April Art Highlights: Critiques, Exhibitions, and Industry News
The April issue of Hyperallergic features multiple art critiques and news items. Critic Aruna D'Souza examines the work of Kamrooz Aram, whose abstract paintings are currently displayed at the Whitney Biennial and were part of Mumbai Art Week. D'Souza describes his approach as moving beyond critiques of Western modernism or Islamic motifs, instead creating a unique, gestural style. Separately, Aaron Boehmer reviews the photography of Palestinian-American artist Dean Majd, focusing on his decade-long project capturing intimate moments within his community and exploring themes of masculinity. In news, a bipartisan bill in Colorado aims to strengthen intellectual property rights and healthcare access for artists. The publication also compiled a list of notable April Fools' Day jokes from the art world and recommended ten art books for spring reading. Additionally, the issue includes obituaries for artists Glen Baxter, Pat Steir, and Melvin Edwards, and announces a member event on April 15 featuring social justice artist and MacArthur Fellow Tonika Lewis Johnson.
Key facts
- Critic Aruna D'Souza analyzes Kamrooz Aram's abstract paintings, shown at the Whitney Biennial and Mumbai Art Week.
- Aaron Boehmer reviews Dean Majd's photography, which documents his inner circle over ten years.
- A Colorado bill seeks to enhance intellectual property protections and healthcare for cultural workers.
- Hyperallergic compiled a collection of art world April Fools' Day jokes for 2026.
- Ten art books are recommended for spring reading, including works by Theresa Hak Kyung Cha and Molly Crabapple.
- Obituaries honor artists Glen Baxter, Pat Steir, and Melvin Edwards.
- A member event on April 15 features Tonika Lewis Johnson discussing segregation.
- The issue includes a sponsored section on Haystack's Artist Grant Initiative, supporting eight artists.
Entities
Artists
- Kamrooz Aram
- Dean Majd
- Glen Baxter
- Pat Steir
- Melvin Edwards
- Tonika Lewis Johnson
- Theresa Hak Kyung Cha
- Molly Crabapple
Institutions
- Whitney Biennial
- Alexander Gray Associates
- Haystack's Artist Grant Initiative
- MoMA
- Peggy Guggenheim Collection
Locations
- Mumbai
- Colorado