The Week in Art
Arts
About
From breaking news and insider insights to exhibitions and events around the world, the team at The Art Newspaper picks apart the art world's big stories with the help of special guests. An award-winning podcast hosted by Ben Luke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
- Venice Biennale Special 2026
The Week in Art presents a special episode on the 2026 Venice Biennale, reviewing the main exhibition, "In Minor Keys," and featuring interviews with artists Gabrielle Goliath and Lubaina Himid, writer Saidiya Hartman, and Daniella Kaliada…
- Zurbarán in London, the Carnegie International, Walter Sickert’s Ennui
This episode explores a Francisco de Zurbarán career survey, the 59th Carnegie International art exhibition, and an exhibition of Walter Sickert's "Ennui" paintings. Curators and experts provide insights into these art events.
- Chernobyl 40 years on, Paula Rego at Munch in Oslo, Gluck’s flower painting
This episode of The Week in Art covers the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident, an exhibition on Paula Rego at the Munch Museum in Oslo, and Gluck’s painting "Convolvulus" (1940) as part of a flower painting exhibiti…
- Museum openings: V&A East and Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Plus, William Blake in Dublin
This episode covers the openings of the V&A East in London and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA). It also highlights an exhibition of William Blake's work at the National Gallery of Ireland. Discussions include community program…
- Marcel Duchamp at MoMA, Dorothea Tanning book, Leonora Carrington at the Freud Museum, London
This episode features a discussion of Marcel Duchamp's exhibit at MoMA, a new book on Dorothea Tanning, and Leonora Carrington's work at the Freud Museum, London. All three artists are connected to the Surrealist movement.
- Should English museums charge tourists? Plus, Raphael at the Met and Senga Nengudi at the Whitechapel Gallery
This episode explores the debate on charging tourists at English national museums, a Raphael exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a Senga Nengudi exhibition at the Whitechapel Gallery. It features discussions with Gareth Harri…
- Matisse’s explosive finale and a new chapter for Hong Kong? Plus, Schiaparelli and Dalí
This episode explores the Henri Matisse exhibition at the Grand Palais, the current state of the art market in Hong Kong at Art Basel, and a collaboration between Salvador Dalí and Elsa Schiaparelli at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
- New Museum extension opens, NextGen collectors, a Wardian Case in Oxford
In this episode, Ben Luke discusses the New Museum's new extension, the art market with Georgina Adam, and a 19th-century Wardian Case featured at the Ashmolean Museum. Conversations include insights from Massimiliano Gioni and exhibition…
- Iran war: art communities and heritage in Iran, moderate recovery in the art market, Cannupa Hanska Luger at the Sydney Biennale
This episode of The Week in Art examines the impact of regional conflict on cultural communities and heritage in Iran and Lebanon, discusses findings from the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, and features the installation VOLUME…
- Iran war and culture in the Gulf, the Whitney Biennial, Rembrandt discovery
This episode explores the impact of regional conflict on culture in the Arabian Gulf, reviews the 82nd Whitney Biennial, and discusses the re-attribution of Rembrandt's The Vision of Zacharias in the Temple to the Dutch master.
- Venice Biennale details revealed, Beatriz González, Tracey Emin
This episode covers the unveiling of the 2026 Venice Biennale exhibition project, In Minor Keys, plus exhibitions of work by Beatriz González at the Barbican Art Gallery and Tracey Emin at Tate Modern.
- National Gallery’s deficit bombshell, Simon Schama on birds and art, Vilhelm Hammershøi
This episode covers the National Gallery's announced budget cuts, Simon Schama's bird exhibition at the Mauritshuis, and Vilhelm Hammershøi's painting "Sunbeams" featured at the Museo Nacional Thyssen-Bornemisza.
- The US struggles with history, Stephen Friedman Gallery closes, Tudor Heart pendant acquired by the British Museum
This episode examines historical debates in the US ahead of its 250th anniversary, the closure of Stephen Friedman’s London gallery, and the British Museum’s acquisition of the Tudor Heart pendant.
