Art Spell
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Art Spell
@artspell.bsky.social
· May 1
About - Art Spell
Your morning brew of art world media. Click to read Art Spell, a Substack publication.
www.artspell.media
Art Spell has joined Blue Sky! Available on Substack, Art Spell delivers a daily list of top art world stories and reviews from our most trusted media sources. We’ll be sharing our Daily Pick here each morning. Subscriptions are free for art writers & editors; learn more at www.artspell.media/about
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?' by Travis Diehl for @culturedmag.com.web.brid.gy. A critic suggests museums are playing it safe by choosing to exhibit artists of the past.
Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?
A glance at institutional programming reveals an abundance of posthumous exhibitions. Travis Diehl examines a trend toward the grave.
www.culturedmag.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Why Are So Many Contemporary Museums Showing Dead Artists Right Now?' by Travis Diehl for @culturedmag.com.web.brid.gy. A critic suggests museums are playing it safe by choosing to exhibit artists of the past.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?' by Rosanna McLaughlin for @theguardian.com. One writer argues that promoting morals and values in art negates the audience’s ability to engage with complexity.
Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?
Critics and curators are reframing great artists, from Gentileschi to Soutine, to fit with modern ethical narratives. But this ignores the glorious ambivalence of their creations
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Andy Warhol would have hated safe spaces. So why keep dragging dead artists into today’s culture wars?' by Rosanna McLaughlin for @theguardian.com. One writer argues that promoting morals and values in art negates the audience’s ability to engage with complexity.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The House has approved a bill that will continue to fund federal cultural agencies, including the NEA and NEH.
House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats
The Senate must now vote on the bill, which sets annual allocations for the NEA, NEH, Smithsonian, and other cultural programs.
hyperallergic.com
January 14, 2026 at 3:18 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'House Votes to Fund the Arts, Despite Trump Threats' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The House has approved a bill that will continue to fund federal cultural agencies, including the NEA and NEH.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be' by Eddy Frankel for @ocula.com. The critic explores the history of AI images as art, and considers whether early AI images had more artistic merit than those of today.
AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be
Are we already nostalgic for the lopsided AI-generated images of only a few years ago? Eddy Frankel asks whether early, imperfect AI art was actually almost beautiful.
ocula.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:21 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'AI Imagery Isn’t What It Used to Be' by Eddy Frankel for @ocula.com. The critic explores the history of AI images as art, and considers whether early AI images had more artistic merit than those of today.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Arts Advocates Raise Alarm as U.S. Withdraws From International Cultural Organizations' by Eileen Kinsella for @artnet.bsky.social. The Trump Administration withdraws from organizations that protect artist rights and freedoms.
U.S. Withdrawal From International Cultural Organizations Sparks Alarm
Trump's sweeping decision to withdraw from a host of international cultural organizations has sparked alarm at arts advocacy groups.
news.artnet.com
January 12, 2026 at 3:30 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Arts Advocates Raise Alarm as U.S. Withdraws From International Cultural Organizations' by Eileen Kinsella for @artnet.bsky.social. The Trump Administration withdraws from organizations that protect artist rights and freedoms.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding' by Sarah Cascone for @artnet.bsky.social. With the threat of another government shutdown, congress moves to pass bills that would protect both the NEA and NEH budgets.
Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding | Artnet News
Congress has proposed the bill that would preserve funding for the NEH and NEA, despite Trump's renewed call to eliminate the agencies.
news.artnet.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:22 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Congress Moves to Protect NEA and NEH Funding' by Sarah Cascone for @artnet.bsky.social. With the threat of another government shutdown, congress moves to pass bills that would protect both the NEA and NEH budgets.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem' by Gilles de Greling for Observer. How philanthropy has become a more established structural force and has helped fill the gap left behind by public funding.
How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem
Gilles de Greling, Palm Beach Director of Gander & White, analyzes how philanthropy has evolved from episodic generosity into a foundational pillar of the contemporary art ecosystem. He traces …
observer.com
January 8, 2026 at 3:46 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'How Philanthropy Is Reshaping the Global Art Ecosystem' by Gilles de Greling for Observer. How philanthropy has become a more established structural force and has helped fill the gap left behind by public funding.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting' by @benlukeart.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic explains the problem with paintings today and why the medium has become stagnant.
