Wednesday, August 31, 2011
In Berlin: Renaissance Faces - Masterpieces of Italian Portraiture
Renaissance Art Exhibit Kicks-Off in Berlin... por NTDTV
The Gemäldegalerie—National Museums in Berlin and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, have partnered to organize a major exhibition on the genesis of the Italian portrait of the Renaissance.
The exhibition shows more than 150 works, including drawings, paintings, sculptures and medals loaned by major art museums, galleries and private collections, such as the Louvre, the National Gallery in London, the Uffizi Gallery, Museum der bildenden Künste in Leipzig, Victoria and Albert Museum, Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, and National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin.
Set against the backdrop of Italy’s geographical, political and cultural complexities in the 15th century, the exhibition is divided into three thematic sections: Florence, where the independent portraiture debuted on a significant scale; the courts of Ferrara, Mantua, Bologna, Milan, Urbino, Naples and finally papal Rome; and finally Venice, where only late in the century a portrait tradition established itself.
Through the observation of profile portraits from 15th-century Italy, visitors will observe a society dominated by family descent and social hierarchies, where conventions were binding.
Among the celebrated painters from the Renaissance who are represented in this major exhibition, are the names of Antonello da Messina, Bellini, Botticelli, Donatello, Francesco Laurana, Giambono, Lombardi, Mantegna and Masaccio.
But for many, the major highlight is Leonardo da Vinci with his painting ‘Lady with an Ermine’ from the Czartoryski Collection, Cracow.
Leonardo da Vinci - Lady with an Ermine por ikonotv
An extensive programme of events is on offer to accompany the major exhibition,
including a series of five lectures, held from September to November
2011, on the various sitters and the world famous artists who painted them.
The exhibition "Renaissance Faces - Masterpieces of Italian Portraiture" (Gesichter der Renaissance - Meisterwerke Italienischer Portrait-Kunst) can be visited at the Bode Museum in Berlin, from 25 August 2011 to 20 November 2011 (Fri – Wed 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thur 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.).
After which it will be exhibited at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York,
from 19 December 2011 to 18 March 2012.
A catalogue (ISBN 978-3-7774-3581-7) with 432 pages, 261 plates in colour and black-and-white, 20.3 × 25.4 cm, hardback, is available at the museum for the special price of €29.90.
Available for download for free at www.smb.museum/gesichter or at the Apple Store/www.apple.com/itunes, is an online application containing around 100 commentaries, over 250 artworks in high resolution images, as well as some 50 videos.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Mount Nemrut Statues could be moved to a Museum in Kahta (Turkey)
Discovered in 1881 during excavations done by German engineer Charles Sester, who was assessing transport routes for the Ottomans and tried without success to find the tomb of Antiochus I, the gigantic sculptures atop Mount Nemrut (Turkish: Nemrut Dağı ; Armenian: Նեմրութ լեռ), which are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, could be moved to a museum in Kahta, Adıyaman province, according to a proposal of Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay.
Dated from the Commagene-era, 1st century BC, the sculptures have for long sustained the erosion caused by the elements and their low relief carved surfaces are prone to laminating. Plans are now underway to restore some of the more damaged pieces and to protect them from erosion.
There's controverse however concerning the best way to protect and conserve these statues.
While Günay proposes that the sculptures could be brought down from the mountain by helicopter, the ODTÜ's Commagene Nemrut Conservation and Development Program, lead by Professor Neriman Şahin Güçhan, maintains that there is no scientific evidence that the heads need to be moved in order to be preserved.
Professor Güçhan said that her team has already produced a chemical mix to protect the sculptures and that they did submit it to the Mount Nemrut Scientific Consultation Board, established on Günay's orders. She said the council has already approved the proposal. According to Culture and Tourism Minister Ertuğrul Günay, he still hasn't been shown the chemical mix.
Other proposals included covering the statues with a tent or glass, but weren't approved for now.
However, other archeologists, namely Necmi Karul, from the Association of Archeologists, shares the opinion that moving the sculptures might be the best option, since they have been sustaining damage for a long time and chemicals will not be enough to protect them from the elements.
