Art
Jennifer Lopez, Kim Kardashian, and More Attend LACMA Art + Film Gala
The LACMA Art + Film Gala was a star-studded affair on Saturday night.
Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, Kim Kardashian, Keanu Reeves and girlfriend Alexandra Grant and Salma Hayek Pinault were among the big names in attendance at the annual event, which was held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.
Lopez, 54, and Affleck, 51, appeared together on the red carpet at the Gala, with Lopez wearing a nude Gucci gown with sheer lace detailing and a red-jeweled necklace, while Affleck looked dapper in a black Gucci tuxedo.
Kardashian, 43, opted for old-school glamor in a showstopping hot pink strapless gown that featured a sweeping train and was worn with black opera gloves.
The SKIMS accented her look with pink blush to match her dress and had her hair in a sleek bun.
Reeves attended alongside his long-term girlfriend, Grant — who earlier this year told PEOPLE that the actor is “such an inspiration” to her — chose matching black looks for this year’s event, with Reeves in a stylish black tux, while the visual artist’s long black dress featuring a striking cut-out detail on the front.
This year’s LACMA Art +Film Gala was presented by Gucci and honored artist Judy Baca and acclaimed filmmaker David Fincher, and the stars were out in force.
Gucci ambassadors including Julia Garner, Eliott Page, and Jodie Turner-Smith — who wore a tiny metallic cropped top and black skirt with a thigh-high slit and attended amid her divorce from Joshua Jackson — were also at the Saturday Gala.
Hayek, 57, shone at the event, arriving in a metallic pink sequinned gown accompanied by her husband François-Henri Pinault and wearing her hair in loose waves to one side.
The star-studded array of celebrity attendees also included Billie Eilish, Kathy and Paris Hilton, Heidi Klum, Andrew Garfield, Jodie Comer, Brad Pitt, Jane Fonda, Daisy Edgar-Jones, Jessica Chastain, Monique McWilliams, Jon Hamm, Jane Fonda, Laura Harrier, Pedro Pascal and Kirsten Dunst.
Heidi Klum, meanwhile, sported a very different look from the peacock costume she wore at her annual Halloween party days earlier. For the Gala the supermodel, 50, wore a chic white textured dress with sheer panels by Lever Couture.
A$AP Rocky, another Gucci ambassador, was also at the event — minus girlfriend Rihanna. The rapper’s appearance comes after welcoming his second son, Riot Rose, with the singer, 35, in August. The couple also share son RZA, 1, who was born in May 2022.
The 2023 LACMA Art + Film gala was the twelfth annual event held by the organization in celebration of notable figures in the art and film industry.
Oscar-winner Leonardo DiCaprio was the co-chair for the gala for the twelfth consecutive year.
“Proceeds from the annual Art+Film Gala go toward underwriting LACMA’s initiative to make film more central to the museum’s curatorial programming, while also funding LACMA’s broader mission,” LACMA states on its website.
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“This includes exhibitions, acquisitions, and educational programming, in addition to screenings that explore the intersection of art and film.”
Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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Art
Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed
The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
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