Hrag Vartanian

ADL condemns Zohran Mamdani for hosting Mahmoud Khalil at mayor’s mansion ‘Gracie Mansion belongs to all New Yorkers. Public office must never be used to legitimize hate,’ an ADL spokesperson said

fuck the ADL

"The art world cannot claim to champion freedom while ignoring the people who are denied it."

Don't Believe What Art Basel Qatar Is Trying to Sell You I fled Qatar to live freely as a queer person. A country that criminalizes LGBTQ+ existence should not be celebrated as a global hub of creative freedom.

Some critical words about Art Basel Qatar and the artwashing they're doing for the Gulf Kingdom by Nasser Mohamed. He writes, "The open and vibrant Qatar presented through Art Basel is not the state that exists."

I think this story is a really good example for people to look at when it comes to understanding bias at NYT. It's not that the reporter, Dana Rubinstein, says anything outright false. But the framing, word choices, etc., add up to an unprofessional and biased account.

Thanks. I’m happy.

Two swans swimming in the East River by the Williamsburg waterfront

Here the two are hanging out yesterday. The one with the all-black beak is the trumpeter swan, the one is a mute swan.

Behold NYC's First-Ever Trumpeter Swan A member of the once-near-extinct species has taken up residence in the East River. But why?

Read @hellgatenyc.com for the full story. Trumpeters were almost extinct in the 1930s, and experts believe this one has migrated from Ontario.

Trumpeter swan in NYC

The first trumpeter swan ever seen in NYC. It’s incredible and sweet. This swan has joined a mute swan on the Brooklyn waterfront.

The old art world is dying and the new one is yearning to be born … just kidding, it’s already here and growing.

I know the world is chaos but I just benched 145 pounds (a personal best since I've picked up weight lifting again) and I'm feeling really good.

love how we killed the old, frail anti-nuke ayatollah just to have him replaced with his young, healthy son who wants nukes and who just had his father, mother, wife, and child murdered on the same day by his mortal enemy. surely this will bring peace to the region

AOC: The Pentagon has not passed an audit, and they are out here trying to kick people with disabilities off of Medicaid. It is corruption that is stealing from the public coffers — and that is the actual waste, fraud, and abuse.

Creative Time’s Diya Vij Helps Launch an Art World Think Tank The unorthodox program will gather together a group of thought leaders for 10 months to reflect and advise on happenings in the art community.

Back in 2021, @hrag.bsky.social interviewed curator Diya Vij for a special episode of the Hyperallergic Podcast. These days, she’s making headlines after Mamdani nominated her to be New York City’s new culture commissioner!

Listen to the episode here:

I can’t say a thing he’s done as borough president (which is a meaningless job tbh), but Claire has been very vocal on Palestine for one.

This district is home to more artists than almost anywhere in the country but rising costs are pushing them out.

I'm running to build an economy where time and space for creativity isn't a luxury reserved only for a lucky few.

Apartment event to raise awareness for Claire Valdez’s Congressional campaign in Queens & Brooklyn

At the fundraiser for @claireforny.bsky.social at @mollycrabapple.bsky.social’s place and the energy is great! Democratic primary is June 23.

It feels shitty not to remember someone who clearly remembers you, but I guess we have to get over it. Maybe we're memorable. IDK

I need to learn to tell some people that I encounter at social events that I don’t remember them rather than pretend to know them hoping I can figure out if I actually do. Why is that such a hard skill for me to put into practice?

Harper to the judge: "Your driver's license doesn't list your height and weight at birth. It doesn't list where you used to live. It identifies who you are now."

Thank you for reminding me of that book.

Thanks for coming to my Ted talk.

I’m less interested in applying a pre-formed theoretical apparatus and more interested in what theory looks like from inside a body shaped by genocide, diaspora, and displacement.

BREAKING:

The Justice Department just posted online three FBI interviews that had been missing from the massive trove of Epstein files initially released.

They're related to unsubstantiated sexual assault allegations against Donald Trump.

DOC 1: www.justice.gov/epstein/file...

Does he have to dress like a chef all the time everywhere he goes, like the Mandalorian of gastronomy

The House just defeated the Massie-Khanna War Powers Resolution on Iran.

Crosses, reportedly, were-
R's voting yes: Massie, Davidson (R-OH)
D's voting no: Golden, Landsman, Cuellar, Vargas

Cricket was the name of the puppy that Kristi Noem murdered.

Let me be clear: I’m glad Kristi Noem was fired. But we still have to abolish ICE.

BREAKING: New York City reports the lowest levels of shootings, shooting victims, and murders ever recorded for the first two months of a year. Major crime is down nearly 8% citywide, burglary hit a record low, and retail theft dropped 25%

It’s more about time, and what you think at first shift over time. Also, most visitors spend far less time with the work than reviewer so first impressions might echo their experiences more accurately. I was there 3 hours and was able to watch the videos.

First Impressions From the 2026 Whitney Biennial Here’s what we liked, what we didn’t like, and what we’re still working through.

Some early reactions to the new Whitney Biennial