A painting by Ernst and Gustav Klimt fetches $2.8 million at a Sotheby’s auction.

A painting collaboratively created by brothers Gustav and Ernst Klimt, Hanswurst Delivering an Impromptu Performance in Rothenburg, sold for $2.8 million at a Sotheby’s London auction, far surpassing its estimate. Originally painted by Ernst for Austria’s Burgtheater, Gustav completed it after Ernst’s death in 1892, adding portraits of their family members in tribute. The piece, considered both a rare collaborative work and deeply personal homage, sparked competitive bidding due to its unique history and the enduring appeal of the Klimt name.

Ghanaian-Scottish architect Lesley Lokko is named among BBC’s most influential women.

Lesley Lokko, a Ghanaian-Scottish architect, author, and educator, has been named one of the BBC’s 100 most influential women of 2024. Known for her advocacy of equality in architecture, she also became the first African woman to win the RIBA Gold Medal this year and was featured on Time’s list of the 100 most influential people. 

Areaware and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation launch a Usonian structure block set.

Areaware and the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation have collaborated on a Blockitecture set that lets users build their own miniature Usonian-style home for $60. Designed by James Paulius, the wooden blocks draw inspiration from Wright’s hexagonal grid system, which he viewed as more natural and human-centered than the square grid.

Soho House pulls back the curtain on bartering its way into a staggering art collection.

​​In an interview with ArtNet, Kate Bryan shared how she has cultivated Soho House’s remarkable 10,000-piece art collection through a unique barter system where artists exchange their work for memberships and credits. The approach fosters a vibrant creative community while maintaining a focus on regional talent, with notable works ranging from Hank Willis Thomas to emerging voices like Xanthe Burdett. 

J.Crew taps Julia Collier, a former Skims executive, as its new chief marketing officer.

J.Crew has appointed Julia Collier, a former senior marketing executive at Skims, as its new chief marketing officer, effective January 6. Collier will oversee brand marketing and creative for J.Crew, reporting to CEO Libby Wadle and bringing nearly two decades of expertise in marketing, including successful partnerships with luxury brands and cultural institutions. 

Today’s attractive distractions:

One photo captures the 2,000 people who restored Notre Dame Cathedral.

A Canadian tiny home maker shares a realist’s vision of small space living. 

Tech workers are disillusioned with the military industrial complex. 

The U.S. Pavillion launches an open call for Venice Biennale participants.