Top 10 Art Moments of 2023
From speculation on Banksy’s true identity to Climate activists’ near destruction of a museum painting.
In the art world, 2023 was a mix of captivating puzzles and bold action, making a lasting impact on culture. From the hunt for Banksy’s identity to Palestinian activists denouncing Israeli airstrikes at New York’s Guggenheim Museum, the year was packed with intrigue and urgency. Not to mention, in April, Lauren Halsey blended South Central LA stories with ancient architecture in a massive rooftop installation at The Met which featured a fusion of cultures soaring 22 feet high with 750 concrete tiles.
These events showcase how art, activism, and culture are constantly intertwining and evolving, shaping the narrative of contemporary art worldwide. Dive into our roundup of the year’s standout moments in the art scene below.
Lauren Halsey Transformed the Rooftop of The Met
Back in April, Lauren Halsey merged contemporary South Central Los Angeles narratives with ancient pharaonic architecture in a grand new artwork, titled the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I). This monumental installation, occupying the rooftop garden of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, utilized 750 glass-fiber-reinforced concrete tiles, some towering up to 22 feet. At its core, much like her other creations, the piece revolves around South Central’s culture and community, where Halsey resides and creates. Halsey expressed her intention, stating, “My piece for the Met’s Roof Garden reflects my fascination with intertwining stories from today’s South Central Los Angeles with the essence found in ancient pharaonic architecture.” She hopes that viewers in New York will naturally sense these connections.
Hypebeast and MSCHF ‘HYPEBEAST Magazine #31: The Circle Issue’LOCKED Edition
Earlier this year, MSCHF was featured on the cover of HYPEBEAST Magazine #31: The Circle Issue. To mark the magazine’s debut, Hypebeast collaborated with MSCHF to produce a unique LOCKED Edition. Exclusively available at HBX New York for just a day, this edition embodies a classic MSCHF paradox: it’s sealed shut using a custom padlock, hindering potential readers from accessing its content. Fortunately, the functional lock comes with keys for removal, offering readers the choice to unlock it and delve into its stories or keep it sealed for an authentic collector’s experience.
Pharrell’s JOOPITER ‘Just Phriends’ Auction With Colette Founder Sarah Andelman
Pharrell’s digital-first auction house, JOOPITER, collaborated with his long-time industry friend Sarah Andelman on a standout auction titled Just Phriends which showcased over 50 distinctive lots. These lots comprised rare artworks, culturally significant objects, and exclusive interdisciplinary collaborations—some unseen before or specifically crafted for this event. Notable contributions included works by renowned artists like Pharrell himself, alongside creations from the likes of Takashi Murakami, KAWS, Daniel Arsham, Futura, JR, Paola Pivi, Invader, Xavier Veilhan, MSCHF, Chanel, Tiffany & Co., Louis Vuitton, Richard Mille, and Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Of special mention was “The Simple Things” (2009) by Takashi Murakami and Pharrell Williams, presented for the first time in Paris as part of the auction’s display.
Ryuichi Sakamoto Lives on in a Mixed Reality Concert at The Shed
In May, the world mourned the irreplaceable loss of Ryuichi Sakamoto. His influence extended not just through electronic music and City Pop but also encompassed the realms of film and environmental activism. For those who hadn’t witnessed his live performances, The Shed in New York had revealed an exclusive listening experience, showcasing the legendary Japanese musician and composer in mixed reality.
Crafted in partnership with director Todd Eckert, Tin Drum, and the Manchester International Festival, KAGAMI, meaning “mirror” in Japanese, introduced a novel concert experience. Visitors were provided with optically transparent devices to view a virtual Sakamoto delivering ten powerful tracks. The repertoire spanned from his classics like “Energy Flow” and “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence” to lesser-known tunes, all accompanied by artwork that harmonized with the music. The 80-seat concert allowed audiences to immerse themselves in the performance while seated or freely wander around the premises, moving alongside and among each other.
Angelina Jolie Purchased Studio Formerly Occupied by Warhol and Basquiat
This past July, Angelina Jolie unveiled a fresh endeavor that invites consumers to step into the role of designers. Through collaboration with various tailors and artisans worldwide, her project, named Atelier Jolie, aims to democratize fashion, fostering inclusivity while revitalizing vintage and deadstock materials.
As for the atelier’s location, it will occupy none other than the former studio space once belonging to the renowned artist Andy Warhol and subsequently utilized by his contemporary, Jean-Michel Basquiat. As reported by ARTnews, the actress and humanitarian recently finalized a deal to acquire the 19th-century building where the two iconic figures lived and worked during the 1980s. Jolie intends to lease this space for up to eight years.
