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Hyperallergic Weekly Roundup: Magritte Jerseys, Trump's Smithsonian Attack, and More

other · 2026-07-11

This week's art news roundup from Hyperallergic highlights several significant events: The away jerseys of the Belgian men's national soccer team feature a design inspired by René Magritte, including the phrase "This is not a jersey." The Smithsonian Institution faced accusations of endorsing "extreme political activism" from the White House. A jewel heist at a French museum on July 5 led to the theft of 27 items valued at €4 million. In Austin, Texas, a mural reading "Black Artists Matter" was removed under the directive of Governor Greg Abbott. Artist Jonathan Allen displayed Gaza protest messages on the Whitney Museum. The Art Not Genocide Alliance is set to protest US Ambassador Tilman Fertitta's visit to Venice on July 17. Additionally, the Andy Warhol Foundation granted $5.1 million to 78 arts organizations, and Massimiliano Gioni was named director of the New Museum.

Key facts

  • Belgian soccer jerseys feature Magritte motif and 'This is not a jersey'.
  • White House report accuses Smithsonian of 'extreme political activism'.
  • Jewel heist at French museum on July 5, €4 million stolen.
  • Austin officials destroyed 'Black Artists Matter' mural per Governor Abbott.
  • Jonathan Allen projected Gaza messages on Whitney Museum screens.
  • Art Not Genocide Alliance to protest US ambassador's Venice visit July 17.
  • Justin Gignac sold trash from Taylor Swift's wedding.
  • Newark Museum of Art to exhibit Aljira's history.
  • Andy Warhol Foundation awarded $5.1 million to 78 organizations.
  • Massimiliano Gioni named New Museum director.
  • Photographer sues Mickalene Thomas for copyright infringement.
  • Michael Glover reviewed 'Elizabeth I: Queen & Court'.
  • Susan Owens published book on John Constable.
  • Akira Ikezoe profiled; Lyndon Barrois makes gum wrapper sculptures.
  • Met Museum staff published essay collection.
  • Noore Yazigi tattoos Arabic script.
  • Noah Fischer won Society of Professional Journalists award.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Hyperallergic
  • Smithsonian Institution
  • White House
  • Whitney Museum of American Art
  • Art Not Genocide Alliance
  • Newark Museum of Art
  • Aljira
  • Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts
  • New Museum
  • Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Honolulu Museum of Art
  • Society of Professional Journalists
  • Economic Hardship Reporting Project
  • FIFA
  • Madison Square Garden

Locations

  • Belgium
  • France
  • Austin
  • Texas
  • United States
  • Venice
  • Italy
  • New York City
  • Manhattan
  • Chicago
  • Milwaukee
  • Honolulu
  • Alabama
  • Kansas City
  • Fire Island
  • Minab
  • Iran
  • Tehran

Sources