A Trio of Zines Brings Photographers Together, and Other News

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A Trio of Zines Brings Photographers Together

If print is, as they say, dead, then zines are increasingly rare snapshots of artists’ crossover with such a uniquely tactile and approachable medium. At New York Life Gallery, a downtown bellwether for artists of the moment and those whose work is in the midst of a resurgence, three new zines will celebrate photographers Daniel Arnold, Sam Penn, and the late Victor Arimondi. At different ages and moments in their careers, the shared commonality between Arnold, Penn, and Arimondi’s bodies of work is an eye for striking moments of intimacy. A launch of the publications at the gallery (167 Canal Street, Floor 5) on June 28 brings together their work and audiences. —Jenna Adrian-Diaz

MVRDV completes a canyon-like tower in San Francisco, its first West Coast project.

MVRDV has completed its first West Coast project, a housing complex in San Francisco called The Canyon. The 23-story high-rise, marked by a ruggedly textured red-brown facade inspired by California’s geological formations, sits on a plinth with a central walkway that creates a canyon-like effect. The Canyon includes 283 residential units, with a significant portion reserved for middle-income families, as well as two floors of offices and ground-level shops and restaurants. Its proximity to the San Francisco Bay allows for a water exchange system that reduces carbon emissions, conserves water and energy, and lowers power bills.

New York state is changing course over its long-awaited renovation of Penn Station.  

New York governor Kathy Hochul has announced the state will take a stronger lead in the development of Penn Station. The state will no longer link the redevelopment of the surrounding blocks to the station’s development, although redevelopment in those areas may still occur in the future. The state has approved $1.3 billion for the station’s reconstruction and is seeking additional funding through cost-sharing with railroads and federal grant programs. She also suggested that the station’s design team may change, with multiple design schemes being considered. New renderings depict a brighter and airier station with a glass ceiling, white paneling, and improved wayfinding and access to platforms. The designs also include wider sidewalks, public spaces, and specialized street lighting in the surrounding areas.

Adriano Pedrosa reveals the next Venice Biennale will tackle ideas around foreigners.

Adriano Pedrosa, the artistic director of the 60th Venice Biennale, has revealed the theme for next year’s exhibition: “Foreigners Everywhere.” The event will explore the concept of the foreigner, focusing on individuals on the margins such as exiles, émigrés, and outsiders. Pedrosa, the biennale’s first Latin American curator, aims to highlight the experiences of immigrants, refugees, and marginalized artists. The exhibition will also feature works that tackle formal issues and historical pieces from underrepresented modernist movements, while acknowledging the Italian artistic diaspora.

The Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam is rebranding after severing ties with Russia.  

After severing ties with St. Petersburg’s Hermitage collection due to the invasion of Ukraine, an Amsterdam museum has undergone a name change and announced new partnerships with galleries in London, Paris, and Washington, D.C. Starting September, the Hermitage Amsterdam will be known as the H’ART Museum. The museum’s director, Annabelle Birnie, described the new model as contemporary and future-proof, with a program that will feature a diverse range of art exhibitions and presentations. The first major exhibition, slated for mid-2024, will be a collaboration with the Centre Pompidou focusing on Wassily Kandinsky.

Italy’s culture minister criticizes a tourist caught carving his name on the Colosseum.

Gennaro Sangiuliano, Italy’s culture minister, has criticized a tourist who was caught on video carving his name on a wall at the Colosseum in Rome. The offender faces potential penalties of a fine up to €15,000 ($16,440) or imprisonment; authorities are currently attempting to locate him. This incident adds to a series of defacements at the Colosseum, prompting previous discussions on enhancing security measures at the iconic site.

Today’s attractive distractions:

Hasbro dials into ‘90s nostalgia by relaunching the mildly creepy Furby.

Scientists develop an autonomous robot to stave off spotted lanternflies.

The student who ate Maurizio Cattelan’s $120,000 banana speaks out.

A Finnish national park is asking all visitors to ditch their smartphones.