Art Outlook: 17 April

Some of the stories, debates and discussions we’ve spotted this week

The birth of Flip Art?

Is ‘Flip Art’ the defining aesthetic movement of our decade? ‘Flipping’ art refers to the practice of buying works privately, then quickly selling them on, raising their value. A report in the New York Times last Friday pointed out that most of the works share a similar aesthetic.

Matisse exhibition wins praise from critics

‘Matisse: The Cut-Outs’ has been met with unanimous critical acclaim. The exhibition, which opens to the public today, has been called ‘a winner’, ‘outstanding’ and ‘ravishing’.

Calls for Sajid Javid to sign Hague Convention

The new culture secretary Sajid Javid is being urged to sign the Hague Convention, which forbids the export of cultural property from occupied territories. Helen Goodman, the Labour MP and shadow culture minister said there is really ‘no excuse’ for the UK not to sign.

New Banksy sparks new controversy in Bristol

Last week, youth group leader Dennis Stinchcombe removed a new Banksy from a council-owned wall in Bristol with hopes to raise £100,000 for struggling Broad Plain Boys’ Club. Bristol Mayor George Ferguson has asked him to put it back.

Lunch with Brian Sewell

The acid-tongued art critic Brian Sewell lunched with journalist Elizabeth Day of The Guardian. Over oysters, he referred to Tracey Emin’s art as ‘trivial’ and Grayson Perry’s as ‘vulgar’.

Guggenheim pushes for the removal of Bilbao banner

A building owner in Bilbao has agreed to remove a banner by artists Mike Bouchet and Paul McCarthy. The digitally printed vinyl banner shows the Frank Gehry designed Bilbao Guggenheim morphed into battle ships.

Demolition of American Folk Art Museum to begin within the month

The former home of the American Folk Art Museum in New York will, despite protests, be demolished by the summer. The Museum of Modern Art owned building has confirmed its plans for ‘partial demolition’ of the building to accommodate its expansion.

Fabergé’s Big Egg Hunt in New York

Fabergé have brought the ‘Fabergé Big Egg Hunt’ to New York, after its success in London in 2012. Contributors include Zaha Hadid, Tracey Emin and Jeff Koons – the latter’s egg has already reached $360,000 in the associated auction, with four days still to go.