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Almine Rech Expands to Tribeca
It appears that more galleries are on expansion sprees. Almine Rech, the Paris-founded gallery with outposts in Monaco, Gstaad, Brussels, Venice, Shanghai, and London, recently opened its second New York City location in a 19th-century building in the heart of Tribeca. The gallery is kicking off its grand opening with a series of Vaughn Spann’s “hurricane paintings.” It coincides with Stephen Friedman Gallery’s newly opened location in a 10,000-square-foot space designed by David Kohn Architects in the heart of Mayfair, London. Kicking things off is a solo show of sculptures, quilts, and masks by Yinka Shonibare, as well as a sculpture garden with works by Izumi Nato and Woody De Othello.
Gensler is ushering in a new era of leadership. Andy Cohen and Diane Hoskins have, for nearly 20 years, led the firm as co-CEOs, but last week announced the two have been named co-chairs as the firm looks ahead. Filling their shoes are co-firm managing principals Julia Simet and Jordan Goldstein, two longtime employees who will be tasked with overseeing the global architecture firm’s 53 offices, 33 practice areas, and more than 6,000 employees. The move signals that Gensler’s unique collaborative leadership model, in which two leaders helm most leadership positions, is showing no signs of slowing down.
Change is afoot on Art Basel’s leadership team as the fair prepares to welcome its second edition of Paris+ par Art Basel next week. Hayley Romer, the Atlantic’s former publisher, will assume the newly created position of chief growth officer while Craig Hepburn will become chief digital officer. Their appointments came shortly before Adeline Ooi, the fair’s longtime Asia director, announced she was leaving her position at the end of November. —Ryan Waddoups
“Croydon Colonnade.” Photography by Gareth Gardner…
Adam Nathaniel Furman has created a new public art centerpiece in Croydon, London, known as the Croydon Colonnade. Situated at the ground level of an office building, the installation features 16 columns standing 25 feet tall, along with walls covered in handmade, 3-D porcelain tiles. These tiles use a gradient to change color from blue to white at an average Londoner’s head height, adding intricate details upon closer inspection. Furman drew inspiration from both Croydon’s Brutalist architectural history and the 11th-century Durham Cathedral, incorporating two types of stone patterns in the columns. The project is one of several Furman completed in London this year, including an art wall at Paddington Station.
Canva’s Magic Studio is introducing a range of AI-based tools aimed at simplifying digital content creation. The core tool, Magic Design, uses a search bar for users to input what they want, like a slide deck or a video, and instantly generates design options. Another feature, Magic Switch, allows users to convert one type of media to another, such as turning a presentation into a video. The platform also offers customization options, including adherence to brand guidelines and the ability to upload personal assets. AI enhancements extend to image and video editing, with features like Magic Grab and Magic Animate. While the AI tools come with a cost, they are included in Canva’s standard subscription plans. The company is committed to making these AI tools integral to the user experience, rather than just add-ons.
Sankofa Park viewing platform. Image by Perkins & Will, courtesy of Destination Crenshaw…
The anticipated opening of Sankofa Park in Los Angeles has been postponed to February 24, according to an announcement by the group overseeing its construction in Leimert Park. Part of a larger $100 million project to revitalize a 1.3-mile corridor into an arts-focused civic space, the park has received $3.4 million in federal funding and an additional $2.4 million from a fundraising drive led by actress Issa Rae and NBA player DeMar DeRozan. Once complete, the park will feature installations by notable artists like Alison Saar and Kehinde Wiley, along with murals and a copper-toned viewing platform. The design pays homage to the Middle Passage and The Great Migration of Black Americans to California in the 1920s.
Italy’s culture ministry, led by Vittorio Sgarbi, has announced plans to restore the damaged Banksy mural Migrant Child despite debates about the nature of street art. The mural, located in Venice’s Dorsoduro district along the Rio Novo canal, depicts a child in a life vest holding a flare. Though it has become a tourist attraction, its exposure to Venice’s dampness has caused major damage. The restoration will be funded by an unnamed “important bank,” and Sgarbi stated the ministry will proceed with restoration even without the artist’s permission. The decision has sparked controversy—critics argue the ephemeral nature of street art should allow it to naturally deteriorate. According to Italian law, the state body overseeing heritage preservation does not have jurisdiction over public art created less than 70 years ago.
The Michelin Guide, famous for awarding stars to top restaurants, is set to rate hotels starting next year. The new “key” awards will evaluate more than 5,300 preselected hotels in 120 countries based on five criteria, including design, architecture, and the ability to offer a “local experience.” The ratings will be conducted by independent Michelin inspectors of diverse nationalities and ages, and will also consider customer reviews. The move aims to help travelers navigate the overwhelming amount of information online, as Michelin Guide users currently spend an average of 10 hours across more than 10 platforms to plan trips. The guide itself has evolved from a red book launched in 1900 to a digital platform with 47 million annual visitors and 6 million social media subscribers.
