Art
The Frick Pittsburgh Apologizes for Postponing Islamic Art Show – The New York Times
The Frick Pittsburgh, which postponed an exhibition featuring 10 centuries of Islamic art after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, apologized for the offense its leader’s explanation caused.
The head of the Frick Pittsburgh apologized Thursday for the way she handled the postponement of an exhibition of Islamic art, which had been scheduled to open this month before museum leaders decided to delay it because of the Israel-Hamas war.
In an apology posted on the museum’s website, Elizabeth Barker, the museum’s executive director, acknowledged that the museum had not initially been forthcoming about its decision to delay the exhibition, “Treasured Ornament: 10 Centuries of Islamic Art,” and apologized for causing offense when she later tried to explain the decision.
“There are no excuses for what I said, regardless of my intentions,” Ms. Barker said in the statement. “My words gave the offensive and utterly wrong impression that I equated Islam with terrorism and that I saw Jews and Muslims — communities with millennia of peaceful interconnection — as fundamentally opposed.”
The museum initially made no announcement about its decision not to open the show, saying on its website only that the delay was due to “a scheduling conflict.” Ms. Barker later told The Tribune-Review that it was a show “that a forgiving person would call insensitive, but for many people, especially in our community, would be traumatic.” Her comments were denounced by local Muslim and Jewish groups, who said that they perpetuated harmful stereotypes linking Islamic art to terrorism or antisemitism.
“My failure to tell it straight from the beginning undermined trust in our organization and had the effect of retraumatizing people,” Barker wrote in the letter. “Today, I want to make public my and the Frick’s commitment to hold ourselves accountable to repair the relationships we damaged and earn back the trust we have lost.”
The exhibition was set to feature paintings, metalwork and glassware made by artists of different faiths working in the Islamic world, according to scholars who studied the included artifacts.
In the aftermath of the controversy over the postponement, leaders from the Frick Pittsburgh met with different cultural groups, including the city’s chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations.
Christine Mohamed, the chapter’s executive director, said that the group appreciated the sincerity of the Frick Pittsburgh’s apology and their commitment to accountability.
“We believe in the power of open dialogue to bridge gaps and build stronger community bonds,” she said in a statement.
The museum has rescheduled the exhibition to open in August 2024. The postponed exhibition was organized by the nonprofit International Arts and Artists, which created it on behalf of the Huntington Museum of Art in West Virginia.
In her apology, Barker said that she had been humbled by speaking with people about the controversy, “including leaders in our region’s Muslim community, who have reframed this moment as an opportunity for us to learn and grow.”
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”
On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.
Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”
The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.
Blaze in the West Wing
The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.
About Somerset House
Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.
Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.
Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.
Sudbury’s annual art and music festival is marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating its long-standing impact on the local cultural scene. The festival, which has grown from a small community event to a major celebration of creativity, brings together artists, musicians, and visitors from across the region for a weekend of vibrant performances and exhibitions.
The event features a diverse range of activities, from live music performances to art installations, workshops, and interactive exhibits that highlight both emerging and established talent. This year’s milestone celebration will also honor the festival’s history by showcasing some of the artists and performers who have contributed to its success over the years.
Organizers are excited to see how the festival has evolved, becoming a cornerstone of Sudbury’s cultural landscape. “This festival is a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible talent we have here in Sudbury,” said one of the event’s coordinators. “It’s amazing to see how it has grown and the impact it continues to have on the arts community.”
With this year’s milestone celebration, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with a full lineup of exciting events, workshops, and performances that will inspire and engage attendees of all ages.
The festival’s milestone is not just a reflection of its past success but a celebration of the continued vibrancy of Sudbury’s arts scene.
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