🚪 Behind Guggenheim's Closed Doors

🌟 Artist in Focus

Duncan McCormick: the man, the myth, the... daydreamer? Dive into his paintings and you're not just looking at brushstrokes; you're stepping into a sun-soaked reverie.

Salcombe Bay? Feels more like a Californian beach party. Those Scottish mountains? I swear I just saw a Swiss skier zip by.

And all this with the zesty zing of acrylics that seem to have been thrown onto the canvas in a dance-off.

Now, here's the twist. McCormick, once a city dweller, finds himself in the English countryside during the pandemic.

But instead of churning out pastoral snooze-fests, he flips the script. Gone are the heavy symbols and intricate tales.

In their place? Bright, bold, and unapologetically optimistic scenes that scream, "Take that, lockdown!"

💭 My 2 Cents: Let's talk numbers, because who doesn't love a good success story with a side of cha-ching? McCormick's paintings are flying off the shelves faster than limited-edition sneakers on release day.

With an average price tag of $151,636 a pop, and a hammer ratio that would make any auctioneer blush, it's clear: McCormick's art isn't just a visual treat, it's the hottest ticket in town. Collectors from Taipei to Istanbul are scrambling, checkbooks in hand.

📚 Brushstrokes of Knowledge

Let's dive into the technicolor world of the mid-20th-century California Colorists. This wasn't just a group of artists; it was a movement.

They were all about capturing the essence of California – its shimmering coastlines, bustling cities, and tranquil deserts – in bold, unapologetic colors.

Take Richard Diebenkorn's "Ocean Park" series, for instance. This collection is a masterclass in how to use color to evoke emotion, with its layered hues reflecting the changing moods of the Pacific.

Or Joan Brown's "Girl in Folding Chair," which portrays a relaxed figure basking in the sun, surrounded by vivid colors that encapsulate the warmth and leisure of a California summer day.

And let's not forget David Hockney's iconic "A Bigger Splash." While not a native Californian, Hockney was clearly influenced by the state's vibrant palette, capturing the splash of a pool in a way that makes you feel the sun on your skin.

Now, while McCormick's work might echo the luminosity of the California Colorists, he's adding his own European flair to the mix. It's like the California Colorists took a vacation in the Mediterranean, and honestly, we're here for it.

🧐 Curator's Corner

The New York Times recently published a piece that's causing quite the stir in the art world. Titled "What Does It Take to Run a Museum? The Job Description Is Changing.", this article dives deep into the evolving role of museum directors.

Gone are the days when museum directors were simply custodians of art.

Today, they're expected to be visionaries, community builders, and yes, even octopuses (don't ask, just read).

The Guggenheim's search for a new director serves as the backdrop for this piece, but the story delves into so much more.

From the challenges of diversifying leadership to the seismic shifts in what museums represent, this article is a deep dive into the heart of the modern art world.

András Szántó, a museum consultant, and Ann Pasternak, the director of the Brooklyn Museum, offer some intriguing insights. Szántó talks about the expanding roles of museums, while Pasternak paints a vivid picture of the multi-faceted challenges today's museum directors face.

The article is a treasure trove of insights, perspectives, and a few eyebrow-raising moments.

If you've ever wondered about the inner workings of the art world and the changing dynamics of its leadership, this is a read you won't want to skip.

💫 Wonder of Art

Ever heard of the term “Beat-Up Blue Chip”? No, it's not a fancy cocktail.

It's the art world's way of saying, "Hey, this masterpiece was once the bee's knees, but now? Not so much."

Amy Cappellazzo dropped this term in a chat with Bloomberg’s James Tarmy, pointing out big names like de Kooning, Lee Krasner, and David Hockney.

The gist? These artists were once the toast of the town, but either too many of their works flooded the market or the bidders just... vanished. Poof!

Now, this "beat-up" status? It's a golden opportunity. Why? Because it's all about timing and perception. If you can spot a "beat-up blue chip" before the masses do, you're in for a potential windfall.

But the term is a paradox. You won't know it's "beat-up" until the auction hammer goes down.

Think of it as a game of art roulette. If enough buyers swarm a piece thinking it's a "beat-up blue chip," then bam! Its value skyrockets, and suddenly, it's not so "beat-up" anymore.

So, for all you collectors and art enthusiasts out there, here's the inside scoop: Keep your ears to the ground and your eyes on the prize. The art market is a dance of perception and reality, supply and demand.

And in this ever-shifting landscape, one thing's for sure: today's "beat-up" could be tomorrow's blockbuster.