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New York Post
19-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Art advisor to the stars Barbara Guggenheim slept with clients, once ripped off Sylvester Stallone: Lawsuit
A high-powered art advisor who worked with Tom Cruise and Sylvester Stallone is an unethical, abusive liar who slept with clients and dealers, got kickbacks and urged her former partner to whore herself out to close deals, according to a bombshell lawsuit. Barbara Guggenheim, 78, who is not believed to be related to the famed museum family, once urged her young employee Abigail Asher — who later became her partner — to 'wear leather and be provocative' and 'that she should never go to a client's home unless she was prepared to sleep with him,' Asher alleged. Asher, 61, was 'exploited, controlled and threatened by' Guggenheim for nearly 40 years before the two agreed to split in 2023 — only to have Guggenheim spy on her and falsely accuse her of stealing more than $20 million from their company, Asher alleged in court papers first reported by ArtNews. Advertisement 3 Barbara Guggenheim and Abigail Asher worked together from 1987 until 2024, when Guggenheim sued Asher in Manhattan. This week, Asher filed her own explosive claims against Guggenheim. Patrick McMullan via Getty Images 'It should go without saying that art advisors with fiduciary duties to their clients should not become sexually involved with other art dealers or experts who are on the opposite side of deals they are orchestrating for clients,' Asher said in the lawsuit. 'But Guggenheim violated this rule — a lot.' Advertisement Whenever Asher, who began working for Guggenheim in 1987, spoke up about Guggenheim's behavior the older woman allegedly 'threatened to destroy Asher with her 'secret weapon'' — her then-husband, powerhouse Hollywood attorney Bert Fields, who repped Cruise, Michael Jackson, George Lucas and the Beatles. In 1995 the two agreed to evenly share the company's profits and expenses but Asher said she was generating far more than Guggenheim, including nearly $20 million in deals during their last decade together. She also claimed Guggenheim charged their company, West Village-based Guggenheim Asher Associates, for outrageous expenses, such as $3,000 in dance lesssons; an $8,000 spa trip in California; a $12,500 African safari; $36,000 for Fields' 2022 funeral; $48,000 for a party at the Wolfgang Puck-owned Spago in Beverly Hills; and more than $400,000 for car services. 3 A lawyer for Guggenheim called her former business partner's allegations 'libelous nonsense.' Getty Images for Barneys New Yor Advertisement Guggenheim was also known to send erratic and 'incomprehensible' emails, an example of 'a serious mental decline, which further damaged relationships,' Asher claimed. In 2023, the two restructured their company, and instead of equally splitting revenue and costs, each worked for their own earnings — a change that sent Guggenheim's finances 'into freefall,' Asher claimed in her lawsuit. It's not the first time someone accused Guggenheim of wrongdoing. In 1989, Stallone sued her in Los Angeles for fraud, claiming he shelled out $1.7 million for the painting, 'Pieta,' by Adolphe William Bouguereau, and owned by Guggenheim's pal, Stuart Pivar, who'd been unable to sell it. 3 Sylvester Stallone sued Guggenheim in 1989, accusing her of fraud. Getty Images for Netflix Advertisement Guggenheim was sleeping with Pivar at the time, Asher alleged. The piece had numerous 'slashes' in it and wasn't worth what he paid, Stallone claimed. The case was later settled. Guggenheim filed her own lawsuit against Asher in August 2024, accusing her of misappropriating more than $20 million from their business and secretly starting her own competing company. Guggenheim's August 2024 lawsuit against Asher 'is a transparent act of retaliation by a disgruntled former partner,' said Luke Nikas, an attorney representing Asher who said Guggenheim refused to 'retract her false accusations [or] acknowledge her wrongdoing.' Guggenheim's attorney, William Charron, ripped Asher's allegations as 'libelous nonsense.' 'Ms. Asher rolls out a litany of supposedly horrible acts by Ms. Guggenheim. So why did Ms. Asher keep working with her for nearly 40 years?' the lawyer said. 'Asher was stunned to see the extent of Guggenheim's misconduct,' Nikas told The Post, noting she was unaware of most of it until she prepared her lawsuit. Asher is seeking unspecified damages, while Guggenheim is seeking more than $20 million in damages.
