October 2017 Art News

The Remai Modern opened this month in Saskatoon, Canada. The museum marked the occasion with a civic ceremony, live performances, and a weekend of free admission. Funded largely by the Canadian government, the museum seeks to become a preeminent source for modern art in Canada.

Art Basel's sixth edition in Hong Kong will feature 249 leading galleries from 32 countries, presenting work ranging from Modern masterpieces of the early 20th century to the most contemporary work by both established and emerging artists. 28 galleries will participate in the Hong Kong show for the first time, including important galleries from the United States and Europe as well as a younger generation of galleries from the East.

René Magritte, the consummate surrealist painter, faced a question of conviction at the age of forty-four, as Europe was overwhelmed by the horrors of World War II. Already in possession of his classic style of painting, honed over the previous two decades, Magritte suddenly began to make paintings that looked almost nothing like his previous work. In this era of instability and upheaval during the German occupation of Belgium, he questioned the role of art and looked for a new direction and new meanings.

Sotheby’s October auction of Important Prints & Multiples concluded last night in New York with a $12.1 million total – Sotheby’s highest result for the category worldwide since 2010, and for New York since 2007. The group was led by Andy Warhol’s complete set of Campbell’s Soup I, which sold for $852,500 and set a new record for any set of prints featuring this signature subject. In addition to two other works by Pablo Picasso and Edvard Munch that fetched over $500,000, the auction featured 29 Picasso ceramics that totaled $495,875, with all lots sold.

As Dia de Los Muertos approaches at the end of October, art and cultural museums alike prepare to celebrate the holiday through an array of exhibits and public programs. A traditional Mexican holiday to honor and remember the dead, learning about and celebrating this day offers a unique opportunity to blend culture, art, and history while engaging with visitors in a very personal way. Here are six museums that are connecting with their communities by celebrating Dia de los Muertos.

The National Portrait Gallery’s upcoming exhibition “The Sweat of Their Face: Portraying American Workers” will present nearly 100 portrayals of laborers by some of the nation’s most influential artists. The multifaceted exhibition includes paintings, sculptures, drawings, prints, media art and photographs that reveal how American workers have shaped and defined the United States over the course of its history—from the Colonial era to the present day.

New York – Christie’s is honored to have been entrusted with The Collection of Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass, which will be offered throughout Christie’s 20th Century Week. The most substantial grouping will lead the specially retitled Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale Including The Collection of Nancy Lee and Perry R. Bass.

The griffins that adorn this 18th-century ormolu, bronze, and marble clock might be reminders of Harry Potter, but it will take someone with the purse of JK Rowling to bring it home.  The clock, offered at auction by Christie's on October 24, has a pre-auction estimate of $70,000 to $100,000.  This spectacular timepiece traces its roots to Dominique Daguerre, a marchand-mercier in Paris who likely commissioned this piece.  The tail-tale sign are the Wedgwood insets, of which Daguerr

The Salon Art + Design will showcase fine and decorative art from an international assortment of exhibitors at its sixth annual show from November 9 through November 13, 2017, at the Park Avenue Armory, where designers will create more than 50 galleries with art in various environments, suggesting that beautiful pieces are more than simple collector's items.

Executive Director Jill Bokor recently spoke about the upcoming show and what she hopes visitors will take away from the experience.