernard Arnault seeks to extend his tenure as LVMH’s CEO until age 85, with shareholders set to vote on the proposal at the company’s annual meeting in April. Despite ongoing succession speculation from the public, the 76-year-old billionaire continues to consolidate family control, recently appointing his sons to key leadership roles within the luxury empire. With LVMH generating $92.5 billion in sales last year and the Arnault family holding a dominant stake, his vision of a multigenerational dynasty remains firmly in place.
Today’s attractive distractions:
These ghostly ballgowns are actually fiberglass sculptures by artist Brandon Morris.
A one-of-a-kind shipping container home is on the market in Marfa, TX.
Can you make sense of the many layers of Nosferatu-core
It’s never been a better time to be an egg hater.