- Art Basel Qatar, Dürer portrait debate, Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch
This episode covers the launch of Art Basel Qatar, a debate regarding the authenticity of a Dürer portrait in the National Gallery, and a discussion of the exhibition featuring Paula Modersohn-Becker and Edvard Munch at the Albertinum in D…
- Venice Biennale: South African pavilion scandal, Marian Goodman remembered, Paul Cezanne in Basel
This episode covers the controversy surrounding South Africa's Venice Biennale pavilion, the legacy of art dealer Marian Goodman, and Paul Cezanne’s 'The Card Players' at the Fondation Beyeler.
- Smithsonian’s African LGBTQ+ exhibition, art and the Iran crisis, Louise Nevelson at the Pompidou Metz
This episode of The Week in Art discusses the Smithsonian’s exhibition on African LGBTQ+ art, the impact of protests in Iran on the art community, and Louise Nevelson’s installation at the Centre Pompidou-Metz.
- Hawai’i at the British Museum, a Venice palazzo for sale, Joseph Beuys’s Bathtub
This episode explores the British Museum's exhibition regarding Hawaii, the sale of the historic Ca’ Dario palazzo in Venice, and Joseph Beuys’s sculpture 'Bathtub'. The guests discuss object stewardship, architectural history, and the cre…
- The Year Ahead 2026: the big shows and the key openings
In this episode of The Week in Art, Ben Luke, Jane Morris, and Gareth Harris preview major art museum openings, biennials, and exhibitions scheduled for 2026. They discuss the year's significant art fairs and museum building projects, refe…
- 2025: our review of the year
Host Ben Luke and guests review the major art world stories, issues, and exhibitions of 2025. Topics include the art market, museum developments, and cultural policy, alongside personal selections of the year's best art.
- Frank Gehry remembered, Serpentine and FLAG Art Foundation prize, Joan Semmel
This episode covers the life and legacy of architect Frank Gehry, the launch of a new £1 million art prize by the Serpentine and the FLAG Art Foundation, and an exploration of Joan Semmel's painting 'Sunlight' at the Jewish Museum.
- Art Basel Miami Beach, Louvre crisis deepens, Helene Schjerfbeck
This episode covers the Art Basel Miami Beach fair, the potential strike at the Musée du Louvre, and the exhibition of Helene Schjerfbeck at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It features discussions with staff and curators about current mark…
- The US Venice Biennale saga, Queer Islamic art in Oslo, Duane Linklater in Ottawa
This episode discusses the appointment of Alma Allen for the US pavilion at the Venice Biennale, an exhibition on Queer Islamic art in Oslo, and Duane Linklater's work at the National Gallery of Canada.
- The $236m Klimt, Cop 30 and the art world, Caravaggio’s Victorious Cupid
This episode examines the $236m sale of a Klimt portrait, the Gallery Climate Coalition’s report on emissions during Cop 30, and the upcoming exhibition of Caravaggio’s Victorious Cupid at the Wallace Collection.
- Studio Museum in Harlem, Grand Egyptian Museum, Stanley Spencer
This episode covers the opening of the Studio Museum in Harlem's new building, the debut of the Grand Egyptian Museum, and Stanley Spencer's painting Tree and Chicken Coops, Wangford.
- MFA Boston returns enslaved artist’s work to his heirs, Wifredo Lam, Ghirlandaio’s Adoration of the Magi
This episode features discussions on the MFA Boston returning works to the descendants of David Drake, the Wifredo Lam exhibition at MoMA, and the significance of Ghirlandaio’s Adoration of the Magi at the Ospedale degli Innocenti.
- Gauguin “fake” is real, Mrinalini Mukherjee and her circle, Franz Xaver Messerschmidt’s head piece
This episode discusses the confirmed authenticity of a Paul Gauguin self-portrait, explores an exhibition on Mrinalini Mukherjee at the Royal Academy of Arts, and examines Franz Xaver Messerschmidt’s sculpture Character Head No.25.
