As November 2024 unfolds, the global art scene is abuzz with significant events, exhibitions, and market developments across all continents. This month has been marked by a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the diverse cultural narratives that shape our world.
North America
United States
- Art Basel Miami Beach 2024: Scheduled for December, Art Basel Miami Beach has already stirred discussions due to new regulations in Miami Beach. City officials have implemented measures requiring permits for large gatherings on prestigious islands during the event, aiming to address safety concerns and disturbances from previous years. This move has sparked debates among residents and event organizers about the balance between cultural festivities and community well-being.
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- Auction Week in New York: New York City hosted a series of high-profile art auctions, featuring significant works from renowned artists. Christie's auctioned the estate of Mica Ertegun, including a prized René Magritte piece acquired in 1968. Sotheby's presented Larry Warsh's collection of 31 Keith Haring subway drawings and the Sydell Miller collection, featuring works by Picasso and Kandinsky. Additionally, Maurizio Cattelan's "Comedian," famously known as the duct-taped banana, was featured, highlighting the dynamic nature of the art market.
Vanity Fair
Art Basel 2023, Miami Beach Convention Centre, Courtesy Art Basel
Europe
- "Electric Dreams" at Tate Modern: The Tate Modern in London has unveiled "Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet," an exhibition that delves into the relationship between art and technology from the 1950s to the pre-internet era. Featuring over 150 works from more than 70 artists, the exhibition includes immersive installations and kinetic pieces, offering a sensory-rich experience that highlights the evolution of artistic expression alongside technological advancements.
Financial Times
- Venice Biennale's Satellite Exhibitions: As the Venice Art Biennale approached its conclusion on November 24, several noteworthy exhibitions were held across the city. Highlights included the Holy See Pavilion's "With My Eyes," focusing on human rights, and the Nigeria Pavilion at Palazzo Canal, exploring Nigeria's colonial history and future prospects. These exhibitions provided diverse perspectives and were situated in captivating venues throughout Venice.
Financial Times
- King Charles' Art Lithographs: In London, a Christmas pop-up shop by The King's Foundation at Garrison Chapel, Chelsea, has attracted crowds with lithographs of King Charles' original watercolors. These limited-edition pieces, personally signed by the King, feature landscapes from Scotland and have raised millions for The King's Foundation's initiatives, supporting young people in learning heritage crafts. The King's artistic journey, encouraged by his grandmother, the Queen Mother, reflects his dedication to the arts and philanthropy.
The Australian
- Academy Baroque Ensemble and Dunedin Consort Performance: On November 22, Edinburgh celebrated Saint Cecilia's Day with a performance of Henry Purcell's 1692 ode "Hail! Bright Cecilia" by the Academy Baroque Ensemble and Dunedin Consort. This event, part of the Royal Academy of Music's Side-by-Side project, showcased a blend of young and established musicians, highlighting the enduring appeal of Baroque music and the importance of nurturing new talent.
The Times
- Barbara Chase-Riboud's Paris Exhibitions: Eight major Paris museums paid tribute to American artist Barbara Chase-Riboud, showcasing her works until January 2025. This extensive recognition comes fifty years after her first solo exhibition in Paris, highlighting her contributions as a novelist, poet, and sculptor. The exhibitions feature around 40 works, addressing the under-representation of women and non-white artists in Paris.
Le Monde
Entrance to the Tate Modern, London
Asia
China
- Anish Kapoors’ Drawings: Anish Kapoor’s debut solo exhibition with Lisson Gallery Shanghai features a new collection of paintings on paper. Considered “one of the most influential sculptors of his generation…”, Kapoor’s work delves into the interplay of physical space, the tactile essence of material, and the exploration of ‘the void’ through experimentation with various materials and mediums. This exhibition extends Kapoor’s legacy of redefining artistic forms, building on the success of his acclaimed dual retrospectives at the Gallerie dell’Accademia and Palazzo Manfrin in Venice in 2022, as well as his presentation at Lisson New York in 2023.
Shine
Singapore
- ART SG, Southeast Asia's leading international art fair, will return for its third edition from January 17 to 19, 2025, at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. This event is expected to host 106 galleries from over 30 countries, showcasing contemporary art from both renowned and emerging artists. The fair will include prominent regional exhibitors like Gajah Gallery, as well as newcomers such as Haridas Contemporary and Balk Art. Major international names like Gagosian, White Cube, and Lehmann Maupin are also set to participate.
The Artling
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore, the location of Art SG
Africa
Nigeria
- Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) Opening: The Museum of West African Art in Benin City, Nigeria, officially opened to the public on November 4, 2024. This landmark institution aims to celebrate and preserve West African art, providing a significant cultural hub in the region.
Art Report Africa
Mali
- African Photography Encounters in Bamako: The 14th edition of the African Photography Encounters, a biennial event, commenced on November 16 in Bamako, Mali. Under the theme "Kuma, La Parole" (Kuma, the Word), the exhibition features thirty artists from across the continent, fostering visual conversations and showcasing diverse photographic talents.
On The Move
Australia
- Ben Quilty's Brisbane Exhibition: Renowned Australian artist Ben Quilty prepared for a new solo exhibition in Brisbane, celebrating 20 years of collaboration with gallerist Jan Murphy. The exhibition showcases diverse pieces from Quilty's dynamic creative journey, including many unseen artworks.
In Review
Market Trends and Developments
- Art as Investment: Discussions continue regarding the viability of art as an investment. Critics argue that the subjective nature of art valuation and associated costs make it a less secure investment compared to traditional assets.
Financial Times
- Still Life Popularity: Still-life paintings, particularly those depicting food, are experiencing a resurgence. The Royal Institute of Oil Painters dedicated its annual exhibition to this genre, noting increased interest from collectors and a shift in cultural preferences.
Financial Times
Entrance to Sotheby's Auction, Amsterdam
Institutional Changes
- Sotheby's Expansion: Sotheby's announced plans to open a new outpost in Saudi Arabia, with auctions commencing in February 2025. This move aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 project, aiming to boost the cultural and economic landscape of the region.
Financial Times
- Leadership at National Portrait Gallery: Victoria Siddall, an environmentalist and former director of the Frieze art fair, was appointed as the new director of the National Portrait Gallery in London. Siddall has expressed intentions to sever ties with the fossil fuel industry, reflecting a broader shift towards environmental responsibility in the arts sector.
Financial Times
