DESIGN DISPATCH

A Grand Contemporary Art Collection Lives On Online, and Other News

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“Victory Boogie Woodie” (1944) by Piet Mondrian. Image courtesy of Emily Hall Tremaine papers, circa 1890-2004, Archives of American Art, Smithsonian Institution

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A Grand Contemporary Art Collection Lives On, Online

During their lives, the art collection of Emily Hall Tremaine and Burton G. Tremaine, Sr. was the stuff of legend. Works from their former collection—including those by Graham Sutherland, Andy Warhol, Jasper Johns, Piet Mondrian, and Robert Rauschenberg—are now in the holdings of the Met, the National Gallery of Art, and more. The public’s access to such works is thanks to two landmark auctions in 1988 and 1991, which funded Emily’s eponymous foundation prior to her death, in 1987.

Today, the Emily Hall Tremaine Foundation is debuting a digitized archive of the full collection, as well as with the couple’s personal letters to the artists they supported. Also included are the Emily Hall Tremaine Papers—an archive of more than 13,000 images in the holdings of the Smithsonian Archives of American Art. If that wasn’t enough, the archive also launched with a context-rich suite of editorial content, including interviews with the Tremaines’ surviving friends. Among them? Larry Gagosian, architectural historian Voelker Welter, Tremaine’s biographer Kathleen Housely, and artist Bridget Riley. Jenna Adrian-Diaz

Rendering of the New Museum’s expansion. Image courtesy of OMA/bloomimages.de

The New Museum closes until early 2025 for an expansion, which is peeving some locals.

The New Museum in New York City has announced its temporary closure until early 2025 for a significant site expansion that has been in progress since 2008. The expansion involves adding a seven-story annex to double its exhibition space, along with provisions for the NEW INC incubator, artist residency studios, and programming areas. While some praised the expansion, many New Yorkers expressed dissatisfaction with the renderings, labeling the project as “hostile” and “corporate” compared to the original building and area. Despite differing opinions, the closure will see exhibitions hosted elsewhere, with ongoing offsite and online programs.

Copenhagen Fashion Week bans clothes with virgin fur, wild animal skins, or feathers.

Starting next year, Copenhagen Fashion Week will enforce a ban on collections featuring exotic skins or feathers. While other fashion events and brands have recently implemented similar bans, such as Chanel and Burberry, the taboo surrounding fur remains stronger. Copenhagen, known for its leadership in sustainable fashion, has been progressively tightening its standards, including minimum eco-requirements introduced in 2020. Now, brands participating in the event will be required to demonstrate increased usage of sustainable materials, responsible sourcing practices, and designs that prioritize repairability and recyclability. Copenhagen Fashion Week also aims to support brands in meeting these standards through webinars and other assistance.

Rendering for the Marengo Multimodal Transport Hub in Toulouse, France. Image courtesy of Bjarke Ingels Group

Bjarke Ingels Group and A+ Architects unveil a mass timber transport hub in Toulouse.

Bjarke Ingels Group and A+ Architects have unveiled the design for the Marengo Multimodal Transport Hub in Toulouse, France, a 129,000-square-foot project set to enhance Gare Matabiau, the city’s central station. Slated for construction in 2026, the hub aims to integrate bus, railway, and metro services under one roof, accommodating an expected increase in daily passengers. Designed with sustainability in mind, the hub utilizes mass timber and low-carbon concrete, drawing inspiration from Toulouse’s architectural heritage. The structure features public spaces, cultural amenities, and commercial areas, along with office space. 

Tennessee becomes the first U.S. state to protect musicians against AI impersonation.

Tennessee has enacted the Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security Act (ELVIS Act), becoming the first U.S. state to safeguard musicians from unauthorized AI impersonation. The legislation updates the state’s right of publicity law to include protections against AI-generated likeness. Effective from July 1, the law prohibits the use of AI to replicate an artist’s voice without consent. The move aims to protect Tennessee’s rich musical heritage and support its music industry, which employs more than 61,000 people and includes more than 4,500 venues. 

Antoni Gaudí’s long-delayed Sagrada Familia basilica is slated for completion by 2026.

Barcelona’s Sagrada Familia basilica is set to be completed by 2026, marking 144 years since construction began under architect Antoni Gaudí. Esteve Camps, the project’s president, confirmed the news, noting the availability of funds and materials to finish it, including a central tower dedicated to Jesus Christ, making it the city’s tallest building. Despite the completion date, work on sculptures, decorative elements, and the stairway leading to the main entrance will continue until 2034. The basilica, initially funded by donations, has faced challenges throughout its history, including war, neglect, and financial constraints, but with tourism revenue now contributing to its funding, progress continues towards realizing Gaudí’s vision.

The Joke Shop at Selfridges. Image courtesy of Selfridges

Today’s attractive distractions:

Selfridges opens a “shoppable comedy store” packed with slapstick generators.

Paris plans to distribute more than 300,000 condoms at this year’s Olympics.

A mystery plague for an “adulterer” ignites suspicion that Banksy struck again.

Laurent de Brunhoff painted the adventures of Babar for more than 70 years.

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