Lewis Hamilton and Hajime Sorayama Shared a Racing Helmet Collaboration
For the Japanese Grand Prix, Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time Formula 1 world champion, and renowned Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama teased an unexpected collaboration. They took to Instagram to unveil a unique racing helmet and an accompanying apparel line.
The Lewis Hamilton x Hajime Sorayama racing helmet draws inspiration from Sorayama’s iconic metallic silver robot style and includes a light-up visor. The helmet is adorned with Hamilton’s usual sponsors, incorporates robot elements, and features a contrasting gold stripe. The accompanying +44 apparel collection is expected to showcase a range of jackets, T-shirts, pants, and accessories adorned with Sorayama’s distinctive provocative robots alongside Hamilton’s signature “+44” brand logo.
Online Bets Were Made on Banksy’s Real Identity
Sports betting websites had opened bets regarding Banksy’s true identity, marking a departure from previous speculative attempts. The chance of payouts emerged due to a lawsuit involving Banksy and a British greeting card company, Full Colour Black. Owner Andrew Gallagher’s libel claim, triggered by a November 2022 Instagram post, could potentially lead to the revelation of Banksy’s identity through Pest Control, the entity authenticating Banksy’s work.
Capitalizing on this lawsuit, BetOnline, headquartered in Antigua and Barbuda, facilitated betting until November 30. Bets included scenarios like “Gallagher winning against Pest Control by June 1st” and “Confirmation of Robin Gunningham as Banksy by June 1st,” with Gunningham previously rumored to be Banksy. Other potential candidates for bets encompassed figures like Robert Del Naja of Massive Attack, artists linked to Banksy’s Bristol origins, and less likely options such as Tom Brady, Morgan Freeman, and Donald Trump.
Climate Activists Used Hammers to Break Glass Protecting ‘The Toilet of Venus’ Painting
Back in November, several Just Stop Oil activists were arrested for using hammers to break the protective glass guarding Diego Velázquez’s 17th-century painting, The Toilet of Venus, at London’s National Gallery. This incident adds to a series of recent attacks on European art institutions by protesters, many of them students, aiming to raise awareness about the climate emergency.
The painting, also known as “The Rokeby Venus,” portrays Venus, the goddess of love, reclining and looking into a mirror held by her son Cupid. Velázquez intentionally blurs Venus’s reflection, symbolizing female beauty without making her identifiable. The National Gallery curators consider it their most famous nude and an iconic piece in all of Britain. One protester, after breaking the glass, emphasized the need for action over words: “Women didn’t gain the vote by voting. It’s time to stop oil.” Another activist highlighted the failures of politics and urged action to prevent potential deaths from new oil and gas licensing.The artwork has been removed for damage assessment.
Activists Took to Guggenheim Museum to Denounce Israeli Airstrikes
On November 11, the Guggenheim in New York closed its entrance temporarily as eight artists utilized the iconic spiral ramp for a protest against the Israeli military’s activities in Gaza. They displayed banners portraying mourning Palestinians alongside children’s bodies. Additionally, a silent volume icon served as a symbol representing recent censorship incidents associated with Palestinian solidarity.
At 4:30pm, activists unfurled the banners from the museum’s third floor, prompting varied reactions from visitors. Some responded with applause and whistles, while others congregated to capture photos of the display. Shortly after, a museum staff member tried to take the banners down, triggering disapproval from some visitors who booed and urged the museum to leave them up. The staff member refrained from removing the artworks. However, a few minutes later, more museum workers arrived and began taking down the banners, causing further dissatisfaction among the crowd.
A Shipwreck Off Colombia’s Coast May Contain Treasure Valued at $20 Billion USD
Colombia’s president embarked on a real-life treasure hunt, aiming to recover a centuries-old shipwreck off the country’s northern coast. The ship, San José, sank over 300 years ago and is believed to hold treasures worth up to $20 billion, according to historians. In 1708, the grand Spanish galleon was transporting significant riches—tons of gold, silver, and emeralds—from Panama when it met its demise near Cartagena, Colombia, in an ambush by the British navy during the War of Spanish Succession. President Gustavo Petro is eager to salvage these riches before his term ends in 2026.
For centuries, the whereabouts of the San José had been a mystery, sparking debates over its location in recent decades. In 2015, the Colombian government claimed to have discovered the long-sought vessel but chose to keep its exact coordinates confidential. While the government initially revealed plans for a salvage operation in 2017, there are reports that President Petro is urging officials to expedite this process.
