May 2011 Issue

News May 2011

COMMENTARY: Making Themselves Useful

By Robin Cembalest Posted 06/01/11

Artists, activism, and political realities Read More

News May 2011

I Got You, Abe

By Robin Cembalest Posted 05/01/11

Thinking Lincoln at the Brooklyn Museum Read More

Adriana Varejão's Parede com Incisões a la Fontana II (Wall with Incisions a la Fontana II), 2001, was estimated at £200,000 to £300,000 at Christie's contemporary-art auction in February. It sold for £1.1 million, or $1.8 million—a record for the artist. With prices fluctuating widely, collectors are often shocked to learn that their holdings are underinsured. CHRISTIE'S IMAGES LTD. 2011

Market May 2011

In Praise of Appraisals

By Eileen Kinsella Posted 05/01/11

Market ups and downs have affected the value of many artworks. Insurance experts explain why—and how—to keep appraisals current. Read More

Nicola Tyson, Portrait Head #55, 2003. Picasso spurred Tyson "toward more self-discovery." LAMAY PHOTO/COURTESY FRIEDRICH PETZEL GALLERY, NEW YORK

Features May 2011

‘Dear Picasso’

By Ann Landi Posted 05/01/11

Revisiting and recasting the master’s work, from Cubism through Guernica to the Mosqueteros of his old age, new generations of artists are discovering Picasso all over again. Read More

Carolee Schneemann with the composer James Tenney in 1956. MARI B. LYONS/COURTESY CAROLEE SCHNEEMANN

Books May 2011

A Woman of Letters

By Kim Levin Posted 05/01/11

A portrait of Carolee Schneemann, in her own words. Read More

White Gauze, 1984, is among the Robert Mapplethorpe photographs in the show "50 Americans." The photos were selected by one constituent from every U.S. state. ©ROBERT MAPPLETHORPE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION

News May 2011

Union of the States

By Rebecca Robertson Posted 05/01/11

Fifty Americans choose the images in a new Robert Mapplethorpe exhibition. Read More

Investigations May 2011

Unraveling the Mysteries of Degas’s Sculpture

By Patricia Failing Posted 05/01/11

An exhaustive catalogue from the National Gallery of Art draws on both art history and scientific analysis to resolve questions about how Degas made sculpture and what happened to it after his death. Read More

Investigations May 2011

‘Intentionally Not Included Herein’

By William D. Cohan Posted 05/01/11

The National Gallery catalogue omits a set of plasters said to have been discovered recently—and opens a new front in the ongoing battle over their origin. Read More