The Pulse of Repatriation

The Pulse of Repatriation

On an almost weekly basis, we hear a new story about objects returning to their country or culture of origin. Fantastic, right? On the one hand, like dropping a stone down a deep, black well, we wait for the splash which seems to never arrive. Likewise, the amount of plundering by colonial powers that occurred throughout history appears similarly profound and endless. On the other, does the steady return also show that institutions around the world take seriously the situation and actively seek to return objects?

In the Air: May 2023

In the Air: May 2023

May screened some big episodes this month in the ongoing drama that composes the management of cultural patrimony. The story of the Met’s mummy repatriation, Warhol and Prince “collaboration”, and an art fraud Ponzi scheme.

In the Air: April 2023

In the Air: April 2023

The US employment market is growing, with increased demand for exceptional talent beyond New York. A 200% increase in US searches managed by SML outside of New York speaks to a market currently going from strength to strength. Los Angeles stands out as a particular area of focus.

In the Air: January 2023

In the Air: January 2023

A constellation of recent discussions relating to the collections community