Andy Warhol’s Big Electric Chair is expected to sell for approx. $30 million at Christie’s in May.
Christie’s will auction Andy Warhol’s Big Electric Chair this May in New York with a $30 million estimate, spotlighting its provenance from the collection of Belgian patrons Roger Matthys and Hilda Colle, longtime supporters of Ghent’s SMAK museum. The sale arrives amid a slump in high-end art transactions, though Christie’s hopes the painting’s museum-linked history and stark imagery will drive competitive bidding. A strong result could set a new record for the series.
In Miami, fine art dealer Leslie Roberts has been charged with selling fake Warhols.
Federal prosecutors have charged Miami art dealer Leslie Roberts with orchestrating a scheme to sell forged Warhols, allegedly using fake invoices, forged documents, and accomplices posing as auction house employees to deceive buyers. The indictment aligns with a civil suit filed by the Perlman family, who claim they paid over $6 million for inauthentic works—including portraits of Queen Elizabeth and Marilyn Monroe. Roberts, who has a history of art fraud convictions, now fac
Concept art for the U.S. pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Bienniale has been released.
It’s well established that the U.S.Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale will take inspiration from the American porch. New visuals of the pavilion, designed by Marlon Blackwell Architects and collaborators, show a timber structure that will feature 54 contributions exploring the porch as a social and architectural space. Its installations will include models, literature, and a “citizen’s library.” A powder-blue canopy will shade the courtyard, setting the stage for public programming that spans the exhibition’s run, including performances, workshops, and talks.
Steve Soboroff has stepped down from his role as L.A.’s Chief Recovery Officer.
Steve Soboroff stepped down as L.A.’s fire recovery czar after a contentious, three-month tenure that the L.A. Times reports was characterized by exclusion from key decisions and friction with Mayor Karen Bass’ office. Though sidelined early, he remained deeply involved in recovery efforts, using his local connections to broker deals and troubleshoot on the ground. Soboroff voiced frustration over the city’s lack of transparency and planning, questioned its contractor choice, and accused officials of ignoring critical infrastructure needs that could delay rebuilding.
An “unprecedented” Rick Owens exhibition is coming to the Palais Galliera this summer.
Opening June 28, “Rick Owens: Temple of Love” at the Palais Galliera will spotlight the designer’s uncompromising vision through fashion, sculpture, and immersive installations. Owens, who curated the exhibition himself, will showcase over 100 looks alongside personal artifacts, concrete sculptures, and a replica of his California bedroom, weaving together themes of intimacy, theatricality, and rebellion.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Fans are loving the screenshot cover art for Lana Del Rey’s new single.
Domus recaps some of the most visually striking vignettes from Fuorisalone.
One rail station could spell the future for Japan’s industrial-scale 3D printing.
A children’s pavilion decked out with Legos is coming to the Serpentine.
