To receive Morning Links in your inbox every weekday, sign up for our Breakfast with ARTnews newsletter.

Good Morning!

The Headlines

WARNING, WARNING! Sydney artist Osvaldo Budet has clashed with Maitland City Council over his artwork examining a century-old statue of an African American boy, ABC News reported. Budet’s work argues that the statue reflects racist stereotypes and the legacy of slavery, while the council considers it a valued part of Maitland’s heritage. Mayor Philip Penfold ordered a warning sign to be placed beside the artwork without consulting gallery staff, saying the exhibition did not represent community views. Budet responded by installing his own warning sign beside the statue as a piece of performance art. The dispute has raised broader questions about artistic freedom, council interference, and whether elected officials should influence how public cultural institutions present controversial histories.