The sculpters are located near the village of Karadut in the district of Kahta, 66 kilometers from Adıyaman, at an altitude of 2,206 meters. The Commagene-era figures and constructions are known variously as the "eighth wonder of the world" and "the throne of the gods." The Commagene sanctuary on Mount Nemrut Dağ was built 2,000 years ago and features colossal toppled heads of kings and gods.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Sacred Art Museum of Grândola inaugurates permanent exhibition
Located in the Alentejo region, South of Portugal, Grândola (once named Bendada) was an important reference for the pilgrims going to Santiago de Compustela.
Its most famous location starts at São Vicente cape and reaches Odemira, Santiago do Cacém and Alcácer do Sal.
There, a small 15th century hospital ran by the Misericórdia (a charitable institution founded in 1498), would lodge the pilgrims after their difficult path through the ridge of mountains.
When the hermitage (small church)of São Sebastião was built in 1578, in the outskirts of Grândola, near the royal road, with the purpose of protecting the population from the plague, imediately became a visiting point for the pilgrims.
Once an old pilgramage passing spot, in the recent years this small church was being used to hold wakes.
In 2010, with the initiative of the local parish, in colaboration with the diocese of Beja and the city council, the church of São Sebastião was selected to become the Sacred Art Museum of Grândola (Museu de Arte Sacra de Grândola), and in Feburary 2011 it opened its doors to the public.
On August 23, 2011, the museum inaugurated its permanent exhibition.
Comprised of 100 pieces, mostly includes paintings and decorative art between 15th and 20th centuries.
Visiting the exhibition, it's possible to have an idea of some of the most important aspects of the religious quotidian of those times, including some aspects of the liturgic cult, devotions and the organization of parishes.
The retable of "São Jorge e o Ladrão", painted in 1961 by José Escada for the church of Lousal's mine, is one of the items representing the contemporary.
The exhibition is divided in three areas and shows items coming from the churches of Azinheira dos Barros, Santa Margarida da Serra, and from the Irmandade da Santa Casa da Misericórdia.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
100 years ago Vincenzo Peruggia snatched the Mona Lisa from the Louvre
August 21, 1911, a black haired man with a big moustache, medium height, strong-sturdy build, dressed in dark work clothes and a straw hat is spoted by a witness carrying a package. That man is Vincenzo Peruggia and he's carrying the famous Leonardo da Vinci's Mona Lisa or La Gioconda.
Paris and the world are in shock, how could that happen ?
Born in Dumenza, Italy, on October 8, 1881, Peruggia started earning his living since the early age of twelve working as house painter, carpenter and handyman.
Like many others with similiar skills, he emigrated to France to try a better living.
However he didn't feel welcomed in a country where French called him "mangeur de macaroni" (macaroni eater) and teased him about his accent.
He also held a strong belief that many of the art treasures in the Louvre had been looted by Napoleon from Italy.
During the time that Peruggia lived in Paris, he was involved in minor offences: an attempted robber in 1908, being released twenty four hours later, and a dispute with a prostitute in 1909 where the illegal possession of a knife got him eight days in jail.
Vincenzo Peruggia, who was employed by the Paris firm of carpenters, worked on the MonaLisa's wooden shadow box for three weeks, which permited him to familiarize with the Louvre's layout, entrances and exits, and most importantly with the security guards routines.
The museum was always closed on Mondays for cleaning, repairs and other necessary tasks, and on that day of August 21, 1911, Peruggia went briskly into the premise and reported directly to Salon Carré, where at least ten men were working nearby.
He snatched the painting off of the wall and carried it to a service stairway, there he took the painting out of its wooden frame and tossed both the frame and protective glass covering.
He found out that the door at the end of the stairs was closed and had the brilliant idea of removing the door's knob and putting it in his pocket. When a plumber named Sauvet walked by, he adressed to him saying "Look! Some idiot stole the door knob! How can we get out now?". Sauvet used his key to open the door and the Mona Lisa was now out of the museum.