Comment | We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting
Painting may not be dead, but it may have become too comfortable
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 7, 2026 at 3:05 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'We are living in an age of bad painting—the medium must be challenged to stay interesting' by @benlukeart.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic explains the problem with paintings today and why the medium has become stagnant.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers
Immigration attorneys say that more social media influencers and even OnlyFans models are applying for and receiving visas intended for artists.
www.artnews.com
January 6, 2026 at 3:31 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'More and More ‘Extraordinary’ Artist Visas Are Going to Social Media Influencers, Say Immigration Lawyers' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums' by Ken Weine for @hyperallergic.com. The role of museums in bridging the gap between a people and its government.
In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums
As the United States marks its 250th, institutions must resist the pull to simply commemorate and instead communicate the relevance of history.
hyperallergic.com
January 5, 2026 at 3:45 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'In 2026, Democracy Needs Museums' by Ken Weine for @hyperallergic.com. The role of museums in bridging the gap between a people and its government.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Defined 2025? Curators Pick the Year’s Best Art' by Devorah Lauter for @artnet.bsky.social. The art world’s experts weigh in on the year’s standout art.
Top Curators on the Artworks That Defined 2025
We spoke to an international cohort of curators about the key works of art that defined 2025, and why they made an impact.
news.artnet.com
December 24, 2025 at 3:29 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Defined 2025? Curators Pick the Year’s Best Art' by Devorah Lauter for @artnet.bsky.social. The art world’s experts weigh in on the year’s standout art.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Digital art today has a narcissism problem' by Sarp Kerem Yavuz for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic argues digital art should be held to a higher standard.
Comment | Digital art today has a narcissism problem
Beeple’s anarchic entry into Art Basel Miami Beach doubled down on cult of personality at the expense of artistic substance
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 23, 2025 at 3:20 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Digital art today has a narcissism problem' by Sarp Kerem Yavuz for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A critic argues digital art should be held to a higher standard.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025' by @russeth.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. A look at the galleries that closed this year, and what the future holds for the next generation of gallerists.
Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025 | Artnet News
Andrew Russeth takes a look at the numerous galleries that closed their doors in 2025—and the exciting new ones that have opened recently.
news.artnet.com
December 22, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Pour One Out for the Galleries That Closed in 2025' by @russeth.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. A look at the galleries that closed this year, and what the future holds for the next generation of gallerists.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order' by Kabir Jhala for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A thorough review of the art market’s performance and major moments over the past year.
Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order
Tariffs and new anti-trafficking rules took their toll in the US and Europe this year, as attention and investment shifted to the Middle East
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 19, 2025 at 3:13 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Art market 2025 review: all eyes on the Gulf as Trump destabilises global order' by Kabir Jhala for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. A thorough review of the art market’s performance and major moments over the past year.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful
Paddy Johnson, who runs a service offering professional development for artists, surveyed 1,000 artists about their careers.
www.artnews.com
December 18, 2025 at 3:34 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'What Does This Career Coach’s New Survey of 1,000 Artists Tell Us? They Are Struggling But Somehow Hopeful' by @brianboucher.bsky.social for @artnews.com.web.brid.gy.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Who Is Really Being Subversive Now?' by Peter Jelavich for The Brooklyn Rail. A critic takes a deeper look into the works President Trump claimed were ‘subversive.’
Who Is Really Being Subversive Now? | The Brooklyn Rail
Amy Sherald’s Trans Forming Liberty (2024) was to have been part of a traveling exhibition of her work at the National Portrait Gallery. But Sherald cancelled that stop when the inclusion of that pain...
brooklynrail.org
December 17, 2025 at 3:17 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Who Is Really Being Subversive Now?' by Peter Jelavich for The Brooklyn Rail. A critic takes a deeper look into the works President Trump claimed were ‘subversive.’
Today’s Editor’s Pick is '56 participating artists, duos and collectives revealed for 2026 Whitney Biennial' by @bhsutton.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Announcing the participants of of the Whitney Biennial, which will open in March of 2026.
56 participating artists, duos and collectives revealed for 2026 Whitney Biennial
The exhibition, co-curated by Whitney Museum of American Art staffers Marcela Guerrero and Drew Sawyer, will feature artists from 25 states and Puerto Rico, plus “places marked by the reach of US powe...
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 16, 2025 at 3:28 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is '56 participating artists, duos and collectives revealed for 2026 Whitney Biennial' by @bhsutton.bsky.social for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Announcing the participants of of the Whitney Biennial, which will open in March of 2026.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'These 15 Artists Are Having the Biggest Moment at U.S. Museums Right Now' by @benadavis.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. Critic Ben Davis has just released his quarterly ranking of the artists receiving the most attention from museums in the United States.
