In a notable shift, holographic art is gaining traction with the debut of an exhibition at the Getty Museum in Los Angeles. Titled “Sculpting With Light: Contemporary Artists and Holography,” this showcase highlights early works and finished pieces by prominent artists including John Baldessari, Louise Bourgeois, and Chuck Close. The exhibition is part of the larger “PST Art: Art & Science Collide” series, funded by a $20.4 million grant from the Getty. The show features both early holograms and new works by contemporary artists Deana Lawson and Matthew Schreiber.
In other news, the British Museum has received a remarkable $160 million donation from Joseph Hotung, a Hong Kong philanthropist who passed away in December 2021. The collection, now displayed in the Selwyn and Ellie Alleyne Jade Gallery and the Sir Joseph Hotung Gallery of China and South Asia, includes 246 pieces of jade, early blue-and-white porcelain, bronze artifacts, and more. This substantial gift underscores Hotung’s legacy and the museum’s ongoing efforts to improve its record-keeping practices following an internal audit.
In art events around the globe:
- Claudia Martínez Garay unveils a new exhibit at Grimm Gallery, exploring indigenous cultures through innovative sculptures and murals. [Guardian]
- Claude Monet’s $25 million water lily painting will headline Christie’s auction in Hong Kong at their new Zaha Hadid-designed headquarters. [The Art Newspaper]
- Stoke-on-Trent plans to revamp the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery following a significant grant from the government and Arts Council England. [BBC]
- Bristol artists launch the “Secret App,” which highlights hidden city gems and supports creative communities. [BBC]
In a quirky twist, a 1968 photo book by Ed Ruscha and Billy Al Bengston, titled “Business Cards,” showcases their unique business card designs. Though the book’s copies now sell for upwards of $5,000, a minimalist card from the archives humorously notes Ruscha as a “young artist,” despite his already established career. This card is now part of the Smithsonian’s collection.