Once outside, Peruggia tossed the doorknob over a fence and fled.
On Tuesday, August 22, 1911, the French artist named Louis Beroud, who frequently painted the rooms of the Louvre, set up his easel in the Salon Carre' at the Louvre to paint a picture of the room. On this day the Mona Lisa, which hung between Titian's Allegory and Corregio's Betrothal of Saint Catherine, was missing. Annoyed at the paintings absence, he approached a guard named Poupardin and inquired about its return. Poupardin assumed that the painting had been removed for photographing; it was very common for a painting to be moved here and there with very little controls in place. A short time later, after some badgering by Beroud, Poupardin went searching for the masterpiece. By 11h00, the guard that was entrusted by the populace of France to protect a national treasure, had realized that the painting was missing. Poupardin could only declare "C'est parti!".
When Perugia fled with the painting, he was observed by a witness who gave a discription of the art thieft and permited the police to establishe a time of the theft, as well as the direction of flight that the suspect took.
The legendary French criminologist, Alphonse Bertillon, who was in charge of the case, lifted a thumbprint from the glass case that was left in the stairway.
However in that era, only the right hands of offenders were printed, and although Bertillon maintained files and fingerprints on over 750,000 criminals, the thumbprint that was lifted from the painting's glass case was from a left hand.
All employees, past and present, were interrogated and fingerprinted, including Vincenzo Peruggia, interviewed on Nov. 26, 1911, by Inspector Brunet. He was cleared after convincing the inspector that he was an innocent, hardworking man.
Also Pablo Picasso and Gillaume Apollinaire became suspects in the MonaLisa's theft after they were fingered for buying valuable statuettes that were stolen from a Louvre storeroom. They were both brought in by police for questioning.
Peruggia continued to work in Paris, where he built a trunk with a false bottom and hid the painting in it, wrapped in a red cloth. The carpenter transported the painting in this trunk by train to Florence, where he arrived on December 10, 1913 and stayed at the Hotel-Tripoli-Italia, on Via Panzoni; room 20 on the third floor.
From there, Peruggia contacted Alfredo Geri, the owner of La Galleria Borgognissanti. He sent him a letter stating: "I am an Italian patriot that was seized by the desire to return to my Italy one of the numerous treasures that Napolean stole from her."
The two met in Geri's office, along with the director of the Uffizi, Giovanni Poggi. Both Poggi and Geri understood immediately that the painting was the original, but pretended to have doubts. They convinced Peruggia to let them have the painting over night to have expert testing conducted at the Uffizi. Peruggia complied and the two departed with the painting and immediately notified the authorities. They claimed that Peruggia requested 500,000 Lira for the work (which Peruggia, who still wished to portray himself as the selfless patriot, denied in the trial that followed). Peruggia was arrested on Dec 11, 1913, by Francesco Tarantelli.
The Italian Goverment recused his extradition and he was sentenced to 1 year and 15 days for his crime. On appeal his sentence was reduced to 7 months and 9 days (another article with sligthly different facts, mentions 7 months and 4 days in Florence's Le Murate prison).
The Mona Lisa was displayed at the Uffizi, the Borghese Gallery, Villa Medici, Farnese Palace and the Brera Museum, and was viewed by tens of thousands of Italians. On January 4, 1914, after a well protected train ride back to Paris, the masterpiece was re-hung in the Salon Carré.
In January 1914, Alfredo Geri was awarded a 25,000 Franc Reward and received the Rosette of France's Legion d'Honneur.
Vincenzo Peruggia returned to Dumenza a hero. He served honourably in the Italian army during WWI. In 1921, he married an Italian girl, and in spite of his alleged distaste of the French, moved his family to France, where he opened a hardware store outside of Paris. He led a quiet, prosperous life in France and according to his daughter, Celestina, he died at age 44, of a heart attack in Haute-Savoie in 1925.
It's mentioned that con man Marqué Eduardo de Valfierno, who partnered with Yves Chaudron, a conservator and master forger, contacted Peruggia to steal the Mona Lisa, so they could sell it for a fortune. Chaudron did not really want to sell the painting, nor did he even care where it ended up.
