| | The First Art Newspaper on the Net |   | Established in 1996 | Tuesday, November 12, 2019 |
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| | Asheville Art Museum re-opens after major three-year expansion project | |
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A member looking at [The American Context #16] Christinas World by Luke Haynes in the SECU Collection Hall.
ASHEVILLE, NC.- The Asheville Art Museum, the hub for 20th- and 21st-century American art in Western North Carolina, opens on November 14. The $24+ million, state-of-the-art facility encompasses 54,000 square feet and adds 70 percent more Collection gallery space. For the first time in the Museum's history, it has the capacity to host major traveling exhibitions from nationally recognized museums. The expansion increases its physical space and dramatically increases its role as a community center, educational resource, and cultural concierge for the regions residents and visitors. "The new Asheville Art Museum is a warm and welcoming space on a personal level," says Executive Director Pamela L. Myers. "It's a space designed for people to come together and be inspired in an art-filled, open environment with all the amenities to make them feel comfortable." ... More |
The Best Photos of the Day A picture taken on November 11, 2019 shows guests attending a ceremony at the Louvre in Abu Dhabi marking the second anniversary of the Emirati capital's branch of the French museum. The Louvre Abu Dhabi celebrated two years since it opened its doors, as the fate of the world's most expensive painting remains unknown. Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi was supposed to go on display at the museum in September 2018, but, to everyone's surprise, the United Arab Emirates said the same month it was postponing the hanging. KARIM SAHIB / AFP
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 | | The National Gallery launches public appeal to save Orazio Gentileschi's The Finding of Moses for future generations | | Jitters before New York's art 'gigaweek' | | Centuries old warships linked to 'Vasa' found in Sweden | 
National Gallery Director, Dr Gabriele Finaldi, launching the #SaveOrazio Appeal by hosting a The Finding of Moses storytelling session with a group of children from the Soho Family Centre.
LONDON.- The National Gallery is asking for the publics help to raise the last £2 million it needs to buy a painting of outstanding importance for the national heritage - The Finding of Moses by Orazio Gentileschi (early 1630s) and enable the work to stay on free public display in Trafalgar Square and continue to inspire future generations. The Finding of Moses has a remarkable place in British history. It is one of just a handful of works painted during Orazio Gentileschis 12-year residence in London at the court of King Charles I, commissioned to celebrate the birth of the future Charles II and intended to hang in the Queens House at Greenwich. There is currently only one* Orazio Gentileschi work in a UK public collection, and The Finding of Moses plays an important role in the National Gallery, being intrinsically linked to our recently acquired painting by Orazios ... More | | 
An exceedingly rare witness to a critical period in Bacons life and career, Pope is estimated to sell for $6/8 Million. Courtesy Sotheby's.
NEW YORK (NYT NEWS SERVICE ).- New Yorks biannual billion-dollar gigaweek of sales, whose latest series started Monday, is the glittering pinnacle of the auction market for Impressionist, modern and contemporary art. But is instability in the wider world taking off some of that shine? The weeks various auctions at Christies, Phillips and Sothebys (which in June returned to private ownership) are estimated to raise at least $1.2 billion. But the worlds wealthy will have to be in a free-spending mood to match the $2 billion raised in May at the equivalent spring sales, when Jeff Koons stainless steel Rabbit sculpture fetched $91.1 million, an auction high for any work by a living artist. This time around, there are few museum-quality works by the most famous artists to tempt billionaires no painting or sculpture is estimated to sell for more than $45 million. First, there isnt a major estate this cycle doesnt have ... More | | 
The ship Vasa in the Vasa Museum, from above. Photo: Anneli Karlsson, the Vasa Museum/SMTM.
STOCKHOLM (AFP).- Swedish maritime archeologists have discovered two wrecks believed to be 17th century warships, and at least one is likely the sister ship of the iconic Swedish vessel "Vasa", which sank on its maiden voyage, the Swedish Museum of Wrecks said Friday. "When I came down as the first diver... I saw this wall 5-6 metres high and I came up and there was a massive warship," diver and maritime archeologist Jim Hansson told AFP, adding that "it was a thrilling feeling." The two wrecks were found in the Swedish archipelago outside the town of Vaxholm in a strait leading into Stockholm. At least one of the ships is believed to be the sister ship Sweden's most famous warship the "Vasa," a 69-metre ship carrying 64 cannons, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Named after one of Sweden's kings, it was originally meant to serve as a symbol of Sweden's military might but instead capsized after sailing just over 1,000 metres. Vasa was salvaged ... More |
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| | Louvre Abu Dhabi marks two years, without da Vinci | | Marsden Hartley's Birch Grove, autumn leads Bonhams American Art sale in New York | | Sotheby's to offer property from Spetchley Park, one of Britain's great Regency houses | 
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan (R) sits next to Claude Chirac, the daughter of late French president Jacques Chirac, during a ceremony in Abu Dhabi marking the second anniversary of the Emirati capital's Louvre Museum on November 11, 2019. KARIM SAHIB / AFP.
