This week, the Elephant editorial team received downloads from the universe. Whilst they haven’t channelled anything hugely beneficial to the world, they have intuited some critical messages for the art world, ranging from advice on what size dogs should be purchased to what fitness regimes curators should be following.
Below, the team shares their predictions for the year ahead.
1. Conspiracy theory
In 2024, we saw conspiracy theories going mainstream. Open Instagram, and within five minutes, you’ll find at least one reel attempting to convince you that the government is poisoning you, that eating steak four times a day is an essential step towards longevity, and that fluoride is eroding your brain.
In an increasingly perplexing world, the possibility of another reality becomes more and more compelling. This year, we predict a rise in the popularity of art focused on conspiracy theories and the discourse surrounding them. Whether that’s artists coming forward with their own farfetched beliefs or criticising conspiracy theories in their work- we are predicting a rise in conspiracy theory discourse in the arts.
And, of course, the art world is not without its own conspiracy theories. How often have we heard that the fall of the mega galleries is just around the corner, or that the Gagosians are soon to retire, or that NFT’s really are the future?
Disclaimer: There is one artist we are hoping does make some conspiracy theory-related work- and that’s Chloe Wise on her belief in aliens. That’s one we can get behind.
2. #Gymlife
The art world, famous for its boozy private views and stiletto-clad clientele, doesn’t seem like a likely place for weightlifting to take off… but we’re calling it. This year, expect to see emerging artists and gallerists alike getting jacked. If 2024 was the year of the Pilates princess, then 2025 calls for something more drastic, more aggressive. Not to mention, thanks to the recession, many of you might have to rethink your Shoreditch house memberships, which means goodbye 8:30 am Barre and hello home weight lifting.
3. So you thought you’d seen the last of me? Print’s vengeful return.
People have been prophesying the fall of print media for a long time now, and we’re here to say- never. And ok, we’re biased here, but we are also tired of looking at screens, and we imagine you might be too. 2025 is the year we put the phone down (goodbye to oversaturated- social media adjacent-Substack) and give our eyes a rest. We’re turning to long, inconvenient-to-carry novels and luxurious glossy paged magazines.
4. A sobering reality
Sometimes, it feels like there is an event every night of the week in the art calendar, and in order to keep up with all of our weightlifting, we just can’t be drinking on a Wednesday. So, this year, we are calling for some exciting non-alcoholic options at events and private views. If you can have every shade of wine available- surely we can manage something a little more exciting than sparkling water? We’re big into ‘Trip’, but if you’re feeling particularly sober… maybe it’s a Dash water for you.
5. A new podcast arrives on the scene
We love Nota Bene as much as the next man, but we’re looking for another pod to add to the rotation, because who doesn’t want to be comforted by anecdotes from the fever dream that is the art world?
6. Jerry Bradshaw
This year, we are forecasting the rise of diary-style art criticism. Academia must loosen its reign and make way for art criticism that starts from a place of “I really feel like.” We want to know what you were wearing, what the vibe was, and, crucially, how it relates to your love life. A hybrid of Jerry Saltz and Carrie Bradshaw, if you will.
7. Small dog, big bag
I’ve got one word for you people- Chihuahua. It’s prophesied that the Y2K revival can only end when It girls finally take it seriously enough to invest in small dogs that fit in their vintage Chloe bags. We are inspired by our writer Olivia Allen and her Chihuahua named Plum (rumoured to be named after Plum Sykes). Plum has accompanied Olivia on several interviews for Elephant and has posed with Olivia Erlanger and Zeinab Saleh.
8. Curator turned sommelier
Tired as ever of the white-walled gallery, we predict that curators will try their hand at curating bars and restaurants this year. Not only does it give us something to talk about during a bad date, but it also means that work is being introduced to entirely new communities who might not be interested in visiting a Mayfair gallery. Recently, we were excited to see Tosia Lenairska’s recent curatorial debut at East London’s coolest lesbian bar La Camionara.
9. Plus none
The art world is supposedly like a family, and sometimes it really does feel that small. But other times, you find yourself invited to a dinner where you don’t know anyone in attendance. It’s times like these when a plus one can be your saving grace. But recently, there seems to be a new rule in place, which is that unless your plus one is Googlable, then you’re going to have to brush up on small talk fast. This year, we are taking the stance that plus ones should always be approved, because everyone deserves to eat from a small plate at Maison François. Just once.
10. More chaos, generally.
Anyone who denies that the art world is, by nature, deeply chaotic is lying. It’s a world where work events are always paired with a constant flow of booze, and subversion is supposedly lauded above all else. This year, we dare you to put your money where your mouth is, art world, and go truly wild. Send emails without spell check, send multiple texts in a row, wear clashing colours to private views, and when it says ‘party’ on the invite, act like it.
Collective Channeling, from the Elephant editorial team, with words by Emily Burke.
