Donald Trump Critiques Art World in 2016 ArtReview Guest Column

In a March 2016 guest column for ArtReview, Donald Trump argues that the New York art world no longer dominates globally, blaming President Obama for shifting power to Swiss and Chinese figures. He cites ArtReview's Power 100 list, noting that after Obama's election, Swiss and Chinese entities topped it, while Larry Gagosian, whom Trump praises, ranked second. Trump claims Damien Hirst, who created a self-portrait for him titled Golden Calf (2008), is a great artist. To restore New York's prominence, Trump proposes building a wall around Manhattan to exclude Brooklyn artists, whom he criticizes as problematic and Marxist. He also plans to launch Trump International Auctions in New York to outcompete Christie's and Sotheby's, accusing them of poor business practices and alignment with Chinese interests. Additionally, Trump vows to heavily regulate the art market as president, despite typically opposing regulation. The column is written in a provocative tone, with Trump dismissing retail politics and emphasizing his popularity, while referencing his presidential campaign.