ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

ArtReview's 2019 Power 100 Reflects Shifting Dynamics in Art World Influence

publication · 2026-04-20

ArtReview's 2019 Power 100 list reveals significant changes within the art sector, as traditional institutions grapple with pressure from activists advocating for accountability. These activists have urged institutions to reassess their funding sources, resulting in some rejecting contributions from contentious philanthropists. Artists are now taking control of their narratives, addressing topics such as environmental issues and racial matters. Notably, Nan Goldin has refrained from exhibiting her work, while Banksy made a statement on market excess by destroying his piece during an auction. The theme of decolonization is prominent, highlighted by a restitution report from a French museum. The Museum of Modern Art in New York is reorganizing its collection to present a more inclusive global perspective. Indonesia's ruangrupa will curate the upcoming Documenta, signifying a shift in power dynamics shaped by digital culture.

Key facts

  • ArtReview published its 2019 Power 100 list in November 2019
  • The list analyzes power dynamics within the art world
  • Protesters successfully pressured institutions to change funding practices
  • Some institutions refused donations from wealthy philanthropists
  • Board members resigned from major museums due to activist scrutiny
  • Nan Goldin influenced the art world by withholding her work from exhibitions
  • Banksy staged a self-destructing artwork at auction as market satire
  • Decolonization is a key theme, highlighted by a French museum restitution report
  • MoMA in New York is rehanging its collection to reflect a more global art history
  • The next Documenta will be curated by Indonesian art collective ruangrupa
  • This fulfills a 2004 proposal that Documenta should be curated by an artist
  • Power remains concentrated among Western, mostly white institutional directors
  • Digital culture facilitates the circulation of artists' visions on social issues
  • The art world faces questions about who art represents and speaks for
  • Influence has become more uncertain and provisional in 2019
  • Artists are sidestepping traditional gatekeepers to assert influence

Entities

Artists

  • Nan Goldin
  • Banksy

Institutions

  • ArtReview
  • Museum of Modern Art in New York
  • Documenta
  • ruangrupa

Locations

  • New York
  • United States
  • Indonesia
  • France

Sources