France and Mexico Exchange Colonial Codices in Cultural Program
France and Mexico have exchanged loans of two colonial-era codices, the Codex Azcatitlán and the Codex Boturini, as part of a cultural program commemorating the 200th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. The Codex Azcatitlán, held in France since 1898, and the Codex Boturini, in Mexico since 1825, both depict the Mexica migration narrative. This exchange has renewed discussions on the restitution of cultural artifacts, including the Codex Borbonicus, which has been the subject of ongoing claims by Indigenous groups in Mexico.
Art Market Contraction Forces Reassessment of Value
In an unsettled art market, dealers, collectors, and artists are reassessing the value of artworks amid a third consecutive year of contraction. High prices are increasingly scrutinized as being misaligned with long-term value, prompting figures like Larry Gagosian to advocate for lower primary prices. As younger collectors face the reality that most artworks depreciate, the ongoing debate centers on the true worth of art in a changing economic landscape.
Major Art Exhibitions Announced for 2026
Major art exhibitions scheduled for 2026 include a retrospective of Paul Cezanne's later works at Fondation Beyeler in Basel from January 25 to May 25, featuring approximately 60 oil paintings and 20 watercolours. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York will host a significant survey of Marcel Duchamp's work from April 12 to August 22, showcasing about 300 pieces, including his iconic urinal, _Fountain_. Additionally, John Baldessari's first exhibition in China will open at the UCCA Center for Contemporary Art in Beijing on September 19, running until January 3, 2027.