Los Angeles Times
07-04-2025
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
How new global tariffs could affect the art market: L.A. arts and culture this week
Art is a global business. While it might make sense to urge consumers to buy local when it comes to eggs and lettuce, buying exclusively local is not typically a thing when it comes to art institutions. Neither is buying only American-made art. Museums, galleries, art fairs and even individual collectors revel in holding and displaying international collections. Which is why President Trump's recent 'Liberation Day' tariffs could create the kind of friction for the art market that ultimately slows the buying and selling of art. The sweeping nature of the global tariffs is also poised to affect supplies such a lumber for art crates and canvas stretcher bars; aluminum and steel for shelving; and tools for art-making of all kinds. That's not to mention the items needed for events, openings, trade shows and art fairs, as well as art-related gift shop ephemera such as socks, shirts, tote bags, jewelry and other relatively inexpensive products often made overseas. All told, Trump's new tariffs are estimated to cost U.S. importers an additional $714 billion annually (up from $78 billion). Most of those costs are passed on to consumers. No corner of the economy is likely to remain untouched, and the already fickle art market is no exception. Trade publications have been diligently tracking the Trump tariff effect since Inauguration Day, and have reported on a variety of pressing issues confronting the industry. These issues are likely to get worse now that a 10% tariff has been imposed on all imports, with additional tariffs of 20% for the European Union and 34% on China. A week before the new tariffs took effect, the New York-based online art brokerage Artsy published a primer titled 'What art collectors need to know about Trump's tariffs,' outlining the potential ramifications in no uncertain terms. 'Some international galleries are reconsidering their plans to attend U.S. art fairs due to increased costs. Meanwhile, galleries based in the U.S. are weighing up the difficulties of showing and selling work by artists whose practices are based in those affected countries,' the article reads. 'The impact of these tariffs amid the cross-border flow and exchange of artworks — such a crucial facet of the modern, international art world — is creating confusion among both galleries and collectors. Many are unsure of whether their usual practices of shipping and sales will incur extra costs.' In early March, when Trump slapped additional tariffs on Mexico and Canada, ArtNews reported that the new taxes would 'make the cost and process of selling, transporting, and exhibiting art significantly more complicated, expensive, and uncertain, especially after galleries spend months planning their participation in art fairs like Art Basel Hong Kong, Independent, and Frieze New York.' Frieze New York is gearing up for a May 7 opening with a robust slate of international galleries and artists, some hailing from countries where the tariffs are particularly steep, such as South Korea. Frieze did not respond to a request for comment from The Times about how the new tariffs could affect the fair, but it is possible that potential buyers will think twice before procuring art that could cost quite a bit more than its sticker price. A $500,000 painting from the EU would have a post-tariff price tag of $600,000, for example. Another ARTNews article featured interviews with a group of experts who offered 'a bleak picture of the year to come, saying that the tariffs will increase confusion and operating expenses, shift buying behavior among collectors, as well as hurt small and mid-size galleries the most due to limited resources.' 'If you're spending 10 million on a work of art and you're paying $1 million or $2 million, or even $2.5 million in tariffs because it was imported, you'd say, 'No way. Forget it. It's a write-off of $2.5 million. I can't do that. I'll go for real estate, or I'll go for stocks and shares,'' Philip Hoffman, founder and chief executive of the Fine Art Group, told ARTnews. 'It'll be the kiss of death.' An Art Newspaper article from early March explored how rising material costs affect artists, noting: 'Every decision or indecision regarding raw materials has consequences for U.S. artists, especially those whose practices rely on being able to source specific materials.' I'm arts and culture writer Jessica Gelt here to tell you that the only current certainty when it comes to tariffs is uncertainty. Ashley Lee and I are here with your weekly arts rundown. 