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!
National Gallery of Australia investigates attribution of Indigenous paintings in upcoming exhibition after allegations of white studio employees painting on them.
After reports that white studio employees had been painting on the pieces attributed to inhabitants of Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY), the National Gallery of Australia is investigating the attribution of 28 Indigenous paintings displayed in an upcoming exhibition. The review panel is made up of the First Nations advisors Yhonnie Scarce and Maree Meredith as well as the solicitors Colin Golvan and Shane Simpson. The APY Art Centre Collective has refuted the accusations, claiming that underpainting is done with the help of art assistants and that the accusations were “infected by a paternalistic view of how Indigenous art should be made.” Significant collections of artwork created by the Anunga people of the APY Lands are also housed in the National Gallery of Victoria, Art Gallery of New South Wales, and Art Gallery of South Australia. By May 31, the independent review’s conclusions should be available. Read more on ARTnews.
Courtesy: The Gaurdian
Italy’s “Open to Meraviglia” campaign ridiculed for reimagining Botticelli’s Venus as a virtual influencer
The €9 million “Open to Meraviglia” (Open to Wonder) campaign from the Italian Ministry of Tourism recasts Botticelli’s Venus as a digital influencer. The advertising campaign has drawn a lot of criticism on social media, with some charging that it vulgarly trivialises Italian heritage. The morality of utilising the well-known painting by Botticelli, which is housed in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, for profit has been called into question by art historian Livia Garomersini. The ad has also drawn criticism for its poor translations into other languages and for its use of Slovenian stock material. Government officials have stated their mockery of the campaign, and the activist group Mi Riconosci has denounced it. Dario Nardella, the mayor of Florence, reacted on the situation and stated that the city was fighting against commercial exploitation that made fun of its artistic riches. Art critics and social media users have mocked the initiative, casting doubt on its efficacy. Read more on Artnet.
Courtesy: Wanted in Rome
Valparaiso University faces lawsuit over deaccessioning plan for prized artworks
Richard Brauer, the original director of Valparaiso University’s Brauer Museum of Art, has filed a lawsuit against the school over its intention to deaccession three priceless pieces of art from its collection, alleging that the action goes against the donor’s intent. The Silver Vale and the Golden Gate by Childe Hassam, Mountain Landscape by Frederic E. Church, and Rust Red Hills by Georgia O’Keeffe, all of which are estimated to be worth a combined $20.5 million, will be sold, according to Valparaiso University president Jose Padilla, in order to raise money for a dorm renovation project on the campus. The court is urged to prevent the action by the April 24 complaint. Members of the school’s community and a number of museum organisations have opposed the plan. Read more on Artnet.
