- San Francisco’s de Young Museum was damaged in the 1989 earthquake. Plans are well along to rebuild. But “if local community activists have their way, the design for the ambitious $135 million project will soon be subjected to a process that many observers believe could doom it. And although the proposed building, by acclaimed Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron Architekten AG, has been hailed by those culturally-in-the-know as a masterpiece of contemporary Modernism, it has come in for some blistering criticism from an unexpected quarter: other architects.” – Metropolis
Author: Douglas McLennan
SHOOTING STARS
Russia’s Mariinsky Ballet (formerly the Kirov) has a new star. “Because of her, the Mariinsky is suddenly hot again. It’s the Russian equivalent of a new home-run hitter lighting up Yankee Stadium or a fresh tenor conquering La Scala.” – Washington Post
TAKING IT TO THE SMALL SCREEN
While British cinema languishes in a slump (with one after another flop released in recent months), “it’s heartening to find a group of home-grown filmmakers trying something that is novel, forward-looking and gripping”: the release of the first truly interactive movie. “Running Time” can be viewed over the Internet on a PC, with a new five-minute segment released every four months. The ending will be decided by viewers’ votes. – The Telegraph (UK) 06/08/00
THE FAMILY BUSINESS
Neeme Järvi and his sons Paavo and Kristjan are founding something of a family dynasty – all three Estonian conductors are now music directors of American orchestras. – The Age (Melbourne) (AP)
ANOTHER CELEBRITY WHO PAINTS
Joni Mitchell has gotten rich and famous as a pop singer. But even though music has paid the bills, she considers herself a painter. “All through this,” she relates in an exclusive interview, “I have always thought of myself as a painter derailed by circumstance.” Now she has a show in Canada. – The Globe and Mail (Canada)
THE ART OF ALOHA
The man who invented the “Aloha” shirt (way back in 1931) has died. “The Aloha shirt is the ultimate expression of delighted creativity. You can’t help but feel good when you’re wearing an Aloha shirt.” – Washington Post
THE ART OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION
In an attempt for broaden the appeal of British museums, the British government has given museums quotas for attracting minorities into the museums. Their public funding will depend on meeting the quotas. – NPR
TO BE YOUNG, BRITISH AND AN ARTIST —
— is to be glamorous and a celebrity. But, “is the state of British art or that of any other country where Damien Hirst’s shark-in-a-tank has been exhibited the better for it? Absolutely not.” So what is the legacy of the Young British Artists? – New York Press
SAVING FACE
The Chinese government has protested the showing of “Inside Out: New Chinese Art” in Australia, saying the exhibition could damage their “international standing.” A disclaimer note above the entrance to the exhibit reads: “The National Gallery of Australia wishes to advise that this performance contains nudity, live animals and Chinese firecrackers.” What on earth are they worried about? – South China Morning Post (Hong Kong)
BLACK AND WHITE MEMORY
Due to the political climate of North Korea in the 1950’s, there is very little art or recorded literature to help Koreans remember that period of history. A newly discovered photographic collection is helping people fill in the blanks. – Korea Times