We are finally back from our whirlwind travels through China and Japan, a trip that exceeded all expectations! In the coming weeks, I will be dedicating some posts on some specific art and architecture related topics related to my visit, but I wanted to bookend this week's round-up with a look at Art Basel Hong Kong, an event that I sadly missed by only a few days but shaped much of the art world conversation at precisely the moment I was on this trip. In fact, it is notable if you look at the Instagram feeds of many of the art world types I recommended in a recent post how many of them are touring major Asian cities since late March to survey the evolving art scene. I highlight @thingsizzyloves account in particular, as she has been posting spectacular art images this past week from Japan-- a place that I also sought to feature on my own feed as much as possible.

The other benefit of the long journey to Asia was that I was finally able to catch up on many movies and television shows that I had held in reserve for the air travel. At the top of my list was Call Me By Your Name and Lady Bird, two beautiful films I had missed at VIFF, and All The Money in the World, a movie I have been wanting to see for some time since it follows the story of art collector J. Paul Getty and the kidnapping of his grandson in the 1970s. This is a story I had only heard about in passing, and being a huge fan of the Getty Institute and collection in LA, the story ended up blowing me away for lifting the veil on the corruption and ugly reality of the senior Getty. Without spoiling the movie and new television series Trust (debuting tonight on FX) and also based on the Getty story, suffice it to say that anyone interested in Getty's museums, art collections, and overall legacy will learn a great deal about the real story behind the man and the family. Eye-opening on every level, and an important part of the larger conversation regarding the intersection of art and the ultra wealthy. Enjoy this week's links and I will be back soon with some posts related to my Asia trip!