Art
Grandpa's Reaction to 9-Year-Old's Art Unravels Decades-Old Trauma – TooFab
Who knew a drawing of a polar bear would reveal these deep family issues?
A woman has taken to the internet for advice after a dispute with her father over a piece of art.
The story, posted to an anonymous forum, featured a drawing by the woman’s son that sparked a difficult family conversation.
While the initial post from OP (a.k.a. the “original poster”) was rather brief, she went on to engage in various meaningful conversations in the comments.
Read on to see how the whole thing played out.
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Original AITA Post on Reddit
“I shared my son’s drawing of a (realistic polar bear and it’s really good) with dad and he replied saying ‘I think he was not focused while doing this’,” OP wrote. “My son’s 9 years old.”
“It triggered so many things,” she explained. “I grew up in this environment. Nothing will ever be good. When I asked him what’s wrong with you to say that this is his reply: ‘Learn to call spade a spade. Learn to have the guts to say when it is not up to the mark it is so. I don’t have to say sweet words to please anyone including my children and grandchildren. It is my opinion and you can take it or leave it.'”
“I sent him a post on conditional love and how it affects children and told him no wonder I’m so messed up. Now I’m second guessing myself,” OP wrote in conclusion.
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The Questions She Answered in The Comments
As you might expect, the majority of commenters were supportive of OP, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t have plenty of questions.
“NTA [Not The A–hole] – but keep your father away from your son at all costs. Clearly he had a negative impact on you as a child, you don’t want him to do the same for your son,” one concerned Redditor wrote.
“My mum is really attached to the kids, she’’ll be broken if I go NC [no contact] and leave her to deal with dad alone,” OP said in reply.
“But why are you still going out of your way to associate with him if he’s toxic and always has been? Are you subjecting your kid to the same toxicity you grew up with?” insisted another commenter.
Don’t let this man near your son again.
“He wasn’t this bad,” she explained. “I don’t know if it’s age or what.. even my mom is scared to talk to him when he gets angry. We live in a different city, can’t go no contact, my kids are very attached to my mom and she to them..”
“Your dad and his understanding on this matter is problematic. But beyond showing him that article you don’t owe him anymore labour to help him correct his behaviour. Just let him know that if he continues to be this shitty with your son, you will bar him from seeing your son to protect his emotional well being. And he can take it or leave it,” advised another.
“Thank you. Indian parents will guilt you for not looking after them when they’re old and they need you by their side,” OP said, reiterating her reticence in changing anything.
When another asked why she still had a “relationship with this guy?” she replied, “He does things for the kids like get them gifts and everything, and then says stuff like this. It’s always been like that. The family has to be picture perfect even if it’s all broken.”
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That response inspired a Redditor to ask: “Is an occasional gift worth it to your child’s mental well being? Put your children before your mother and to non contact with your dad. She can come hang out without him. She’s a grown woman”.
“She won’t,” OP wrote. “He’s super controlling of everything she does. And financially dependent on him.”
“Does your dad praise other drawings by your kid? As an artist, it was helpful when my family gave me positive and negative feedback on my art so I could improve. In fact, the ones that took my art the most seriously weren’t afraid to tell me when something wasn’t my best. If your dad says 4 drawings are good and 1 is not focused, it could be more useful than saying it’s all perfect,” offered another. “Your kid is talented, and if he pursues art, he’s going to get a lot of criticism in the art world. If your dad is more often constructive (not necessarily complimentary) than s–tting on him, that’s valuable experience.”
“Thank you for that perspective,” OP said in reply. “He does appreciate him as well and is very proud and shares the drawings with everyone. But, I don’t want my son to be some trophy grandkid that they can show off and not value him as a person. That’s the fear.”
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“Look, you are a parent. It’s your responsibility to protect your child. Don’t let this man near your son again, and talk to him about anything his grandfather may have said negatively to him in the past. Those words can live in your head forever, as I’m sure you already know,” wrote one Redditor.
“And that’s what hurts,” admitted OP. “Because growing up, my mum was way worse and wanting me to be perfect and I used to walk on eggshells because she would be angry all the time. At that time, dad was like the safe space. He would get angry and I would still do what they wanted, but he was way better than mom. And now, it’s the opposite. I’m healing from a lot of things, so maybe I react too quickly as well to when they say something.”
“Knowing what he is like – WHY would you expose your son to that attitude? Why would you SHOW his drawing to your dad? Are you still trying to get approval from dad?” added another.
“My son wanted to share it with family. And he’s very shy. So this kind of response is just horrible,” she explained.
What do you think?
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Art
Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork
In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.
Alleged Fraud Scheme
Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.
Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.
Massive Seizure of Artworks
In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.
Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.
Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed
In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.
Court Proceedings Ongoing
The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.
Impact on the Local Art Community
The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.
For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.
As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.
While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.
Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.
As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.
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.
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