- There’s so much non-art news today, it’s a little crazy: U.S. relations with Cuba thaw. New York state bans fracking. Vladimir Putin gives his annual address, and it is completely delusional. Just read The Times. [The New York Times]
- “A Pessimist’s Guide to the World in 2015.” [Bloomberg]
- We’re fans of the “1987” series on Comic Book Resources; columnist Matt Derman reviews comics from 1987 just because that’s the year he was born. P.S. Would like to do an art version of this. [Comic Book Resources]
- THE LAST EPISODE OF SERIAL DROPS TODAY, NERDS. [Serial]
- One notable topic to bring out from an interview with Toshio Hara, director of the Hara Museum, is that Japanese collectors are more inclined to “keep a low profile” than ones in the States. [Japan Times]
- Incredibly timely reporting: Alanna Martinez asks El Museo del Barrio’s Executive Director Jorge Daniel Veneciano what renewed U.S.-Cuban relations might mean for the museum. Veneciano didn’t seem too excited; he told Martinez “that essentially not much would change for U.S. museums.” [New York Observer]
- Giving in to hacker pressure, Sony has now announced that there are no further plans to release The Interview, not even on DVD. [Vanity Fair via Variety]
- And for those who don’t think North Korea’s terrorism is real, read this account of a former North Korean spy. [The Globe and Mail]
- Jason Kottke aggregates links to four of the best 2014 book-cover lists. Of the four he chose, The Casual Optimist’s list wins with us. Of all the covers listed, our favorite is The Silent History. [Kottke]
- Christie’s Fine Art Storage Services asked AFC’s Corinna Kirsch what art worlders really “need” for Christmas. Hint: You need some sleep. [Tumblr]
- The Hammer Museum announces that Chicago’s Hamza Walker will co-curate the 2016 Made in L.A. biennial with Hammer staff. Yay for Chicago! [Los Angeles Times]
- An interview with Hal Foster. When asks what he regrets, he recounts a cutting line that he later learned devastated an artist. Most critics have a regret like that. Occupational hazard, I guess. [Interview]
- Frieze Editor Dan Fox puts together his year end review. Topping the list is W.A.G.E. and CITIZENFOUR. [Frieze]
- Are we all in agreement that “Santa Baby” is the most annoying Christmas song? If not, you will be after watching this animated cat-robot toy’s karaoke version. [YouTube]