'Will Rawls: [siccer]'Times art critic Christopher Knight picked the performance artist and choreographer's exhibition as one of his most anticipated offerings for the spring season: 'Rawls projects stop-motion videos of still images of Black dancers onto chroma green screens suspended from the ceiling. The mix of animation, photography, projection and motion tangles up an array of lens-based media to dissect representations of the human body.' The immersive installation is on view at the Institute of Contemporary Art L.A. through Aug. 31, 1717 E. 7th St., downtown L.A. the presentation also includes three live performances (Thursday-Saturday) at the Roy and Edna Disney CalArts Theater that experiment with stop-motion, the filmmaking technique in which still photographs are strung together to produce a moving image. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., downtown L.A. 'Curse of the Ring: Das Rheingold'For the first time, the Pacific Symphony is performing the first of the four operas in Richard Wagner's iconic 'Ring' cycle, the story of which influenced J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings' books. Conducted by Carl St. Clair, the shows will be sung in German with English supertitles, and presented in a semi-staged format with the orchestra, singers, video elements, costumes and props. Performances are Thursday, Sunday and Tuesday, April 15; all three events include access to a pre-show talk with KUSC midday host Alan Chapman. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 'Just Like Us'Latino Theater Co. kicks off its 40th anniversary season with the West Coast premiere of Karen Zacarías' nonfiction play, inspired by Helen Thorpe's book about four close-knit Latina teenagers who are challenged by their varied immigration statuses. Fidel Gomez directs the Denver-set production, which stars Noelle Franco, Valerie Vega, Newt Arlandiz and Blanca Isabella. Performances begin Thursday and continue through May 18. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514 S. Spring St., downtown L.A. — Ashley Lee TUESDAY🎞️ High Art Ally Sheedy and Radha Mitchell star in Lisa Cholodenko's 1998 indie lesbian romance, with the writer/director in person.7:30 p.m. Vidiots, 4884 Eagle Rock Blvd. WEDNESDAY🎞️ The Day of the Locust A 4K presentation of writer Waldo Salt and director John Schlesinger's 1975 adaptation of Nathanael West's dystopic Hollywood novel, starring Donald Sutherland, Karen Black, Burgess Meredith and William Atherton, with Atherton and photographer Michael Childress in person.⏰ 7:30 p.m. Academy Museum, 6067 Wilshire Blvd. 📺 This Is Not a Fiction The American Cinematheque's celebration of the documentary and nonfiction art forms features the world premiere of the second season of 'Conan O'Brien Must Go,' Bill Hader and Fred Armisen for the 10th anniversary of 'Documentary Now!,' Charles Burnett's 'Killer of Sheep,' Errol Morris' 'Chaos: The Manson Murders' and more.⏰ Through April 17. Aero Theatre, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd.; Los Feliz Theatre, 1822 N. Vermont Ave. THURSDAY🎼 🎭 Curse of the Ring: Das Rheingold The Pacific Symphony performs a semi-staged version of Wagner's opera in German with English supertitles.⏰ 8 p.m. Thursday; 2 p.m., April 13; and 8 p.m. April 15. Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. Times theatre critic Charles McNulty left the Majestic Theater feeling 'reborn' after watching six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald in the current Broadway revival of 'Gypsy,' directed by George C. Wolfe. But that is not the way he felt at intermission as he was second-guessing one of his favorite performer's choices when it came to her portrayal of Rose in the 1959 musical by Jule Styne (music), Stephen Sondheim (lyrics) and Arthur Laurents (book). Arriving at that moment came during the show's denoument when, 'the path McDonald had been forging as Rose all along suddenly became transcendently clear,' McNulty writes in his review. In a review about why the Los Angeles Philharmonic's Handel Festival was 'revelatory,' Times' classical music critic Mark Swed explores the continuing relevance of George Frideric Handel and Pierre Boulez. Although the composers were working 240 years apart, they shared an iconoclastic aesthetic that is particularly striking today, Swed writes, noting, 