The art world is experiencing significant movement this week as major galleries announce new artist representations and key personnel appointments. Among the most notable developments, Marian Goodman Gallery has added Belgian artist Edith Dekyndt to its roster, while Gagosian has appointed Aaron Baldinger as a new director in its New York location.

Edith Dekyndt joins Marian Goodman Gallery, bringing her multidisciplinary practice that explores themes of time, light, and space through minimalist video, sculpture, installation, and performance works. The gallery plans to debut her artwork at Art Basel Paris in October, marking her first major presentation with the prestigious gallery. This addition continues Marian Goodman Gallery's tradition of representing conceptually rigorous international artists.

Several other significant representation announcements are reshaping the gallery landscape. Salon 94 has taken on Raven Halfmoon, a Caddo Nation artist renowned for creating monumental clay and stoneware figures that masterfully combine traditional coil-building techniques with bold glazes and inscribed text. Halfmoon's work has already found its way into major institutional collections including the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, Crystal Bridges, the Institute of Contemporary Art Miami, and Forge Project.

Timothy Taylor Gallery has also expanded its artist roster by adding Martha Tuttle, known for her innovative textile-based works. The gallery will showcase new pieces by Tuttle at its London location in November, including works that incorporate materials she gathered during a month-long residency in Somerset, England, this past summer. Meanwhile, Templon Gallery in Paris is set to represent Martial Raysse, the iconic Nouveau réalisme artist, with plans to stage an exhibition of his new work in January.

Personnel changes are equally significant across the industry. Aaron Baldinger brings extensive experience to his new role as director at Gagosian's New York location, having spent 12 years at Gladstone Gallery where he oversaw the fair program and worked closely with prominent artists including Ugo Rondinone and Claudia Comte. Additionally, Stevie Soares has joined Sebastian Gladstone as Los Angeles Director, bringing her experience from Blum and LA's Ceradon Gallery, which she will continue to co-direct.

The institutional world is also seeing important appointments. Jennie Goldstein has been named the inaugural Kippy Stroud Curator at the Whitney Museum, a new curatorial role endowed by the Stroud Foundation. In this position, Goldstein will oversee the museum's impressive 26,000-work collection while continuing to curate exhibitions. Acquavella Galleries has secured exclusive US representation for Swiss sculptor Harumi Klossowska de Rola, with plans for a solo exhibition at their New York location scheduled for Fall 2026.

The auction market is preparing for a major event with Sotheby's announcement of a November sale featuring works from the collection of Leonard Lauder, who passed away in July at age 92. The total estimated value for this collection reaches an impressive $400 million, with Gustav Klimt's "Portrait of Elisabeth Lederer" (1914-16) serving as the crown jewel. This masterpiece is expected to fetch over $150 million, making it by far the most expensive work announced for auction this fall season.

As the art world continues to evolve, industry observers are also noting the growing impact of artificial intelligence on creative professions. While artists like Refik Anadol have embraced AI as both tool and medium in their "custom-AI data paintings," concerns are mounting about AI's effect on working artists, particularly illustrators and graphic designers who don't operate in the high-end gallery market. Reports indicate that steady work at advertising agencies, publishing houses, and television production studios is disappearing as cost-cutting executives increasingly rely on AI-generated imagery, creating challenges for artists working outside the major gallery system.