The University of California Irvine has acquired the Orange County Museum of Art.
The University of California, Irvine has completed its acquisition of the Orange County Museum of Art, creating a new institution called the UC Irvine Langson Orange County Museum of Art. The merger unites more than 9,000 works, including the Gerald Buck and Irvine Museum collections, and expands the university’s cultural presence with OCMA’s $98 million Costa Mesa facility. UC Irvine plans to use the combined resources to advance scholarship, public engagement, and student training while maintaining both the Costa Mesa and Irvine sites. A search is underway for an executive director to guide the museum’s next phase.
Guggenheim Abu Dhabi curator Bana Kattan will curate the UAE’s Venice Biennale pavilion.
Bana Kattan, curator and associate head of exhibitions at the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, will lead the United Arab Emirates’ presentation at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Her appointment was made by a selection committee that included representatives from government, museums, and academia. Kattan, who grew up in the UAE, has previously curated exhibitions at the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, working with artists such as Wafaa Bilal, Maryam Taghavi, and Mona Hatoum. A dedicated publication will accompany the pavilion, which opens in Venice on May 9, 2026.
Film and production studios are reportedly clamoring to work with A.I. actor Tilly Norwood.
A.I.-generated performer Tilly Norwood, created by the talent studio Xicoia, has emerged as a flashpoint in Hollywood after debuting at the Zurich Film Festival. Studios and a talent agency have expressed interest in working with her, even though her only appearance to date is a short AI comedy sketch with modest viewership. The announcement has sparked sharp criticism from actors, who argue that she threatens jobs and exploits real women whose faces were used to build her likeness. Despite skepticism about her creative potential, industry observers note that financial demand will ultimately determine whether Norwood becomes a lasting presence in film production.
Sylvia Venturini Fendi has stepped down as creative director of Fendi.
Silvia Venturini Fendi has stepped down as Fendi’s Creative Director and will assume the role of Honorary President, beginning today. She will remain involved with the brand, focusing on Fendi Casa while continuing to uphold the house’s heritage and craftsmanship. Over her decades-long career, she led womenswear, menswear, and accessories, including designing the Baguette bag and shaping key moments for the maison. Fendi has not yet named her successor as the brand undertakes a broader creative reset.
OpenAI has announced “Instant Checkout” partnerships with Shopify and Etsy.
OpenAI has launched “Instant Checkout,” enabling users to purchase products from Shopify and Etsy directly within ChatGPT without leaving the conversation. The feature will first roll out to select Shopify merchants, with U.S. Etsy sellers already available to ChatGPT users. Merchants retain control over their stores and customer relationships, while orders and fees are fully integrated into their existing Shopify systems. The integration aims to position ChatGPT as a new commerce platform, letting shoppers discover and buy products seamlessly during A.I.-driven conversations.
Today’s attractive distractions:
Jony Ive’s latest project is…reinventing the sailing lantern?
With its new 1926 Luna timepiece, Tudor embraces the moon phase complication.
First came Carbone London, now Polo Bar is heading across the pond.
One writer disdains tiny ‘tinis and makes a case for bringing back “the three-martini lunch.”
