Our most-talked-about stories in Art, Design & Style, and Performing Arts, February 13 - 17, 2012:

ART

— Ben Davis took a look at the raw, pulsing hate inspired by Damien Hirst's "Spot Painting" show at Gagosian, and asked whether it wasn't all a bit over-the-top. 

– The week saw an epic round of ups and downs at the contemporary auctions in London, with reports coming in from Bonhams, Christie's, Sotheby's, and Phillips de Pury and Company.

– "Retired" artist Maurizio Cattelan opened his new, miniature Family Business space in Chelsea. Kyle Chayka interviewed painter Marilyn Minter, who curated its first show, on the eve of its opening.

– Shane Ferro looked at president's new proposal for an election-year boost for the NEA, and said it was worth supporting — particularly if you were a "Red State Republican."

– Chloe Wyma handicapped 2012's great "show down" between the New Museum Triennial and the upcoming Whitney Biennial.

DESIGN & FASHION

– For Valentine's Day, Janelle Zara rounded up six sex toys that are actually also marvels of design (and in some cases, wanton excess).

– The new Bisazza center for design opened in Italy. We took a look at some of the highlights from its collection.

– For fashion week, artist Rachel Feinstein's crazy set were a towering presence at Marc Jacobs's runway show. Our own Ann Binlot also talked to Feinstein about the creative process behind creating the sculptural backdrop. 

– In the UK, Damien Hirst announced he was making a foray into architecture, planning a sprawling development of eco-friendly-homes.

– Check out the complete record of ARTINFO's coverage of New York Fashion Week on our dedicated "Fashion Week" page.

PERFORMING ART

– Nick Catucci recapped the Foo Fighters's embarrassing win as best rock artist at the Grammy.

– Brooklyn indy outfit Sleigh Bells is getting a lot of hype. Are they worth it?

– Nick Catucci postulated that the "flash mouring" over celebs like Whitney Houston was less about celebs themselves, and more about humans looking for a connection.

– Graham Fuller had a chat with Corey Stoll, aka Ernest Hemmingway from "Midnight in Paris."

– Plans are afoot for remakes of Hitchcock's "Rebecca" and "Suspicion." Is this a terrible idea?

VIDEO

– ARTINFO video editor Tom Chen previewed the New Museum's Triennial, with interviews with curator Eungie Joo and some of the fresh new faces in the show.

BONUS

– For Valentine's Day, Ben Davis reprised his role as love advice columnist, answering questions about online dating etiquitte for artists, and more.