Valfierno's plans were for Chaudron to make several copies and sell all of them as the original to foreign collectors.
If the Mona Lisa was ever recovered and returned to the Louvre, he would assure his customers that the Louvre was displaying a fake because it could not admit losing a national treasure of France.
So, was Peruggia an eccentric romantic, a selfless patriot, a noble idealist, or just another greedy thief? No matter how you view him, his daring crime marks the beginning of a turbulent century that is marked by huge art thefts, massive war looting, and the development of a ten billion dollar a year trade in illicit antiquities.
This article is inspired and contains excerpts from yourBrushwiththeLaw.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Artist Odd Nerdrum sentenced to 2 years in prison
The Norwegian artist Odd Nerdrum has been sentenced to two years in prison after a local court in Oslo found him guilty of aggravated fiscal fraud. The sentence was proclaimed yesterday, following a process against the norwegian for failing to declare around NOK 14 million in taxable income from the sale of paintings between 1998 and 2002. Nerdrum was also ordered to pay court costs of NOK 10,000.
He claimed he had paid taxes to Iceland, to where he moved in 2002, and that part of the NOK 5 million in cash that he placed in a safety deposit box in Austria, was to make face to eventual claims that he might get due to the use of a special mixture of oils and paint in an effort to recreate the style of the old masters, which caused signs of trickling paint. The other NOK 9 million are based on checks and bank account statements acquired by the tax authorities with the help of tax authorities in the US, where Nerdrum has long had a large customer base.
The court took into consideration that Nerdrum suffers from Tourettes Syndrome, but still believed that the artist had a “conscious attitude” towards the income his art generates. On his turn the artist said that he was not good with numbers.
In the words of Irena Jovic, project leader for an exhibition at Tjuvholmen in Oslo organized by near 30 friends and former pupils with the purpose of showing support for the artist and what his work meant to young artists, Odd Nerdrum has allowed many young artists to work with him over the years for no fees.
Odd Nerdrum was born on April 8, 1944 in Helsingborg, Sweden.
This article contains excerpts from Views and News from Norway
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Malangatana Auction "A Italiana" Revoked
A Fiat 500 painted by the recently deceased Mozambican artist Malangatana, was being auctioned during a period with the purpose of raising funds to the Malangatana Valente Ngwenya foundation.
The auction ended on July 6 and it seems that only two offers were made, of which only the one of $150,000 offered by the Banco Comercial de Investimentos (BCI) has been made public.
According to Malangatana's son Mutxhini Malangatana, the result was fell short of expectations and the auction of "A Italiana" (The Italian Woman) was revoked on his instructions, justifying that Malangatana's latest masterpiece was expected to fetch the triple of what was offered, a value far superior to the artist's market value.
"A Italiana" is expected to go again into auction, this time lead by an auction house and for a period of at least two years.
The auction ended on July 6 and it seems that only two offers were made, of which only the one of $150,000 offered by the Banco Comercial de Investimentos (BCI) has been made public.
According to Malangatana's son Mutxhini Malangatana, the result was fell short of expectations and the auction of "A Italiana" (The Italian Woman) was revoked on his instructions, justifying that Malangatana's latest masterpiece was expected to fetch the triple of what was offered, a value far superior to the artist's market value.
"A Italiana" is expected to go again into auction, this time lead by an auction house and for a period of at least two years.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Stolen Rembrandt "The Judgement" Recovered
A 17th century 6x11 inches quill pen and black ink drawing by Rembrandt and sign on its back, was recovered by the authorities in a San Fernando Valley church, about 20 miles from the hotel lobby from which it had been stolen. The church's name wasn't released.
In a statement, officials said that an anonymous tip led officers to "the Judgment," in Encino, Calif.
Nobody is in custody, but the investigations continue.
Included in a Linearis Institute sponsored private exhibit at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Marina del Rey, California, "The Judgement" had been stolen over the weekend between 22:20 and 22:35 local time, while one of the curators was momentarily distracted by someone who seemed interested in buying another piece.