ABU DHABI (AFP).- The Louvre Abu Dhabi on Monday celebrated two years since it opened its doors, but the fate of what was to be a prize exhibit remains unknown. The world's most expensive painting, Leonardo da Vinci's Salvator Mundi was meant to go on display at the museum in September 2018. But in a surprise move, the United Arab Emirates postponed the hanging. The famous work has not been seen in public since it was sold for $450 million at a Christie's auction in 2017, sparking speculation over its authenticity and its buyer. Asked whether or not the piece would go on display in the coming year, museum head Manuel Rabate told AFP it was "a question for the city", referring to Emirati authorities. The emirate's ... More | | 
Birch Grove, Autumn by Marsden Hartley. Estimate: $300,000-500,000. Photo: Bonhams.
NEW YORK, NY.- A selection of significant modernist works deaccessioned by The Museum of Modern Art, New York and sold to benefit the acquisitions fund, will lead Bonhams American Art sale in New York on Tuesday, November 19. Highlights from The Museum of Modern Art include Birch Grove, Autumn by Marsden Hartley, estimated at $300,000-500,000, and Ordnance Island, Bermuda by Niles Spencer, estimated at $150,000-250,000. Additional highlights in the sale span the 19th and 20th century genres of American Art, including works by John Frederick Kensett, William Glackens, Albert Bierstadt, James Buttersworth, and James Bard. Marsden Hartleys (1877-1943) revolutionary vision and painting techniques led him to become one of the most pioneering figures of the American Modernist movement. Painted in 1910a breakthrough year for Hartley Birch Grove, Autumn is ... More | | 
A Two-Manual Harpsichord by Jacob Kirkman, London, 1766. Estimate £30,000-50,000. Courtesy Sotheby's.
LONDON.- Spetchley Park, the glory that is one of Britains great Regency houses, is set to reveal for the very first time a whole sequence of fascinating stories from its long and eventful past. On 11 December 2019, Sothebys will offer some 750 objects that together unlock these previously untold stories, at the same time allowing for a first-ever glimpse inside a house that for the last 400 years has been closed to the public eye. The sale, to be held in London, springs from a need to make this historic house into a home. After inheriting Spetchley two years ago, Henry Berkeley, the youngest son of the late John Berkeley, rekindled his love of the house further to moving back to the estate with his wife and children, but he has since become conscious of the need to reimagine it for a young family in the 21st century. Henry Berkeley commented: Spetchley, despite its imposing presence in the Worcestershire countryside, is fi ... More |
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| | Lyon & Turnbull's MODERN MADE auction will turn the spotlight on the West Cornwall fishing town | | Works by Margaret MacDonald, Josef Hoffmann and Alphonse Mucha come under the hammer at Dorotheum | | Meadows Museum announces a new collaboration with Fundación ARCO | 
Monica Young, British 1929-2004, Tall coiled vessel stoneware, 148 cm high. Estimate
£600 - £1,000.
LONDON.- Lyon & Turnbulls MODERN MADE auction in London on November 14 will turn the spotlight on the West Cornwall fishing town that became a centre for 20th century British art. It was in St Ives where a forward-thinking collective of artists established a base for the abstract, avant-garde movement in Britain. Among the most eagerly anticipated aspects of the 279-lot sale are the many works from an important St Ives artists estate. This includes an archive of material relating to Porthia Prints, a short-lived company established by sculptor and painter Denis Mitchell (1912-93) and his brother in the 1950s. With the promise of a little extra money, the pair encouraged local artists to submit original designs for screen printing on linen and sale as table mats. At least 17 painters and sculptors, a veritable A-Z of the post-war St Ives scene, took part in the project that between 1955-60 supplied ... More | | 
A pair of reliefs by Margaret MacDonald, "Day" and "Night", from the smoking cabinett designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. The cupboard was exhibited um 1900 at the Eighth Secession Exhibition in the "Scottish Room" in Vienna, metall, silver-plated, 58.6 x 10.6 cm and 58.4 x 10.7 cm, estimate 40,000 80,000. Image courtesy of Dorotheum.
VIENNA.- The range of applied art in the Fin de Siècle is illustrated by the auction on 11 December 2019 at Dorotheum, whether in the form of Viennese stars, including Josef Hoffmann, Margaret MacDonald, the Scottish designer and craftswoman, or the famous Czech Art Nouveau artist Alphonse Mucha. Dorotheum specialist Magda Pfabigan came across a minor sensation during her research on two reliefs. She was able to attribute the two silver-plated metal works Day and Night to the Scottish art nouveau artist Margaret MacDonald. They came from the smoking cabinet designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh (the designer and architect was Margaret MacDonalds husband) ... More | | 
Maribel López, director of ARCOmadrid, and Mark A. Roglán, director of the Meadows Museum, during the presentation of the project in Madrid. Courtesy Meadows Museum.