These 15 Artists Are Having the Biggest Moment at U.S. Museums Right Now | Artnet News
The quarterly Museum Artist list looks at which artists are showing at multiple shows in the United States.
news.artnet.com
December 15, 2025 at 3:24 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'These 15 Artists Are Having the Biggest Moment at U.S. Museums Right Now' by @benadavis.bsky.social for @artnet.bsky.social. Critic Ben Davis has just released his quarterly ranking of the artists receiving the most attention from museums in the United States.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Year AI Captured Art' by @martinherbert.bsky.social for @artreview.bsky.social. Reflecting on the evolving role AI played in the art world over the past year
The Year AI Captured Art
The year in art: In the cursed year 2025, art staged the increasing centrality of a technological revolution that most people didn’t ask for but can’t escape
artreview.com
December 12, 2025 at 3:06 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Year AI Captured Art' by @martinherbert.bsky.social for @artreview.bsky.social. Reflecting on the evolving role AI played in the art world over the past year
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'MoMA PS1 Just Dropped Its Admission Fee—So Did These Other Museums' by Vittoria Benzine for @artnet.bsky.social. Multiple institutions are adopting free admission in hopes of boosting attendance.
MoMA PS1 Dropped Its Admission Fee—So Did These Other Museums
This week, MoMA PS1 became just the latest museum to offer free admission. The tide is turning from an onslaught of price hikes years ago.
news.artnet.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'MoMA PS1 Just Dropped Its Admission Fee—So Did These Other Museums' by Vittoria Benzine for @artnet.bsky.social. Multiple institutions are adopting free admission in hopes of boosting attendance.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Museum Grants Terminated by Trump Reinstated After Court Order' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The Institute of Museum and Library Services will reinstate all federal grants following a court ruling.
Museum Grants Terminated by Trump Reinstated After Court Order
But the ripple effects of the abrupt fund withdrawals are still being felt, organizations say.
hyperallergic.com
December 10, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Museum Grants Terminated by Trump Reinstated After Court Order' by @isafarfan.bsky.social for @hyperallergic.com. The Institute of Museum and Library Services will reinstate all federal grants following a court ruling.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Who Owns Taste Now? Art Basel Miami Beach Offered Some Answers' by Naomi Rea for @artnet.bsky.social. An in-depth temperature check of the art world following Art Basel Miami Beach.
Who Owns Taste Now? Art Basel Miami Beach Offered Some Answers | Artnet News
At Art Basel Miami Beach, new collectors, content creators, and digital disruptors were rewriting the rules.
news.artnet.com
December 9, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Who Owns Taste Now? Art Basel Miami Beach Offered Some Answers' by Naomi Rea for @artnet.bsky.social. An in-depth temperature check of the art world following Art Basel Miami Beach.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Defining Artworks of 2025' by the editors of @artnews.com.web.brid.gy. The editors select art, both old and new, that reflects free expression in the face of this year’s turbulent political atmosphere.
The Defining Artworks of 2025
See the defining artworks of 2025, including pieces by Amy Sherald, Barbara Kruger, and more.
www.artnews.com
December 8, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The Defining Artworks of 2025' by the editors of @artnews.com.web.brid.gy. The editors select art, both old and new, that reflects free expression in the face of this year’s turbulent political atmosphere.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Fine balance: fairs up the exclusivity while appealing to younger clients' by Melanie Gerlis for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Art fairs aim to be more inclusive as they pursue a new generation of buyers and collectors.
Comment | Fine balance: fairs up the exclusivity while appealing to younger clients
The idea of making luxury more democratic seems both noble and impossible
www.theartnewspaper.com
December 5, 2025 at 3:22 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'Fine balance: fairs up the exclusivity while appealing to younger clients' by Melanie Gerlis for @theartnewspaper.bsky.social. Art fairs aim to be more inclusive as they pursue a new generation of buyers and collectors.
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The 2025 Power 100: A User’s Guide' by the editors of @artreview.bsky.social. With ArtReview’s annual list of powerful art-world figures just released, the editors share the reasoning that shaped it.
The 2025 Power 100: A User’s Guide
What does the annual list actually mean? ArtReview reveals all...
artreview.com
December 4, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Today’s Editor’s Pick is 'The 2025 Power 100: A User’s Guide' by the editors of @artreview.bsky.social. With ArtReview’s annual list of powerful art-world figures just released, the editors share the reasoning that shaped it.