Art World Headlines: Trafficking Arrest, New Museums, and Auction Highlights
This week's art news includes the arrest of a Greek abbot on trafficking charges, the opening of a new private museum in Kazakhstan, and a major Yoshitomo Nara painting heading to auction. These stories highlight both the challenges and vibrancy of the global art scene.
Greek Abbot Arrested on Art Trafficking Charges
Authorities in Greece have arrested an abbot from the Mega Spilaio monastery in the Peloponnese following a months-long undercover operation. The abbot and five other defendants are accused of attempting to sell 14 looted Byzantine icons and two gospels for €200,000 ($235,000). The investigation was prompted by an anonymous tip, and the group allegedly had connections to auction houses in Germany and Cyprus.
Kazakhstan Welcomes the Almaty Museum of Arts (ALMA)
Kazakhstan's cultural landscape has expanded with the opening of the Almaty Museum of Arts (ALMA) on September 12. This marks the country's first private museum dedicated to modern and contemporary art. Founded by Nurlan Smagulov, the museum's collection features over 700 artworks by Kazakh, Central Asian, and international artists. Artistic director Meruyert Kaliyeva emphasizes the museum's aim to foster curiosity and dialogue within the region.
Yoshitomo Nara Painting Heads to Christie’s Auction
A significant work by Yoshitomo Nara, titled Haze Days (1998), will be offered at Christie's upcoming 20th- and 21st-century evening sale on October 15 in London. This large-scale painting, created during Nara's time in Germany, is estimated to sell for between £6,500,000 to £8,500,000 ($8,700,000 to $11,430,000).
Additional Art World News
- China's first art institution dedicated to women artists, the Museum of Women’s Art (MOWA), has opened near Lugu Lake.
- The Picasso Museum in Paris plans to expand with a new wing and sculpture garden, costing an estimated €50 million (about $59 million).
- Participating galleries at Frieze London and Frieze Masters will donate 10% of sales from selected artworks to the Gallery Climate Coalition (GCC).
- Artsy and the BBC's new series, The Art Game, are collaborating on an online auction featuring rising stars Celeste Najt and 44flavours.
Contemporary Istanbul Celebrates 20 Years of Resilience
Contemporary Istanbul, an international art fair, recently celebrated its 20th anniversary. Despite political and economic challenges, the local Turkish art scene continues to demonstrate resilience. Emin Mahin Balcioğlu, CI director, acknowledged government oversight but expressed hope for the future, stating that the turbulence gives them a sense of resilience.
