Matthew Williams. Photography by Dominique Charriau…
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Matthew Williams Is Departing Givenchy
Givenchy and creative director Matthew Williams, who brought an edgy transformation to the French fashion house in 2020, are parting ways. Williams, best known for his streetwear brand 1017 Alyx 9SM, was an unconventional choice for Givenchy, but he aimed to redefine the brand’s image after the departure of Riccardo Tisci. While his work received mixed critical reviews and may not have met exceptional sales, Williams is leaving on a high note with well-received recent collections. He plans to focus on developing his own brand. Givenchy’s studio teams will oversee upcoming collections until a new creative director is announced.
In other people news,Powerhouse Arts is continuing its growth trajectory with the addition of 12 new team members since opening in May. Among the hires are Brittni Collins as Director of Public Art and Karyn Williams as VP of Programs. Public Art Fund also announced new leadership appointments: Stephanie Adams as Deputy Director for External Affairs and Karyn Olivier and Allison Weiner as members of its board of directors. —Ryan Waddoups
Photography by Nan Goldin…
Nan Goldin tops the ArtReview Power 100 list for her ongoing anti-Sackler activism.
Nan Goldin, the influential photographer and advocate against billionaires linked to the US opioid crisis, has claimed the top spot on the ArtReview Power 100 list. This year’s ranking exclusively features artists who use their work to address pressing social and political issues. Goldin’s photography has documented LGBTQ+ subcultures, the AIDS crisis, and her own life, including her battle with OxyContin addiction. She founded the advocacy group Pain to pressure art institutions to cut ties with the Sackler family, the owners of Purdue Pharma, a central figure in the opioid epidemic. The list also recognizes artists such as Steve McQueen, Rirkrit Tiravanija, and Hito Steyerl for their impactful contributions to art and social discourse.
A three-story-tall Banksy mural criticizing Brexit as part of the $32.3 million Dover Beacon Project in Dover, England, has been destroyed. Created by the mysterious British street artist in 2017, the stencil painting depicts a cracked European Union flag with a worker chipping away at one of the stars. Dover officials cited the building’s dilapidated state and safety concerns as reasons for its demolition. The mural had already suffered damage in 2019 when it was whitewashed, and efforts are underway to salvage parts of the original work.
Haus 1 by MVRDV and Hirschmüller Schindele Architekten. Photography by Schnepp Renou…
The Dutch studio MVRDV, in collaboration with Hirschmüller Schindele Architekten, has revealed Haus 1, a vibrant yellow workplace transformed from a 1990s office building in Berlin. Situated south of Tempelhof Field, the project is part of the Atelier Gardens redevelopment, which aims to convert a film and media campus into a hub for social entrepreneurship and activism. Designed to serve as a gateway to the broader development, Haus 1 features a bold yellow exterior and interior, along with a zigzagging staircase, creating a distinctive neighborhood landmark. The building offers adaptable interior space, including co-working areas, meeting spaces, and a rooftop garden with rainwater collection systems.
The J. Paul Getty Trust has granted the 2024 Getty Prize to Los Angeles artist Mark Bradford, who will receive $500,000 to donate to a nonprofit of his choice. Known for his expansive abstract paintings and collages, Bradford delves into the objectification of marginalized groups and individuals within social and political structures. His artistic repertoire extends to sculpture, video, photography, printmaking, and installations, and he actively engages in social projects and educational workshops for underserved communities. As a co-founder of the Los Angeles non-profit Art + Practice, he addresses issues related to education, foster care, and the arts.
A climate protest led to interruptions and delays during the opening night of Richard Wagner’s Tannhäuser at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Extinction Rebellion NYC protesters unfurled banners reading “No Opera On A Dead Planet” from the balconies, causing Met officials to bring down the curtain. Security removed the protesters, but further disruptions occurred, leading to a 22-minute delay in the performance. The house lights remained on for security purposes, and the show ended closer to midnight than its scheduled time. While the protest aimed to draw attention to climate issues, it received mixed reactions from the audience.
