Robert Smithson’s ‘Spiral Jetty’ named official Utah state artwork

Our daily round-up of news from the art world

Utah names Smithson’s Spiral Jetty an official state work of art | The Senate and House of Representatives of Utah have voted to recognise Robert Smithson’s monumental Spiral Jetty as an official state work of art, reports the New York Times. Utah’s many ancient rock art sites have been granted the same designation. Smithson’s work, which was completed in 1970, was submerged for many years beneath the waters of the Great Salt Lake, but reemerged early this millennium: more recently, the effects of drought on the structure have been cause for concern. Representative Becky Edwards said that the votes were ‘a nod to the prehistoric people who lived in our state and an acknowledgment of the contemporary land art that is so unique in our state.’ For an account of visiting Smithson’s masterpiece, see Geoff Dyer’s New Yorker article from 2011.

LUMA Foundation acquires Annie Leibovitz archive | The LUMA Foundation, a Zurich-based non-profit, has announced that it is to house the archives of society photographer Annie Leibovitz. According to ARTNews, LUMA is planning a number of ‘major projects’ dedicated to Leibovitz’s work. The first of these will be ‘Annie Leibovitz Archive Project #1: The Early Years’, an exhibition that will chart her career from 1968–82. The display will be on public view at the foundation’s Arles outpost from 27 May.

Developer plans 15 new galleries by New York’s High Line | The developer behind a set of luxury condos adjacent to New York’s High Line, designed by the late Zaha Hadid, is hoping to entice art galleries to its ground-floor spaces. According to The Art Newspaper, the Paul Kasmin Gallery has already signed up to the scheme, and will open a 5,000 sq ft space at 520 West 28th Street.

Sotheby’s officially launches Dubai outpost | Sotheby’s has officially opened its new Dubai branch in a ceremony attended by United Arab Emirates’ minister of culture and knowledge development, and Tad Smith, the auction house’s CEO. The opening of the Dubai outpost coincides with the launch of the 11th edition of Art Dubai, and reflects a 30 per cent growth in the number of regional buyers over the past five years.

Eileen Cooper RA to coordinate this year’s Summer Exhibition | This year’s Summer Exhibition at London’s Royal Academy will be organised by Eileen Cooper RA, the institution announced today. Cooper, who is known for her figurative, ‘magical realist’ work, became a Royal Academician in 2000, and in 2010 became the first woman in the Academy’s history to be named Keeper. She will work with a hanging committee that includes the likes of Yinka Shonibare, Fiona Rae and Bill Jacklin. Farshid Moussavi RA will curate the architecture gallery.