'There is little equal in music to 22-year-old disruptors on the level of Handel and Boulez.' Last week, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to create a Grand Avenue Cultural District to boost the visibility of the arts scene in a corridor of downtown that includes the Broad museum, the Museum of Contemporary Art, Center Theatre Group, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Los Angeles Opera, REDCAT and the Colburn School. The initiative was championed by the Music Center and found early support from L.A. County Supervisor Hilda Solis. An L.A. arts leader is going into politics. Esther Kim Varet, the founder of Various Small Fires gallery announced that she's running for Congress in an effort to, 'flip California's 40th District from red to blue.' In an email to supporters, Varet wrote, 'I've put my neck out there because right now — we need to fight and take action against this administration. I'm a full-time working mom, and it's not easy. But our art community has a moral obligation to stand up and DO SOMETHING. … I'm determined to win, because regaining control of the House is the best thing we can do to actually put [the] brakes on the Trump train wreck.' Bruce Lurie Gallery, which burned down in January's Palisades fire, and was the only fine arts gallery in the Pacific Palisades, has reopened in Santa Monica. The opening reception for the new space took place late last month after an outpouring of support from the community. 'Living and working in the Pacific Palisades for the past 14 years has been an honor,' said gallery owner Bruce Lurie in a news release. 'This community is a rare gem, and it's a privilege to begin this new chapter in Santa Monica and present 'Renascence,' which speaks to the rebirth of the gallery, but also the Palisades.' The gallery's inaugural show includes work by 21 artists, including Malibu-based Jon Krawczyk, whose three polished stainless-steel sculptures were the only art pieces to survive the fire in the original gallery. — Jessica Gelt Because your wallet needs a break from life, I present you with this handy Times' guide to lunch spots where you can score a meal for $15 or less. My fave? The quarter rotisserie meal at Saucy Chick Goat Mafia in Pasadena.
Hi Dubai
26-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
Eid Gifts That Wow: Unique and Luxurious Ideas for Loved Ones
What's Eid without the joy of giving? From childhood memories of receiving crisp banknotes as Eidiyya to the excitement of exchanging beautifully wrapped presents, gifting has always been a cherished part of Eid celebrations. Whether you're planning to surprise your loved ones with something thoughtful or looking to keep up with the age-old tradition of giving Eidi (money gifts for children), this part of Eid holds a special place in the hearts of Muslims everywhere. It's not just about the gift itself but the joy and warmth that come with it. Eid gifts are a way to show appreciation, love, and gratitude, making the holiday even more meaningful. So, if you're wondering what to pick for your family, friends, or even colleagues this year, here's a quick Eid gifting guide with ideas that will help you nail the perfect present! Personalized Gifts Personalized gifts have gained immense popularity, as they show that you've put thought and effort into selecting something truly special. Customized Calligraphy Image Source: Art News Customized calligraphy is a stunning way to bring art and meaning together in one gift. Imagine gifting a beautifully crafted piece of Arabic calligraphy with a loved one's name or a meaningful verse from the Quran. The intricate designs, flowing lines, and elegant strokes can transform a simple wall into a masterpiece. Whether it's a framed artwork for the home or a small decorative piece, it's a gift that will be treasured for years to come, adding both beauty and sentiment to any space. Engraved Jewelry Jewelry is always a classic gift, but engraving takes it to the next level. A sleek gold bracelet with their name in elegant Arabic calligraphy or a delicate necklace with a heartfelt message only they can see is a gift anyone will cherish. Whether it's a meaningful Quranic verse, a special date, or even a simple "Eid Mubarak," engraved jewelry makes the perfect keepsake. It's thoughtful, timeless, and guaranteed to bring a smile every time they wear it. Customized Perfume Bottles Customized perfume bottles are a fantastic way to make your gift even more personal and luxurious. Gift a