What's going on with art schools in Pennsylvania?
They're closing abruptly
I started writing the intro to this newsletter about negative art reviews, which quickly became an entire essay. So I’m going to send it out as a separate newsletter this weekend (I might paywall a portion).
Here’s a sneak peek of the upcoming essay:
On Instagram this week, Jamian Juliano-Villani posted a scathing reply to Manhattan Art Review, who reviewed her recent exhibition at Gagosian. The review states: “If abject trash that's this bluntly obvious really amuses you guys then your dopamine receptors are more shriveled and broken than I thought they were.” Which…ouch. Manhattan Art Review is known for writing critical, scathing, and honest exhibitions reviews. I like them, mostly because they adhere to my number one rule: “no punching down.” The writing style is effervescent and quick; there’s no art speak to be found, which makes for an easy read. I often don’t agree with Sean Tatol, but he at least offers a clear point of view I can push my opinions against.
Keep your eyes on your inbox for some weekend reading.
Art News
The New York Mets are making artist-designed merch. The owner, Steve Cohen, is also flirting with the idea of putting sculptures from his collection around the stadium (not the Giacometti, but maybe the Koons and Hirst pieces). I’ve heard mixed reactions to this, but I like it! I’m a fan of stadium sports for the performance of it all. I think integrating art into the stadiums—especially something like Koons—is the perfect venue.
U Arts is closing. This is devastating for students. The school's press releases are like watching a shipwreck in real time. I’ve seen people on Instagram sharing that the school has already started moving things out of the buildings, including studios. Pap Souleye Fall wrote in a post, “With Uarts closing they will be removing my stuff from my studio there on the 7th. I am currently traveling and will not be back until the 12th.”
Another Pennsylvania institution announced they were closing in January. Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts announced it was closing after its founding in 1805. Really sad news. Fun fact, PAFA was one of the first art schools to allow women to study. PAFA alums include Jennifer Packer, Doron Langberg, and Njideka Akunyili Crosby.
The Christie’s drama continues to unfold with a class action lawsuit. I guess that’s what happens when very wealthy and powerful people’s data gets stolen!
Toronto Shows to See
Queen St. West:
Natia Lemay at Galerie Nicolas Robert
Surabhi Ghosh and Patrick Howlett at Susan Hobbs
New store: River Crossing Project
Dupont & Symington Ave
Meghan Price at United Contemporary
Tony Romano at Franz Kaka
Then stop by 100% Silk, buy a bouquet of flowers at Pictus, and a cocktail at Dotty’s
A little further up:
Abraham Onoriode Oghobase at Hunt Gallery
Bloor & Landsdowne
Group show at Clint Roenisch
Nadia Belerique at Daniel Faria (Opening tonight)
Anique Jordan at Patel Brown
Maya Beaudry at Towards
Artists to Follow
I love these biking-themed paintings by Laura Rokas
Trippy interiors by Sung Hwa Kim
An amazing Lily Stockman x Le Corbusier install
See you all soon!
In January 2024, the PAFA announced plans to terminate their degree granting programs. After 2025, the academy will no longer grant BFA or MFA degrees to students. Continuing education, certificate programs, and the bachelor's degree in conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania will still be hosted by the institution.
Has that changed?
PAFA’s alumni include Mary Cassatt, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, William Glackens, Barkley L. Hendricks, Violet Oakley, Louis Kahn, David Lynch, and Henry Ossawa Tanner.
Wow, what IS going on with those schools?! Less enrollment? Dwindling funding?