It's not certain if that person was involved but the authorities believe that at least two people participated in the theft.
The drawing was being displayed on an easel or wooden stand and was apparently not secured.
Valued at $250,000, "The Judgement" seems to depict a court scene with a man prostrating himself before a judge.
A Linearis Institute employee attested the authenticity of the recovered drawing.
Monday, August 15, 2011
How to Start Your Own Art Collection (without breaking the bank)
Owning art has always been considered a symbol of status, good taste and often seen as something reserved for those with a better than average financial situation.
But it doesn't have to be like that, and through this article we'll point some strategies on how to start your own art collection without breaking the bank.
We are not going to focus on art collecting as an investment, although this aspect should also be taken into account since one doesn't guess the future and may need to sell a work of art or two.
The first thing to take into consideration is to buy something that you like, but don't go on buying the first piece that you see, unless of course it touches you deep in your heart and you really must have, as long as you can afford it.
If you are not a person who goes to galleries, museums, contact with artists and explores art related websites on the internet, then you may need to develop a better perception of art quality.
Someone who is not used to see art may find a certain work of art really good, but when compared to another one, that opinion may change, afterall we tend to compare.
Going to museums, art galleries and searching for art on the internet will broaden your horizons and will give you a better vision of what's going on on the art world.
After spending a couple of months to make sure that we make a good choice, it's time to start searching for that piece that will bring you joy to look at, and not something that you just bought to fill a space on your wall.
First we need to set a budget for our first acquisition. After that it's time to start looking.
You can start by any galleries that you see in your areas and take notes of the pieces that you like most and fit your budget, namely the title of the work, medium, size, year and its author.
The gallery owner or representative should be able to enlight you about the work in question and its author.
Searching the internet, you have several options such as search a style, subject, medium, etc.
You will get hundreds of results and you'll see wonderful works of art and a wide range of prices that you'll need to compare.
When visiting an artist's website, it's important to try to understand for own long he/she has been painting in order to perceive if that artist takes art seriously.
An artist who is represented by one or more galleries is usual a guarantee of dedication to his/her profession and a sign of recognition by the market.
Other places that you should seek are the art forums, where artists show and talk about their art, their careers and their artistic activities.
Usually you'll be able to see for how long they are members of that forum, but to access more information you'll have to register.
Registering will give you the chance to know the artists better and eventually ask questions to an artist whose work appeals you.
Examples of art forums are Wetcanvas, Artpapa, Beinart and Elfwood.
You can also search for art on online art shops where you can find good art at very good prices, but don't forget to try to perceive how seriously that artist takes art, afterall buying art is also an investment. You should also be aware of scams, that's why I mentioned the importance of checking for how long has an artist been working.
Now that you've done all your research, including searching for links referring the artists' names, and have selected two or three works, it's time to contact the artist or gallery.
Since our objective is to start buy acquiring just one piece, we'll obviously start by the one that we like the most.
As you may have heard and read, there are many scams going on nowadays, so it's important that the artist perceives you as genuinely interested.
You should introduce yourself, how you found out about his/her work and why do you like it.
Then it's time to ask which art materials have been used (ask for brands), since you'll want to buy an artwork to last for generations.
Don't forget to ask if there's a money back guarantee. If there's one you'll be responsible for shipping expenses and making sure that the artwork is returned intact.
After discussing how the work can be acquired and shipping conditions, it's time for payment. If buying in a gallery or in person, things get easier, but buying online is always a bit stressful for both parties.
Paypal or something similar will usually be a preferred method, followed by a bank transfer. If you pay with a check or money order, you'll only get your item after clearance.
Now lets discuss an issue that is somewhat controversial among artists: discount.
Usually an artist will not make a discount, especially gallery represented ones for the obvious reason.
And I'm sure that you would not like to buy an artwork only to find out a couple of months later that the author is making big discounts, thus making your art worth less.
However there are exceptions and many artists are willing to assist you with your purchase if you like their art but can't afford to pay in full.