- Louvre heist: the fallout, RoseLee Goldberg on the Performa Biennial, Wayne McGregor on his new installation
Ben Luke discusses the robbery at the Louvre with Anaël Pigeat and Dale Berning Sawa, speaks with RoseLee Goldberg about the Performa Biennial's 20th anniversary, and explores Wayne McGregor's new installation, On the Other Earth.
- Frieze in London, Hypha Studios and Renoir’s drawing for The Great Bathers
This episode of The Week in Art covers the Frieze London and Frieze Masters art fairs, the launch of the Hypha Curates platform by Hypha Studios, and a study by Pierre-Auguste Renoir for The Great Bathers featured at the Morgan Library & M…
- Nigerian Modernism, Tehran’s art scene after the war, Wayne Thiebaud’s Cakes
This episode of The Week in Art covers the Nigerian Modernism exhibition at Tate Modern, the state of the Tehran art scene following recent conflict, and Wayne Thiebaud's Cakes at the Courtauld Gallery. It features interviews with curators…
- Who made ancient Egyptian art? Plus, Michaelina Wautier, Robert Rauschenberg’s Bed
This episode explores the Fitzwilliam Museum's exhibition on ancient Egyptian artisans, the life and work of Baroque painter Michaelina Wautier, and Robert Rauschenberg’s Bed as part of an exhibition on his artistic circle.
- Museums and ethics, Fra Angelico in Florence, Cornelia Parker’s PsychoBarn
This episode explores ethical issues in museums with Gareth Harris, discusses a Fra Angelico exhibition in Florence, and features Cornelia Parker’s work in a group exhibition at the Kunstmuseum in Basel.
- Kerry James Marshall, National Gallery expansion, Picasso’s Three Dancers
This episode features a discussion on Kerry James Marshall's retrospective at the Royal Academy of Arts, the National Gallery's expansion plans, and Tate Modern's exhibition celebrating Picasso's The Three Dancers.
- David Bowie Centre, Bukhara Biennial, Hilton Als on Jean Rhys, Hurvin Anderson and Kara Walker
This episode explores the new David Bowie Centre at V&A East, covers the opening of the Bukhara Biennial in Uzbekistan, and features curator Hilton Als discussing works by Hurvin Anderson and Kara Walker in an exhibition regarding writer J…
- Smithsonian under fire from Trump, Frieze Seoul, Dara Birnbaum and Quantum
This episode explores US government interference with the Smithsonian Institution, the cancellation of an Amy Sherald exhibition, and the Frieze Seoul art fair. Additionally, the episode features a discussion on the exhibition The Quantum…
- Arthur Jafa and Mark Leckey, Cecilia Alemani on SITE Santa Fe, Trisha Brown and Robert Rauschenberg
Ben Luke explores the exhibition of Mark Leckey's and Arthur Jafa's work in Croydon, discusses the 12th SITE SANTA FE International with Cecilia Alemani, and examines the 1979 collaboration between Trisha Brown and Robert Rauschenberg.
- Art Basel, human remains in Dutch museums, Eva Hesse
In this episode, The Week in Art covers the Art Basel fair, the exhibition "Unfinished past" at Amsterdam's Wereldmuseum regarding human remains, and "Abstract Erotic," a new exhibition featuring Eva Hesse, Alice Adams, and Louise Bourgeoi…
- Rachel Jones, Liverpool Biennial, UK Aids Memorial Quilt at Tate Modern
This episode features an interview with painter Rachel Jones at the Dulwich Picture Gallery, a review of the Liverpool Biennial, and a discussion on the UK Aids Memorial Quilt currently on display at Tate Modern.
- London Gallery Weekend, Brazil’s National Museum, Jane Austen at the Morgan
This episode covers the fifth edition of London Gallery Weekend, the partial reopening of Brazil’s National Museum following a 2018 fire, and a miniature portrait of Jane Austen featured in a new exhibition at the Morgan Library & Museum.
