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!
Whitney Union Protests at Luxe Museum Party
Courtesy- Art News
Last night, as guests of the Whitney Museum enjoyed the return of its annual fundraising party, unionized workers of the institution rallied by the entrance to protest as they continue to negotiate a contract. The temperature dropped from cold to freezing while Whitney staff and their supporters brandished signs (“Honk to Support the Whitney” and “Union Strong”) and handed out flyers that explained why, after having voted to unionize in August 2021, a contract still has not been finalized. “The Museum is still rejecting proposals for higher wages despite historic inflation and the very high rates that they are hiring managers at,” the flyer reads, adding that the growing wage discrepancies will “continue to compress our salaries for years to come.” Read more on Art News.
Ukrainian City Odesa added to List of Endangered World Heritage Sites
The historic center of the Ukrainian Black Sea port city Odesa has been added to UNESCO’s list of endangered World Heritage sites. The key strategic port city, known for its cosmopolitan history and architectural landmarks, has been the target of Russian bombing since its invasion of Ukraine began in 2022. Last October, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a formal appeal to the United Nation’s cultural organization to place the city center under its protection—a move which offers Odesa additional international aid along with potential consequences for its destruction. “I’m grateful to partners who help protect our pearl from the Russian invaders’ attacks!” Zelensky tweeted after UNESCO voted in favor of the inscription during a special meeting of its World Heritage Committee on January 25. Read more on UPI.
A 9 feet long iron sword discovered at 1700 year old burial mound in Japan
Courtesy- Miami Herald
Japanese researchers discovered a largedakō iron sword and a giant bronze mirror in a 4th-century burial mound in the city of Nara. The two items were found last November in the Tomio Maruyama Tumulus. Nara’s board of education and the city’s archeological institute, who supported the excavation of both items, issued a press release about the discovery this week. According to the local government groups, the 125-pound, shield-shaped decorated mirror was the first of its kind to be discovered, and the seven-foot iron serpentinedakō sword is the largest and oldest from the Kofun period (300 CE–710 CE) to be found. Experts say this allows the two items from the Tomio Maruyama Tumulus to be classified as national treasures. Details on Miami Herald.
