On July 8, 2026, artist Lari Pittman addressed the recent op-ed by Marc Spiegler, the former global director of Art Basel, which critiqued the current state of the art market. The response follows the significant sale of Pablo Picasso’s painting, Le peintre et son modèle dans un paysage, for $35 million at Art Basel, which was consigned by Leonard Feinstein.
Key Art Industry Developments
This week, notable movements in the art industry were highlighted, including the promotion of Jennifer Thompson at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where she will now serve as deputy director of collections and exhibitions. With a robust 25-year history at the museum, her new position will oversee various departments, enhancing the museum's operational efficiency.
Additionally, Galerie Lelong has taken on the artist Magnus Plessen, known for his unique blend of abstraction and figuration. Meanwhile, Alexander Tovborg is set to debut his work at Olney Gleason next year, marking an exciting new chapter for the Copenhagen-based artist.
Upcoming Auctions and Exhibitions
As the art market continues to evolve, Freeman’s New York prepares for a Vietnamese modernist sale on July 21, featuring works by prominent artists like Lê Phổ and Vũ Cao Đàm. The auction anticipates high bids, especially for Lê Phổ’s Les Fleuristes (1983), estimated to sell for between $120,000 and $180,000.