- Museum openings: V&A East Storehouse and the Met’s Rockefeller Wing, plus Rachel Whiteread at Goodwood Art Foundation
This episode of The Week in Art explores the V&A East Storehouse in London, the revamped Michael C. Rockefeller Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a new exhibition of Rachel Whiteread's work at the Goodwood Art Foundation.
- Jean Tinguely’s 100th anniversary, Fenix Museum, Ben Shahn
Ben Luke discusses the 100th anniversary of Jean Tinguely with Roland Wetzel, the new Fenix migration museum with Anne Kremers, and the painter Ben Shahn with co-curator Laura Katzman on The Week in Art.
- Koyo Kouoh remembered, Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Jasper Johns by Robert Storr
This episode explores the life of curator Koyo Kouoh, the competition for the Queen Elizabeth II National Memorial, and Jasper Johns' work 'Regrets' as discussed by Robert Storr. Guests include Nolan Oswald Dennis, Liza Essers, and Sandy N…
- London: National Gallery refurb and rehang, Tate Modern is 25. Plus, Inge Mahn
This episode covers the reopening of the National Gallery’s Sainsbury Wing, the 25th anniversary of Tate Modern, and the sculpture Balancing Towers by Inge Mahn. Guests include Gabriele Finaldi, Louisa Buck, Dale Berning Sawa, and Oliver K…
- Frank Auerbach’s Berlin homecoming, human remains and museums, Ian Hamilton Finlay’s ‘Republic’
This episode discusses the first Berlin exhibition of Frank Auerbach's work, Dan Hicks's book on colonialism and human remains in museums, and Ian Hamilton Finlay's sculptural installation 'Republic'.
- Pope Francis and art, JMW Turner’s 250th birthday, John Singer Sargent’s Madame X
This episode explores Pope Francis's relationship with art, marks JMW Turner's 250th birthday with a look at his legacy, and examines John Singer Sargent's painting Madame X. Features discussions with Louis Jebb, Amy Concannon, and Stephan…
- Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader, teamLab in Abu Dhabi, Vermeer’s final painting?
This episode features artist Christine Sun Kim and Thomas Mader discussing their exhibition 1880 THAT. It also covers the opening of a teamLab museum in Abu Dhabi and explores the potential dating of Vermeer's Young Woman seated at a Virgi…
- Trump’s assault on museums and libraries, the art market’s 12% fall, Evie Hone and Mainie Jellett
This episode examines federal budget threats to US cultural institutions under the Trump administration, a 12% decline in global art sales reported by Arts Economics, and the work of Irish Modernist artists Mainie Jellett and Evie Hone fea…
- Museum visitor figures—highs and lows, William Morris mania, Marguerite Matisse, the unsung hero of her father’s art
This episode explores recent museum visitor figures, the influence of William Morris in the 21st century, and a portrait of Marguerite Matisse by her father, Henri Matisse. Ben Luke hosts conversations with Lee Cheshire, Hadrian Garrard, a…
- The Frick: Annabelle Selldorf interview and our review. Plus, Taiso Yoshitoshi
This episode covers the restoration and reopening of the Frick Collection in New York, featuring an interview with architect Annabelle Selldorf and a review of the museum. Additionally, the programme discusses the woodblock print A woman a…
- Jack Whitten at MoMA, New York, Paris Noir at the Pompidou, Arpita Singh at the Serpentine
This episode of The Week in Art discusses the Jack Whitten exhibition at MoMA, the Paris Noir show at the Centre Pompidou, and Arpita Singh's work at the Serpentine North. Guests include curators Michelle Kuo, Alicia Knock, and Hans Ulrich…
- The big art slowdown, Dutch funding crisis, Bruegel’s Hunters in the Snow
This episode discusses the business slowdown in the global art sector, funding challenges in the Netherlands, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder's painting, The Hunters in the Snow. Ben Luke interviews Anny Shaw, Senay Boztas, and Jonathan Fine.