Rediscovering the Creative Identity of Self-Taught Artists

This spring, the American Folk Art Museum (AFAM) presents *Self-Made: A Century of Inventing Artists*, a major exhibition critically examining the historical definition of the “self-taught artist” in the United States through authorship, agency, and self-representation. Spanning the early 20th century to today, the exhibition features 90 works focusing on self-portraiture, alter egos, and autobiography. *Self-Made* is the first sustained […]

The US Pavilion Seeks Financial Contributions

**Daily Newsletter Update: Unusual Fundraising, LACMA Controversy, and More** The art world is abuzz with a unique funding approach for Alma Allen’s Venice exhibition, as the American Arts Conservancy launches an online donation campaign for the 2026 US Pavilion at the Venice Biennale. This unconventional method is necessary due to the lack of institutional financial support. Meanwhile, Hyperallergic is encouraging […]

PichiAvo’s “Athena Sporting a Mohawk”: Mural Artwork Showcasing Helmet and Handstyle in Athens, Greece

Title: PichiAvo’s “Athena with a Mohawk”: A Blend of Traditional and Modern in Athens Athens, Greece—a city celebrated for its extensive heritage and classical design—has warmly welcomed contemporary art in unexpected manners. A striking representation of this blend is the mural “Athena with a Mohawk” by the distinguished street art pairing PichiAvo. Situated in the lively district of Psiri, this […]

The US Pavilion Begins Accepting Online Donations

The intricate world of funding art exhibitions can often reveal underlying complexities, as shown by the current situation with the United States Pavilion at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Historically, patronage from esteemed foundations and wealthy enthusiasts has been openly celebrated, yet this year, the funding landscape appears unusually opaque. Alma Allen’s pavilion, a project overseen by the recently established American […]

Miniature Model of a Giant Buddha Statue

This week’s New York Newsletter dives into the art scene with contrasting scales, from Joe Macken’s intricate 50-foot miniature model of New York City showcased at the Museum of the City of New York, to Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s imposing Buddha sculpture on the High Line. The newsletter also explores the “Greater New York” exhibition at MoMA PS1, evaluating its striking […]

Paper Artist Constructs Life-Size, Authentic Models of Vintage Gadgets

Manabu Kosaka: The Paper Artisan Creating Remarkably Detailed 1:1 Scale Reproductions of Common Objects In the field of paper art, Manabu Kosaka distinguishes himself with his elaborate, full-sized paper reproductions of everyday items. In contrast to the typical perception of paper as a medium for fragile creations, Kosaka elevates it to remarkable heights by producing replicas that resemble vintage cameras, […]