Chinese vase for $9 million; Tourist smashed two 2000 years old statues; Establishment of LGBTQ+ museum

A SUMMARY OF THE MOST EXCITING ART NEWS FROM AROUND THE GLOBE

While we focus on Indian art, we can’t obviously function in a vacuum. It’s a small world and everything is connected, especially on the web. So, let’s train our spotlight across the world map to see what’s going on — from art trends to socio-political issues to everything that affects the great aesthetic global consciousness. Or, let’s just travel the world and have some fun!

Chinese vase valued below $2,000 sells for nearly $9 million

A Chinese vase that was originally expected to fetch €2,000 ($2,000) far exceeded its initial estimate at an auction in France this week, selling for €9 million ($8,980,000). The sale of decorative arts took place at French Osenat auction house based in Fontainebleau. The vase, measuring 22 inches in height and 16 inches wide, features renderings of dragons, flowers, and clouds. Experts at the auction house believe that the vase was likely produced between the 18th and 20th centuries, but that is unconfirmed. If it was produced during the earlier period, it would mean the antique is rare compared to later examples. Read more at Art News.

A disgruntled tourist smashed two 2,000 year old statues

An American tourist on 5th October requested an audience with Pope Francis while visiting the Vatican’s Chiaramonti Museum. When his request was denied, the man, in his 50s, directed his ire at the nearest ancient bust and sent it crashing to the floor. As the perpetrator tried to flee the scene, another sculpture was smashed in his wake. In a statement quoted by the Artnet news from the Vatican read, the person who knocked down the statues was stopped by the Vatican police and has been handed over to the Italian authorities. An intricate video surveillance system keeps watch over the Vatican, and both sculptures that took a beating today were anchored to their displays. Museum staff also receive ongoing trainings to handle nuanced tourist altercations. Read the news on Artnet News. 

Establishment of the National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture in Washington

US Representative Mark Pocan of Wisconsin introduced two bills on 29 September to establish the National Museum of American LGBTQ+ History and Culture in Washington, DC, the first step in what will likely be a lengthy legislative process. The first bill creates an eight-member commission to explore the viability of creating the museum, including developing a fundraising plan and identifying possible locations. The second will formally establish it within the Smithsonian Institution. Pocan, a Democrat and co-chair of the Congressional LGBTQ+ Equality Caucus, is one of 59 sponsors of the legislation. The announcement came two days after students in Virginia walked out of their classrooms to protest Governor Glenn Youngkin’s proposed guidelines that would remove protections for transgender and nonbinary students in the state’s public schools. It also came ahead of LGBT History Month, a month-long celebration in October of those communities. Read the news on Art Newspaper.

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