Israel Chooses Belu-Simion Fainaru for 2026 Venice Biennale
Israel has selected sculptor Belu-Simion Fainaru to represent the country at the 2026 Venice Biennale, with his exhibition titled "Rose of Nothingness" set to take place in the Arsenale venue due to renovations at Israel's usual pavilion. This announcement has prompted the artist-led collective Art Not Genocide Alliance to call for a boycott of the event, demanding Israel's exclusion until it is held accountable for its actions. Fainaru has stated that "Art is a place for dialogue, not for exclusion."
National Portrait Gallery Removes Trump Impeachment References
The Smithsonian Institution's National Portrait Gallery has removed wall text referencing Donald Trump's two impeachments from the display accompanying his portrait in the 'America’s Presidents' exhibition. This change coincides with the White House's efforts to exert more control over the Smithsonian, following a document that listed grievances against the gallery's director, Kim Sajet, who resigned shortly after. The updated display now features a black-and-white portrait of Trump without any accompanying text detailing his impeachment.
Artist Nina Sanadze to Create Memorial Installation
Nina Sanadze, a Jewish Australian artist, is transforming floral tributes from the Bondi Beach terrorist attack on December 14 into a permanent art installation at the Sydney Jewish Museum. The museum's senior curator, Shannon Biederman, coordinated the retrieval of the flowers and other memorial items after the temporary memorial was de-installed, with volunteers processing a truckload of flowers for the project. The museum, currently closed for redevelopment, plans to feature Sanadze's work in a special exhibition upon its reopening in 2027.
French Government Faces Criticism Over CNAP Funding
The French government is facing scrutiny over its funding of the Centre national des arts plastiques (CNAP), as recent reports reveal that 24,472 of the 46,386 artworks in its collection have never been exhibited. The Cour des Comptes, France's audit office, criticized the CNAP's financial management, noting its annual operating costs of €12.8 million far exceed its investment in acquisitions of €5.4 million, and recommended its closure by 2030. This has sparked backlash from nearly 1,000 art professionals who argue that the report undermines the value of public cultural institutions.
New Museum to Reopen in 2026 After Expansion
The New Museum in Manhattan will reopen on 21 March 2026 after a $82 million expansion that doubles its exhibition space to 119,600 sq. ft. Designed by OMA's Shohei Shigematsu and Rem Koolhaas, the expansion includes new galleries, artist studios, and improved visitor circulation. The reopening will feature a thematic exhibition titled 'New Humans: Memories of the Future' and free admission during the opening weekend.