Manifest your genuine interest and how you like that piece, and ask if you could pay in instalments. This method is often accepted, but note that you'll only get your work after paid in full.
It's a common practice between artists to offer a small discount to previous customers, but not to new ones, although of course this will depend on your conversation.
After waiting a couple of days or weeks (or months if you went for the instalments plan), it's time to place your work of art in a safe place, out of sunlight and not under direct light if it's a painting or drawing, or in a safe place if it's a sculpture or instalation.
It goes without saying that fumes as well as low and high temperatures should be avoided.
The artist should be able to provide you with instructions on how to better preserve your art in good conditions and should any accident happen, contact the artist or an professional restorer or conservator.
Having a private art collection is not only owning a material asset, it's living with culture in your own place and is often a good investment, especially in times of crisis.
Even during the recent years when the stock markets weren't at their best, auction houses have seen several records.
If you have any other suggestions feel free to leave them in your comments.
But it doesn't have to be like that, and through this article we'll point some strategies on how to start your own art collection without breaking the bank.
We are not going to focus on art collecting as an investment, although this aspect should also be taken into account since one doesn't guess the future and may need to sell a work of art or two.
The first thing to take into consideration is to buy something that you like, but don't go on buying the first piece that you see, unless of course it touches you deep in your heart and you really must have, as long as you can afford it.
If you are not a person who goes to galleries, museums, contact with artists and explores art related websites on the internet, then you may need to develop a better perception of art quality.
Someone who is not used to see art may find a certain work of art really good, but when compared to another one, that opinion may change, afterall we tend to compare.
Going to museums, art galleries and searching for art on the internet will broaden your horizons and will give you a better vision of what's going on on the art world.
After spending a couple of months to make sure that we make a good choice, it's time to start searching for that piece that will bring you joy to look at, and not something that you just bought to fill a space on your wall.
First we need to set a budget for our first acquisition. After that it's time to start looking.
You can start by any galleries that you see in your areas and take notes of the pieces that you like most and fit your budget, namely the title of the work, medium, size, year and its author.
The gallery owner or representative should be able to enlight you about the work in question and its author.
Searching the internet, you have several options such as search a style, subject, medium, etc.
You will get hundreds of results and you'll see wonderful works of art and a wide range of prices that you'll need to compare.
When visiting an artist's website, it's important to try to understand for own long he/she has been painting in order to perceive if that artist takes art seriously.
An artist who is represented by one or more galleries is usual a guarantee of dedication to his/her profession and a sign of recognition by the market.
Other places that you should seek are the art forums, where artists show and talk about their art, their careers and their artistic activities.
Usually you'll be able to see for how long they are members of that forum, but to access more information you'll have to register.
Registering will give you the chance to know the artists better and eventually ask questions to an artist whose work appeals you.
Examples of art forums are Wetcanvas, Artpapa, Beinart and Elfwood.
You can also search for art on online art shops where you can find good art at very good prices, but don't forget to try to perceive how seriously that artist takes art, afterall buying art is also an investment. You should also be aware of scams, that's why I mentioned the importance of checking for how long has an artist been working.
Now that you've done all your research, including searching for links referring the artists' names, and have selected two or three works, it's time to contact the artist or gallery.
Since our objective is to start buy acquiring just one piece, we'll obviously start by the one that we like the most.
As you may have heard and read, there are many scams going on nowadays, so it's important that the artist perceives you as genuinely interested.
You should introduce yourself, how you found out about his/her work and why do you like it.
Then it's time to ask which art materials have been used (ask for brands), since you'll want to buy an artwork to last for generations.
Don't forget to ask if there's a money back guarantee. If there's one you'll be responsible for shipping expenses and making sure that the artwork is returned intact.
After discussing how the work can be acquired and shipping conditions, it's time for payment. If buying in a gallery or in person, things get easier, but buying online is always a bit stressful for both parties.
Paypal or something similar will usually be a preferred method, followed by a bank transfer. If you pay with a check or money order, you'll only get your item after clearance.