beautifully crafted bottle with a unique fragrance tailored just for the recipient. You can choose the scent that reflects their personality or even add a personal engraving on the bottle itself. It's a timeless, elegant gift that combines luxury, thoughtfulness, and a touch of Dubai's signature opulence. Plus, every time they wear it, they'll remember your thoughtful gesture. Eid is synonymous with sharing food and sweets, and nothing says Eid quite like high-quality dates or traditional Arabic desserts. In Dubai, there are many luxury date brands offering premium varieties packed beautifully in wooden boxes or designer gift bags. Image Source: Barakat Fresh When it comes to gifting, nothing says Eid quite like luxury dates. In Dubai, brands like Bateel, Barakat, and Sedra offer exquisite, gourmet dates stuffed with everything from rich chocolate to premium nuts, all elegantly packaged in beautifully designed boxes. These dates aren't just delicious, they're a symbol of generosity and tradition. Whether you choose the iconic Medjool dates or something more unique, they make a sweet and unforgettable Eid gift. Eid Sweet Hampers Image Source: Le Chocola Nothing says Eid like a beautifully curated sweet hamper bursting with flavors. Gift a stunning box filled with melt-in-your-mouth Baklava, rich Ma'amoul, silky Turkish delights, and chocolate-dipped dates. For an unforgettable treat, check out luxury brands like Bateel, Godiva, and Le Chocola in Dubai. Their Eid-exclusive collections come in elegant packaging, making them perfect for gifting. Whether classic or gourmet, a sweet hamper is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Home Decor Dubai is known for its stunning architecture, and this extends into home décor. Gifting a decorative item with a touch of Arabian luxury will brighten up any home. Arabic Lamps Arabic lamps are a piece of art that brings magic to any space. Crafted from brass, copper, or glass, these lamps feature intricate designs that cast stunning patterns across your room, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Whether hung from the ceiling or placed on a side table, their warm, glowing light adds a cozy, inviting touch to your home, making them the perfect Eid gift for anyone who loves a bit of charm and tradition. Persian Rugs Persian rugs are pieces of art that tell stories. Each intricate design, from floral patterns to geometric shapes, carries centuries of craftsmanship. In Dubai, where luxury meets tradition, a Persian rug adds elegance and warmth to any space. Whether you choose a classic, vibrant pattern or a more subtle, modern style, gifting one of these timeless treasures will leave a lasting impression. It's a gift that truly stands the test of time. Islamic Art Pieces Islamic art pieces are a captivating gift that blends beauty with deep cultural meaning. From detailed geometric patterns to elegant calligraphy, these works showcase the rich traditions of the Islamic world. A hand-painted canvas with Quranic verses or a beautifully crafted tile featuring intricate designs adds a unique, timeless touch to any home. These pieces offer a constant reminder of faith, history and the artistic brilliance of Islamic culture. Tech and Gadgets For the tech-savvy individual, Dubai's gift shops offer the latest in gadgets and electronics. A blend of luxury and practicality makes these gifts perfect for Eid. Smart Watches Smartwatches are the perfect blend of luxury and practicality, making them an ideal gift this Eid. Brands like Apple and Samsung offer sleek designs with powerful features, from fitness tracking to seamless connectivity. A stylish smartwatch can elevate any outfit, and it's not just about looks. It keeps your loved ones connected, tracks their health, and even monitors their sleep; all in a convenient, elegant package. It's a gift that's both trendy and incredibly functional. Wireless Charging Stations Wireless charging stations make for a sleek and practical gift that everyone will appreciate. These devices eliminate the hassle of tangled cables and let you power up your gadgets in style. Some stations are designed to charge multiple devices at once, making them perfect for tech enthusiasts. With their elegant, minimalist design, wireless charging stations can complement any desk or bedside table, turning them into a functional and modern accessory while keeping things organized. Home Appliances Home appliances make fantastic gifts, combining practicality with style. Consider gifting a sleek