Author: Douglas McLennan

Australia’s museums have come under criticism for not doing enough to return art in their collections that may have been stolen by the Nazis in World War II. Now the National Gallery of Victoria will list 24 works from its collection on the internet to see if anyone comes forward to claim them. – The Age (Melbourne)

A new book charges that the contemporary art world has become far too narrow-minded. “Shock art is the safest kind of art that an artist can go into the business of making today. The real mavericks of our time have been working quietly and carefully for years in their studios producing wonderful work few people have seen. And that even though the NEA is not the cause of the various ills we’ve seen, it is to a great degree an embodiment of the problem.” – Salon

Artists create a life-size wax statue of London Evening Standard art critic Brian Sewell and put it in a show. Sewell is depicted staring at a wall label which explains what the artwork is. Sewell is not amused. “I can tell you that they have been desperately trying to get me there to do the boring thing of photographing us together. It means I shall not be going to the exhibition.” – London Evening Standard

Artists in Edinburgh were having trouble getting their work out, promoted and seen. So a group of about 20 artists got together and combined their resources to work and promote their work. “As individuals we couldn’t afford a campaign like this, but together we can.” – The Scotsman

The palace at Versailles is in need of help to repair after a damaging New Year’s storm. Now an opulently illustrated (and fun) website about the palace has been set up www.chateauversailles.fr full of everything you ever wanted to know about Versailles. The hope is to spur international donations to the restoration efforts. – New York Times