Now lets discuss an issue that is somewhat controversial among artists: discount.
Usually an artist will not make a discount, especially gallery represented ones for the obvious reason.
And I'm sure that you would not like to buy an artwork only to find out a couple of months later that the author is making big discounts, thus making your art worth less.
However there are exceptions and many artists are willing to assist you with your purchase if you like their art but can't afford to pay in full.
Manifest your genuine interest and how you like that piece, and ask if you could pay in instalments. This method is often accepted, but note that you'll only get your work after paid in full.
It's a common practice between artists to offer a small discount to previous customers, but not to new ones, although of course this will depend on your conversation.
After waiting a couple of days or weeks (or months if you went for the instalments plan), it's time to place your work of art in a safe place, out of sunlight and not under direct light if it's a painting or drawing, or in a safe place if it's a sculpture or instalation.
It goes without saying that fumes as well as low and high temperatures should be avoided.
The artist should be able to provide you with instructions on how to better preserve your art in good conditions and should any accident happen, contact the artist or an professional restorer or conservator.
Having a private art collection is not only owning a material asset, it's living with culture in your own place and is often a good investment, especially in times of crisis.
Even during the recent years when the stock markets weren't at their best, auction houses have seen several records.
If you have any other suggestions feel free to leave them in your comments.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
$20 Million donated by Walmart to sponsor admission for the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
Given over a period of five years, the grant of $20 Million donated by Walmart to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, Bentonville, Arkansas, is destined to sponsor the admission to the museum. Prior to the grant, an admission fee of $10 was being considered for adults.
Walmart president and CEO Mike Duke said "While saving people money is how we make people’s lives better every day, we realize that things like listening to your favorite song, seeing a beautiful painting or laying eyes on an amazing sculpture make our lives better, too."
"One of the greatest challenges for museums today is finding ways to remove barriers to community participation, including admission charges,” said Don Bacigalupi, Crystal Bridges executive director."
In order to adress social, economical and cultural barriers that often prevent diverse audiences from participating in the arts, the museum has set a Next Generation Fund.
Promoting environmental sustainability is also one of the priorities of this fund created by community-minded philanthropists.
Founded in 2005 by the Walton Family Foundation and set to open 11-11-11, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art has in its mission to actively collect, exhibit, interpretate, and preserve the representative works that illuminate the history, heritage and artistic possibilities of America.
Its collection features American masterworks dating from the Colonial era to contemporary times and will be on view to the public year-round. An ever-changing array of special exhibitions featuring art from museums and collections throughout the region, the nation and abroad, will also be organized.
Designed by world-renowned architect Moshe Safdie and located in Northwest Arkansas, the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art comprises series of pavilions nestled around two creek-fed ponds, with house galleries, meeting and classroom spaces, and a large glass-enclosed gathering hall.
A museum store designed by Marlon Blackwell welcomes visitors who wish to take a souvenir from their visit to this excellect cultural place, while a café on a glass-enclosed bridge overlooking the ponds will make the delight of those who wish to take a pause.
Sculpture and walking trails will link the Museum's 120-acre park and gardens to downtown Bentonville, Ark.
The Grant donated be the Walmart Foundation will cover cost of admission for all Museum guests.
Friday, August 12, 2011
About Colour Perception: do you see colour the same way that I see ? (Part 1/4)
The question if we all see the colours the same way, without counting with the known exceptions such as colour blindness and other conditions, has always been an intriguing subject.
Colour plays an important role in our lives, it can even influence our mood.
Artists often have to recurr to certain 'tricks' to find the right colour since our sight is easily deceived and not always a colour is what it looks in first place.
In this series of four videos, experts use different methods to analize colour perception and present their conclusions.
You'll be able to understand how colour affects us and how we perceive colour dependently of where we live, of our culture, and personal characteristics.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The opening of Alcarte 2011 was a success
The opening of Alcarte 2011, that took place yesterday at City Hall Municipal Gallery inside the Town Hall building of Alcochete, was attended by a numerous public who showed a genuine interest and curiosity about the exhibited works.