espresso machine for coffee lovers, a high-tech blender for those who love to whip up smoothies, or a smart air purifier to keep the air fresh. Modern kitchen gadgets like a designer toaster or a multi-functional mixer not only add elegance to any kitchen but also make daily tasks more enjoyable. These thoughtful and useful gifts will be appreciated long after Eid. Fashion Fashion is an integral part of Eid celebrations, with people dressing up in their finest clothes. A well-thought-out fashion gift is always appreciated. Abayas and Kanduras Abayas and Kanduras are timeless symbols of elegance and tradition, perfect for making a statement this Eid. For women, luxurious abayas crafted from rich fabrics like silk, satin, or velvet, often adorned with intricate embroidery or Swarovski crystals, add an exquisite touch to any celebration. For men, a finely tailored kandura, especially in white or cream, offers unmatched sophistication. Both are versatile, stylish, and embody the spirit of Eid, blending cultural heritage with modern flair. Designer Accessories Designer accessories are the perfect way to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to any Eid celebration. From sleek, timeless designer bags to stylish scarves and statement jewelry, these accessories are more than just fashion items; they're investments in style. High-end pieces from brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Hermes elevate any outfit, making them the ideal gift for those who appreciate both luxury and craftsmanship. A designer accessory is a gift that keeps on giving, turning heads and leaving lasting impressions. Eid-themed Fashion Pieces Eid-themed fashion pieces are a fun and stylish way to celebrate the holiday. Think t-shirts with chic prints, or scarves adorned with intricate Arabic designs. You can also find shoes and bags featuring playful Eid motifs that bring a sense of festivity to any outfit. These trendy yet meaningful pieces make a perfect gift for anyone looking to add a personal touch to their Eid wardrobe, blending tradition with modern flair. It's fashion with a festive twist! Spa and Wellness Gifts After the month of fasting, self-care becomes an important ritual. Giving a gift that promotes relaxation and wellness will surely be appreciated by many. Luxury Spa Vouchers Luxury spa vouchers are the perfect way to spoil someone this Eid. Dubai is home to some of the world's most indulgent spas, offering everything from rejuvenating massages to hammam rituals. Gifting a spa day allows your loved one to unwind in opulence, with treatments designed to soothe both body and mind. It's the ultimate way to show you care, offering a blend of relaxation and luxury they'll cherish long after Eid. Aromatherapy Diffusers Aromatherapy diffusers are the ultimate gift for anyone seeking relaxation and tranquility. These elegant devices fill the air with soothing essential oils, transforming any space into a peaceful retreat. From lavender to sandalwood, the gentle fragrance creates a calm atmosphere perfect for unwinding after the bustle of Eid. With sleek designs that complement any home, a high-quality diffuser not only enhances well-being but also adds a touch of luxury and serenity to everyday life. Wellness Retreats Wellness retreats in Dubai offer a chance to recharge and relax in a truly luxurious setting. Picture unwinding with soothing massages, rejuvenating facials, and holistic therapies at world-renowned resorts. From beachfront spas to tranquil desert retreats, these experiences provide a perfect blend of relaxation and pampering. A wellness retreat is not just a gift but an opportunity to escape the hustle, restore balance, and indulge in the ultimate self-care experience. Also Read: Eid Al Fitr Staycation Deals: UAE Hotels Roll Out Attractive Offers for Residents As Eid Al Fitr approaches, UAE residents are gearing up for a well-deserved break. This year, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon, the holiday is expected to either fall on March 30 or March 31, giving residents a four to five-day break. City Walk Celebrates Eid Al Fitr with Festive Entertainment and Exclusive Offers Celebrate Eid Al Fitr at City Walk with live shows, luxury scents, and exclusive dining and shopping offers for the whole family to enjoy. Launches 2025 Eid eGift Cards with Emirati Artist Abdulla Lutfi Abdulla Lutfi returns to reimagine the fifth edition of the Eid eGift Card collection through his distinctive black-and-white artwork, now live on
