“Known for his unique voice which had both depth and softness, Pandit Jasraj was one of a handful of remaining old school musical giants of the Indian classical world, alongside artists like Bhimsen Joshi and Kishori Amonkar. Incredibly, he was performing and teaching online until the end with a remarkably robust, age-defying voice.” – The Guardian
Blog
Woman Attacks Britto Sculpture – And The Motivation?
A viral video has surfaced of a woman confronting Brazilian artist Romero Britto at a busy gallery and shattering one of his sculptures in front of him as he fumbles to retrieve the work. Shared last week with hashtags such as #moodflip and #karen—a pejorative term used in the US to describe a white woman who uses her privilege to demand her own way at the expense of others—the video has received nearly three million views. Yet some users called the act “well-deserved” and said that they “had no choice but to stan” but the woman. – The Art Newspaper
Royal Ballet Star Edward Watson Retires From Stage
“He has stunned Covent Garden audiences as the doomed Prince Mayerling, a tormented Leontes in The Winter’s Tale, Lewis Carroll’s bewigged White Rabbit and a gloop-smeared Gregor Samsa in The Metamorphosis. But after 15 years as a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet, Edward Watson is to retire and join its team of coaches.” – The Guardian
Will Technology Change Human Equality?
We are at the point where real differences between populations can be scientifically engineered, we face a new challenge. As gene-altered or AI-assisted humans emerge, how can we preserve the political sense of equal citizenship that we have (imperfectly) developed? – Noema
Why Did I Arrange Bach’s ‘Goldberg’ Variations For Harp? Because It Works!
“I’m the first to admit that my project can sound outré or precious. … When it came to Bach, I was unhappy about the piano’s awkwardness with hand crossings, the harpsichord’s lack of dynamic vitality and the tootiness of organ pipes. … I kept struggling with what my ideal ‘Goldbergs’ might sound like. I wanted the raw pluckiness of the harpsichord, but with the expressive qualities of the piano.” Parker Ramsay, who plays harpsichord and organ as well as Baroque and modern harp, makes his case. – The New York Times
Stand-Up Comedy Outdoors Just Doesn’t Work The Same Way
Several outfits in New York are trying it, and Jesse David Fox checked one out. “Comedy clubs are agreed-upon spaces where we allow comedians to say whatever they want. But now we have, as [Sean] Patton called it, ‘filthy hoo-ha talk’ floating into the air for anyone to hear. … Also, you don’t think about how important ceilings are until there aren’t any. Comedy benefits from trapping the laughs in, allowing one joke to ride off the momentum of the previous one. When that’s not possible, laughs float away into the air.” – New York Magazine
No Flipping: Christie’s Add Clause To Contract Of Sale For Works By Black Artists
The market for Black artists’ work is hot right now, and some re-sellers are pocketing enormous profits — none of which are going to the actual creators of the now-high-value asset. So the curator of the Christie’s exhibition “Say It Loud (I’m Black and Proud)” and the house’s management, after consulting the artists, came up with a remedy. – Artnet
Hilary Mantel Will Not Be Writing Any More Historical Fiction, Thank You
“I haven’t got another big historical novel in view, … so I hope people will stop writing to me with suggestions. It’s lovely that people have the appetite for it but considering the pace at which I proceed, I would like some life before it’s too late.” – The Guardian
Can The Arts Help Revive Rural America?
“According to the Rural Establishment Innovation Survey, residents in rural counties that are home to performing arts organizations earn up to $6,000 more than people who live in rural counties without such platforms. All of this is sparking hope for a revival of rural counties — half of which have seen their population decline since 2000 — and at a time when experts are predicting mass migration from urban centers to smaller towns because of the growing costs in cities and the increased possibilities for working from home.” – OZY
New York Museums Cleared To Reopen As Of Aug. 24
“The announcement came as the state has seen less than 1 percent of all coronavirus tests return positive for seven straight days, [Gov.] Cuomo said in a news conference. … Institutions will be required to keep the buildings at 25 percent occupancy and to use a timed ticketing system, … to control the flow of traffic through their buildings, and face coverings will be compulsory.” – The New York Times