A total of 76 artworks occupying two stores of the building, including painting, photography, mixed-media and stained-glass, are a testimony of art's dynamism among the portuguese artists.
The Mayor of Acochete, Luís Miguel Franco, made the honours.
Alcarte 2011 can be visited until 2nd of September.
One of the participating artists has created another video of the opening.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Alcarte 2011 - Colective Exhibition
The colective painting and photography exhibition Alcarte 2011, will be inaugurated on August 6th, 18h30, in the town hall of Alcochete.
The artworks can be seen until September 2nd (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm).
During the Festas do Barrete Verde e das Salinas (local festivities), the "Alcarte 2011" can be visited during the following schedule:
Between 6pm and 00h00 on the 12th,16th,17th and 18th of August.
Between 3pm and 00h00 on the 13th, 14th and 15th of August.
National Portrait Gallery presents Late Shift Extra: ReAnimate
This August 5th (18h00-22h00) the National Portrait Gallery, in partnership with F T I Consulting, invites you to Late Shift Extra: ReAnimate, a sensory stimulation exploring the body, movement and the senses: inspired by the Road to 2012 exhibition.
Artistic collaborations, panel discussions, book reading and signing, artist led drop-in drawing sessions with all materials provided, and interventions of live music, sound art, film screenings throughout the night, created by Goldsmiths students , performance, and philosophy take over the Gallery animating spaces, portraits and you.
Feel, touch, smell the Bespoke ReAnimate perfume, created especially for the night, listen and respond - the Gallery will be a giant creative and imaginative playground for the senses.
Special exhibition tour of Road to 2012 Sessions are free but a ticket is required and is available from the Information Desk in the Main Hall on Friday 5 August from 18.00 on a first come, first served basis.
The Late Shift Extra: ReAnimate is curated by Martyn Ware, Illustrious and Karen Pearson, Folded Wing.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Call for artists: XVII Galeria Aberta, Beja 2011
The registration for the XVII Galeria Aberta is now open to all artists working in any medium.
Artists are welcome to submit a recently completed work, bi or tridemensional, including installations and other forms of art representation such as hybrids or mixed media, as long as fit for visualization by all audiences.
The artwork must be ready for presentation and the artist must be available if needed for eventual assembly.
Each artist can only participate with one piece.
The registration form should be submited before the deadline to escudeiros.galeriamunicipal@cm-beja.pt, with an image file of your work in 300 dpi and 10,5x15cm format.
Works must be signed and identified in the back with the author's name, the title of the work, its dimensions, technique and year of completion.
Artists must send the artwork accompanied by the registration form together with a 300 dpi and 10,5x15cm format image file in digital support.
Entrants must use reusable packing when feasible and send the artwork to Museu Jorge Vieira - Rua do Touro, 33 - 7800-689 Beja, Portugal (Tue-Sat 10h00-12h30 14h00-18h00; Sun 14h00-18h00).
Other places that will accept works will eventually be announced.
Pieces with more than 1,5sqm (canvases, drawings,photos) and over 1m³ (sculptures) must be delivered and picked-up by the artist or representative.
Deadline for delivery is 10 October 2011 (previously 16 September 2011, but was extended). The bookstore Círculo das Letras, in Lisbon, is accepting the works.
Three prizes will be awarded and respective artworks acquired:
1600€ and an individual exhibition
800€ and an individual exhbition
400€ and an individual exhibition
Honourable mentions will also be attributed to selected works.
All artworks must stay during the exhbition and be picked-up until 20 days after its end, after which may revert to the City Hall of Beja.
The XVII Galeria Aberta is an art exhibition/contest promoted by the City Hall of Beja in partnership with the Escudeiros Gallery (Galeria dos Escudeiros).
It has in its main purpose to encourage the artistic and cultural development of the region and its inhabitants.
The exhbition will take place between the 12th November and 30th December 2011 at Galeria dos Escudeiros, Castelo-Casa do Governador and Santa Casa da Misericórdia de Beja.
For more information call: (351) 284 311 920.
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