The art world is abuzz with the appointment of a new chief curator at the Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum, and a host of other notable news. Michelle Millar Fisher, a curator with a reputation for tackling long-taboo subjects, takes the reins at the museum. Her appointment is a significant development, as Fisher has been instrumental in shedding light on the underpaid positions in the art world and exploring the relationship between design and motherhood. Her approach, centered on trust, care, and transparency, aligns with the museum's mission, as she aims to continue the work of her predecessor, Matilda McQuaid, who is retiring after 24 years. Fisher's expertise in contemporary decorative arts and her commitment to transparency make her an ideal choice for this role.
In other news, the Getty Foundation has awarded $1.8 million in grants to eight institutions through its Black Visual Arts Archive initiative. This initiative aims to increase public visibility and access to historical records related to Black art. The institutions receiving grants include the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, and the David C. Driskell Center. This funding is a crucial step in preserving and showcasing the contributions of Black artists throughout history.
The art world also witnessed the appointment of Jamie Blosser as the curator of the Loeb Fellowship at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, and Graham C. Boettcher as the director and CEO of the Norman Rockwell Museum. Additionally, artists Coco Fusco and Jeffrey Gibson were named speakers for the second annual Sam Gilliam Lecture Series at Johns Hopkins University, and Claudia Hart received the Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digital Art. Jennifer Rappaport was appointed as the new director of Collections & Registration at the Cafesjian Art Trust Museum, and Susan Fisher Sterling, the veteran director of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, will retire after nearly four decades.
A notable wildcard in this roundup is the appearance of artist Nora Turato's billboard near the High Line in Manhattan. The billboard, with its simple yet powerful message, "GIVE US MOM!!!", has become an iconic symbol of New York City's anxiety and desperation. Turato's work resonates with many New Yorkers who find themselves grappling with the challenges of modern life, from rising rents to the complexities of AI. This billboard serves as a reminder of the human element in art and the power of a simple, yet profound, message.
