Category: visual

“Ten years later, the biennale has grown in stature but seems to have lost its way, becoming a platform for big name art rather than an investigation into contemporary practices. This year, the organizers have taken a step back to reassess what the biennale means and what direction it should take.”

“Archeologists and campaigners fighting to preserve sites that draw millions of tourists every year say they could suffer the same fate as the House of the Gladiators in the ancient city of Pompeii. It crumpled into rubble this month.”

“Standing on a pedestal high up by Florence Cathedral’s dome, a 400-kilogram (800-pound) fiberglass reproduction of Michelangelo’s David has shown today how the towering sculpture acclaimed for its depiction of male beauty would have looked in the destination first envisaged for it.”

“There’s a catch. While the sale does not technically violate guidelines established by the American Association of Museums and Association of Art Museum Directors for the sale or “deaccessioning” of artworks, it might not follow them in spirit.”

That’s the value of arts sold at last week’s art auctions. Crazy prices, really. “Issues of conservation and durability did not seem to be a consideration.”

“In a draft report Wednesday, it recommended that the Smithsonian’s federal appropriation be cut by $225 million, or roughly 30 percent, and that the institution make up the loss by charging a $7.50 admission fee.”

“The Toronto District School Board and the Art Gallery of Ontario are negotiating a unique partnership that would rescue millions of dollars worth of artwork and nearly two centuries worth of artifacts from a dusty vault in a downtown high school.”

“Hundreds of museums, art galleries and heritage sites are affected. The Italian government wants to cut 280 million euros (£237m, $380m) from the culture budget over the next three years as part of an austerity drive.”

“Today, the MFA shows off its $504 million new Art of the Americas Wing to more than 100 representatives of the media as it hosts a dedication ceremony attended by Senator Scott Brown, Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and other dignitaries.”

“Many dealers brought art that they hoped might end up in the Louvre or Guggenheim being built nearby on Saadiyat Island. … A few American dealers described feeling like they were making a pilgrimage to present their wares to the king. Though it was not entirely clear whom they were meant to impress when it came to acquisitions.”