DALLAS, TX.- The Meadows Museum, SMU, announced an expansion of its contemporary art program with the establishment of a six-year partnership with Fundación ARCO, the guiding organization behind Spains premier contemporary art fair, ARCOmadrid. Through the collaboration, titled MAS: Meadows/ARCO Artist Spotlight, the Meadows will, on a biennial basis, select one emerging or mid-career Spanish artist to present their work at the Meadows Museum for approximately four months. As part of the series, each selected artist will also travel to Dallas to participate in public programming, envisioned to further engage audiences with the artists practice. The partnership leverages ARCOs deep knowledge of Spains contemporary art scene and the Meadows Museums ... More |
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| | A sculpture for Brooklyn's new golden age? | | Morphy's gallery resonates with sounds of antique coin-op and gambling machines in run-up to November auction | | Stephen Dixon, author of experimental novels and stories, dies at 83 | 
Hank Willis Thomas' "Unity" at Tillary and Adams Street, near the Brooklyn Bridge, in Brooklyn, Nov. 9, 2019. Kyle Johnson/The New York Times.
NEW YORK (NYT NEWS SERVICE ).- Standing at the newly constructed intersection of Tillary and Adams streets, near the exit from the Brooklyn Bridge, is a new, 22-foot bronze arm with the index finger pointing skyward. Commissioned by New York Citys Percent for Art program, the permanent sculpture was created by Hank Willis Thomas and is titled Unity (2019). Is this outstretched arm a new greeting at the threshold of Brooklyn, like the Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor? Giant arms and hands arent a new thing in public sculpture. Head to Rome and you can see a giant right hand, originally from a 4th-century AD colossal sculpture of the Emperor Constantine. Paris has (finally) Jeff Koons 41-foot hand holding a bouquet of tulips, his tribute to the victims of terrorist attacks. Visit Trafalgar Square in London, and you can gaze upon David Shrigleys Really Good (2016), a sculpture of a hand with the thumbs-up gesture with the thumb grotesquely ... More | | 
Oversized Coca-Cola. Oversized leaded-glass display bottle manufactured in the 1920s by Metropolitan Art Glass Co., New York. Measures 19 x 19 x 47in on wooden base. Highly sought-after display piece that rarely appears for sale in the marketplace. Estimate $50,000-$80,000.
DENVER, PA.- They clang, they whirr, some play music, and some were designed to pay jackpots, challenge early gamers, or dispense snacks. These are just some of the actions and sounds associated with antique coin-op machines, which have entertained America since the 19th century. This month Morphy Auctions Pennsylvania gallery has transformed into a virtual amusement arcade, showcasing a first-class lineup of gaming, vending and music machines, as well as a fine array of antique advertising. Comprising 1,475 lots in all, this exciting selection will cross the auction block at Morphys Coin-Op & Advertising sale, November 20 and 21. Day 1 is devoted primarily to coin-op and gambling machines, while Day 2 will feature antique advertising and general antiques. An extra highlight of the opening session is a grouping ... More | | 
One doesnt exactly read a story by Stephen Dixon, one submits to it, critic Alan H. Friedman wrote in his review of Dixons novel Frog in The New York Times in 1991. An unstoppable prose expands the arteries while an edgy, casual nervousness overpowers the will.
