Art
NY art museum surprised to find hidden ‘Free Palestine’ message on artwork – The Times of Israel
Officials at a New York contemporary art museum say they did not realize that an artist had used neon lights to spell out “Free Palestine” in their work, The New York Times reported Thursday.
Native American artist and activist Demian DinéYazhi’ created the installation for the Whitney Biennial, an exhibition at the Whitney Museum of Art set to begin March 20, which spells out “We must stop imagining apocalypse/genocide + we must imagine liberation” in flickering neon lights. The work was conceived before the current war in Gaza erupted.
When the lights blink, those that remain lit slowly spell the phrase “Free Palestine” — an addition that was not immediately made known to the public.
“It is about Indigenous resistance and opposition to forms of settler colonialism,” DinéYazhi’ told The Times. “The piece in its final form and as it currently exists today is a response to being situated within settler colonial institutions.”
Initially, the Whitney Museum of Art was unaware of the secret message and believed the flickering lights were meant to highlight the words “genocide” and “liberation.”
Officials told The Times earlier in the week that they believed the work was about Indigenous resistance movements.
An artwork at the Whitney Biennial has a subtle message even its curators didn’t see. Museum officials said they had been unaware that the artist Demian DinéYazhi’ included “Free Palestine” through the flickering lights of his neon installation. https://t.co/NpKpaG6Vkm
— New York Times Arts (@nytimesarts) March 14, 2024
“The museum did not know of this subtle detail when the work was installed,” Angela Montefinise of the museum told The Times, adding there were no plans to remove or alter the installation.
“The Biennial has long been a place where contemporary artists address timely matters, and the Whitney is committed to being a space for artists’ conversations,” she said.
The biennial exhibition which began in 1932 is described by the museum as a “gathering of artists who explore the permeability of the relationships between mind and body, the fluidity of identity, and the growing precariousness of the natural and constructed worlds around us.”
“Whether through subversive humor, expressive abstraction, or non-Western forms of cosmological thinking, to name but a few of their methods, these artists demonstrate that there are pathways to be found, strategies of coping and healing to be discovered, and ways to come together even in a fractured time.”
Art
Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com
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Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com
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Art
Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed
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.
Art
Sudbury art, music festival celebrating milestone
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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