The Art World This Week, 13 June 2025
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Smithsonian Institution asserts independence from the Trump administration, London’s Royal Academy of Arts names new head, Frieze doubles down on South Korea with Seoul gallery—here’s Ocula’s briefing on the art world developments and news you might have missed.
Institutions
London’s Royal Academy of Arts Appoints New Head
Simon Wallis, the founding director of Hepworth Wakefield in West Yorkshire, will lead the Royal Academy of Arts from September 2025. Wallis joins at a critical time and is tasked with reaffirming the academy’s artist-led standing and adapting to pay pressure and inflation.
Smithsonian Institution Pushes Back Against Trump’s DEI Firing
The 1846 institution, which oversees 21 museums, including Washington’s National Portrait Gallery, has released a statement reasserting its independence after president Donald Trump dismissed director Kim Sajet for being ‘a highly partisan person’ and ‘strong supporter of DEI’. [Editor’s note: Sajet stepped down on 13 June to ‘best serve’ the institution.]
36th São Paulo Biennial Names 120 Artists Based on Migration Patterns
Fundação Bienal de São Paulo has revealed the artists for its upcoming exhibition taking place from 6 September to 11 January. Chosen from bird migration patterns over ‘nation-state’ classifications, participants include Otobong Nkanga, Frank Bowling, Song Dong, Nari Ward, and Kader Attia.
Former Albanian Dictator Home to Host Artist Residencies
The villa of Albanian dictator Enver Hoxha, who ruled from 1944 to 1985, in Tirana will offer residencies from January 2026, marking a first for the Balkan region. Conceived with French art foundation Art Explora, the initiative plans to host around 30 artists and researchers each year.
Art Fairs and Market
The Armory Show Announces Over 230 Exhibitors
Led by recent director Kyla McMillan, The Armory Show will return this September with an over 230-strong line-up and changes in response to current market conditions, including a new floor plan bringing solo presentations into the main sector, a new section uniting art and design, and a focus on artists from the Southern U.S. Read more.
Frieze Doubles Down on South Korea with New Gallery
Frieze will open a new project space in Seoul in a four storey house in Yaksu-dong that mirrors its No.9 Cork Street London gallery. Opening alongside Frieze Seoul on 3 September, Frieze House Seoul will host exhibitions, short-term residencies, and events year round. Read more.
Christie’s Reveals ‘Exceptional Lots’ Coming to London Sale
Ahead of its live sale in London on 26 June, Christie’s shared upcoming highlights, including work by Lynette Yiadom-Boakye, Victor Man, and Cecily Brown, selected in response to clients’ requests, said head of post-war and contemporary art department in London Tessa Lord. Read more.
Sotheby’s to Present Highest Valued Collection in Europe
Sotheby’s expects British patron Pauline Karpidas’ surrealist art and furniture collection to net over £60 million this September, which will be their highest valued single-owner sale in Europe. The auction will feature around 250 lots, including works by Magritte, Dalí, and more.
Gallery Representations
Estate of Ana Mendieta Joins Marian Goodman Gallery
Cuban-American performance artist Ana Mendieta‘s estate is now represented by Marian Goodman Gallery, London’s Alison Jacques, and Prats Nogueras Blanchard in Spain. The gallery will present an exhibition of Mendieta’s work in New York this November.
Nina Chanel Abney Enters Roster of Perrotin
American artist Nina Chanel Abney is now represented by Perrotin, Jack Shainman Gallery, and Pace Prints. Her debut exhibition will open at the gallery’s Paris site this September.
Jonathan Gardner Joins Massimo de Carlo
American painter Jonathan Gardner is now working with MASSIMODECARLO and Casey Kaplan. His work is on view at the gallery’s Paris street-facing vitrine until 21 June.
Wynnie Mynerva Joins Société
Peruvian artist Wynnie Mynerva is now represented by Société and Gathering. The Berlin gallery will hold Mynerva’s debut exhibition in November and bring their work to Art Basel.
Awards
Im Youngzoo Takes Frieze Seoul Award Artist Award
South Korean artist Im Youngzoo will present a new commission at Frieze Seoul in September thanks to her winning proposal, Calming Signals. Read more.
Tadáskía Wins German K21 Global Art Award
Brazilian artist Tadáskía has won the K21 Global Art Award, placing an installation into the state-owned collection of Kunstsammlung Nordrhein-Westfalen in Düsseldorf.
Obituaries
ZERO Artist Günther Uecker Is Dead at 95
German artist Günther Uecker (1930–2025), who was central to the postwar ZERO movement, founded in 1957 by Otto Piene and Heinz Mack, died in Düsseldorf on Tuesday. His gallery Lévy Gorvy Dayan remembers him as a ‘visionary force’ who was generous with his heart and his ideas. —[O]
Main image: Julianknxx, Shifting Spirit Time (2025) (still). Exhibition view: Buro Stedelijk, Amsterdam. © Studioknxx. Courtesy the artist and Studioknxx.
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