The Art Angle

Jeanette Andrews, a former professional magician turned artist, captivates with her unique blend of magic and contemporary art. She explores how magic can express complex concepts rather than merely entertain. Andrews discusses her groundbreaking projects that intertwine the science of perception with illusion, including performances that challenge viewers' expectations. She reveals her work inspired by CIA spycraft, highlighting magic's role in manipulating attention and belief. Andrews proves that magic can find a vital place in museums, inviting us to rethink its significance.

Andrew Adams, a seasoned prosecutor with a focus on art-related financial crimes, shares insights on the dramatic capture of dealer Inigo Philbrick in Vanuatu. He discusses the DOJ and FBI's unique approaches to investigating art fraud, including the importance of financial trails and victim tips. As Philbrick faces charges for a staggering $86 million fraud, the conversation dives into the repercussions of his actions and whether he could ever regain his place in the art world. The episode illuminates the evolving landscape of money laundering in the art industry.

Nicole Coolidge Rousmaniere, a curator specializing in Japanese art and manga, discusses her latest project, the Art of Manga exhibition at the De Young Museum. She delves into manga's intriguing historical roots, linking it to Japanese art, and explores its rise in museums today. Nicole shares anecdotes about commissioning works at the British Museum and the significant impact of the 2019 exhibition. She highlights how manga, defined by its unique visual language, can connect modern audiences through its compelling storytelling and artistic expression.

Art World Infamy is a special series from the team behind The Art Angle, investigating the scandals and schemes that have rocked the art world. In the first chapter, told over four episodes, senior market reporter Eileen Kinsella unravels the rise and fall of dealer Inigo Philbrick.   After a bombshell $13 million lawsuit from angry collectors, Inigo Philbrick vanished. What followed was a cascade of international claims from clients who had entrusted him with millions, drawn in by his supposed Midas touch in the art market. From art fairs to gallery openings to gala dinners, the question on everyone’s lips was the same: Where’s Inigo? In this third episode, we examine the fallout from Philbrick’s fraudulent deals, and the frenzy that erupted in the art world after his sudden disappearance.

Join Margaret Carrigan, a news editor and host specializing in art market insights, as she tackles the existential challenges facing museums today. They dive into the impact of federal funding cuts and rising political scrutiny in the U.S., as well as the collapse of China's private museum boom. The conversation also highlights ethical dilemmas around corporate sponsorships and new strategies for revenue diversification. Margaret emphasizes that next-gen donors crave holistic engagement, pushing museums towards innovative, collaborative models for survival and relevance.

Art World Infamy is a special series from the team behind The Art Angle, investigating the scandals and schemes that have rocked the art world. In the first chapter, told over four episodes, senior market reporter Eileen Kinsella unravels the rise and fall of dealer Inigo Philbrick.   Long before headlines exposed his $86 million fraud, Inigo Philbrick was just another ambitious intern at one of the most powerful galleries in the world. Then a student at Goldsmiths College, Philbrick caught the attention of legendary dealer Jay Jopling and landed a coveted internship at White Cube—the gallery that defined 1990s London, and launched the YBAs (Young British Artists) including Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin. In this second episode, we explore how Philbrick so quickly ingratiated himself into the upper echelons of the art world that, within just a few years, he was running his own eponymous gallery. With hindsight, were there early warning signs of what was to come that the art world failed to see?

Dive into the wild story of Inigo Philbrick, once the darling of the art world, who built an $86 million empire based on deception. Discover the chaotic landscape of art transactions marked by complex disputes and overlapping ownership claims. Fans of high-stakes drama will love the insights on how fractional ownership can lead to risky investments. The episode explores the glamorous, yet dangerous mixing of art and speculative markets, set against the backdrop of iconic sales like Jeff Koons’s Rabbit.

Eileen Kinsella, an insightful art-market reporter, joins Kate Brown and Ben Davis to explore some captivating stories. They reveal how looted art was uncovered in an Argentine house listing, leading to criminal charges. The dynamic shifts with Jeff Koons’ return to Gagosian, sparking discussions on his past and market dynamics. Lastly, the team dives into the staggering $13.5 million sale of Frank Frazetta’s 'Man Ape,' examining the nostalgia and cultural significance that drive such high prices.

We’re thrilled to be able to say that the latest edition of Artnet's Intelligence Report: The Mid-Year Report 2025, has been published. It's free for all—head to Artnet News to download it as a handsome PDF. Within its covers, you'll find a bounty of information on the auction world and the art industry, which artists have been having a great year, how various countries' markets are performing, and a great deal more. Surprises abound from the Old Masters to the ultra-contemporary. You'll also find interviews with power players from the field, like the Guggenheim Museum's chief, Mariët Westermann, and the widely admired, now retired art dealer, Jack Hanley. And then there is the cover story by our ace columnist, Katya Kazakina. It's titled The Storm Hits the Art Market: Who's Getting Swept Away? It looks at recent upheavals in the art industry with galleries closing left and right, and everyone spent their summer thinking about how to run an art business now. There are tales of crash-outs and heartening new models; there's something for everyone. Artnet Pro editor Andrew Russeth speaks with Katya about her reporting after she pounded the pavement at openings for exhibitions all over New York City.

Fans of the Art Angle know our monthly Art Angle Round-Up, where Kate Brown and Ben Davis are usually joined by a writer to talk about three topics in art. For the early September week of art fairs in New York, we decided to mix it up with an experiment: a live edition of the Art Angle Round-Up, at Independent 20th Century. Our guest was the curator Matthew Higgs. He’s the director of storied New York alternative art space White Columns; founding curatorial advisor to Independent; and—I’m really not just saying this—someone who's been on my shortlist of people to have on the show for a long time. Higgs is one of the most thoughtful observers of the art scene that you could to have a chat with. The house was packed for the live Saturday recording. Of course, we know that people listen to the show—but to see people actually turn out and to hear from listeners who have thoughts about it and want to talk about art and toss around ideas was very exciting. So, a big thank you to everyone who joined us in the audience. And of course thanks Independent 20th Century, and to Matthew for a lively and serious conversation.