NEW YORK (NYT NEWS SERVICE ).- Stephen Dixon, whose hyper-realistic novels and short stories reflected his fascination with personal loss, sex, heartbreak, disaster, marriage and old age, died Wednesday at a hospice in Towson, Maryland. He was 83. His daughter Sophia Dixon Frydman said the cause was complications of Parkinsons disease and pneumonia. Dixon produced fiction at a daunting clip. Working on a portable typewriter, he published 18 novels and about 600 stories. His final story (about a man who was 80, like him, and who had a cat like his cat) was published in Heavy Feather Review last month, while he was in hospice. He never found fame or big sales, but his idiosyncratic storytelling drew praise. One doesnt exactly read a story by Stephen Dixon, one submits to it, critic Alan H. Friedman wrote ... More |
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A Brand New Humanoid Species is Discovered in a Cave
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 Thai convent weaves 'beautiful' robes for Pope Francis visitBANGKOK (AFP).- Sewing machines whir in a Bangkok convent as workers feverishly finish silk robes in brilliant golds and reds, made especially for Pope Francis and his entourage visiting Thailand this month. The whirlwind November 20-23 trip will see the head of the Catholic Church meet top officials, host masses and visit the Catholic faithful in the Buddhist-majority country. Seamstresses at the Praharuthai Convent in Bangkok are working hard ahead of the trip to ensure Pope Francis and his bishops, deacons and priests are decked out in the country's finest threads. "I feel happy and very proud that our convent has been selected to do this most honourable job," said Sister Sukanya, who oversees the tailoring. She and her team of about a dozen seamstresses have been working long days for two months on the more than 200 robes, ... More The Ackland Art Museum appoints new Curator for Asian Art, Ellen HuangCHAPEL HILL, NC.- The Ackland Art Museum at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill announced the appointment of Ellen C. Huang as Curator for Asian Art. Huang is a historian of art, technology, and material culture, who researches across the physical sciences and humanities. Starting Dec. 2, Huang will be responsible for organizing and overseeing exhibitions, conducting research and producing publications, and cultivating curricular and public engagement, all within the context of a global public research university. I am honored and delighted to be joining the Ackland, and I look forward to working with the energetic staff, boards, and university colleagues to deepen understanding and appreciation of art from Asia. Not only is the University renowned for its active and ambitious program in Asian studies, but the Acklands distinguished ... More Major survey of Barry Le Va's early work on view at Dia:BeaconBEACON, NY.- This fall, Dia Art Foundation presents a survey of early work by Barry Le Va at Dia:Beacon in Beacon, New York. The exhibition features several of the artists most important floor-based, site-responsive installations from the 1960s, using felt, aluminum bars, and ball bearings, as well as early works using glass, meat cleavers, and powder. Though seemingly random in their presentation, these radical works are rigorously planned and arranged, and offer a counterpoint to the stark geometry of his peers Minimal sculptures. The yearlong exhibition opened November 9, 2019. Since the 1960s Le Va has been regarded as one of the leading practitioners of Postminimal and Process art. Alongside peers such as Robert Morris and Richard Serra, he renounced the contemporary mainstays of concrete form and geometry, embracing instead the concepts ... More Phillips names Lori Spector as Regional Director for SwitzerlandZURICH.- Phillips announces the appointment of Lori Spector as Senior International Specialist, 20th Century & Contemporary Art and Regional Director, Zurich. This important hire marks the next stage in building a long-term and commanding presence in Zurich, continuing Phillips expansion across Europe. Prior to joining Phillips, Ms. Spector worked as a private art advisor and dealer living between Zurich and New York, specialising in 20th century and contemporary art. With extensive client relationships across these regions, and over twenty years of experience in the international art world, she will play a significant role in building Phillips presence in Switzerland. Ms. Spector will work with Phillips senior executives to source and sell 20th century and contemporary art to this ever-growing market, and to deliver best-in-class service and engagement opportunities ... More Christie's to offer the David Little Silver Collection of Early English SilverLONDON.- On 3 December, Christies will offer The David Little Silver Collection of Early English Silver in London, comprising 26 very rare works to have survived the loss and destruction of most Tudor and Jacobean Silver during the Civil War. The most extraordinary survivals are the Armada Dishes which were rediscovered buried in a barn in the 19th century (estimate: £150,00-200,000). This remarkable collection presents the market with a unique opportunity to acquire some of the last and most valuable objects in private hands. A celebration of beauty and craftsmanship, it also provides an evocative opportunity to compare with Old Master still life paintings, bringing to life the silver objects and vessels depicted. David Littles working life was spent in Nottinghamshire, where he built collections of early oak furniture, pewter and pre-Civil ... More Keith Flint Collection surpasses expectationsCAMBRIDGE.- The sale of the Keith Flint Collection surpassed all expectations when raising close to £350,000 to help settle the liabilities from the estate of the late frontman of The Prodigy. There was strong bidding right the way through the 168-lot sale in a packed saleroom which generated an excellent atmosphere. Three MTV Music Awards shaped as a Moonman from 1997 topped the sale when selling for £16,000. The most talked about item in the sale, the custom-made steel and oak bed, sold for £8,500. While putting together the sale it was discovered that craftsman Steve Liddard was commissioned to build the bed in 1997 and took five years to complete the imposing structure. The bed is supported at each corner by entwined thorns and accessed via steps supported on the back of a crouching, winged mythical beast. ... More Syria puppeteer offers Idlib children breathing spaceSARAQIB (AFP).- Walid Abu Rashed walks past bombed-out buildings in war-torn northwest Syria, carrying a large wooden board and a plastic bag filled with puppets while dozens of children trail behind him. The 26 year-old's mobile puppet theatre has become a small respite from war for the children of Saraqib, a town in the jihadist-run province of Idlib. After school, they gather amidst the rubble, clapping their hands, as the theatre actor puts on a show from behind his makeshift puppet stand, a flashy yellow wig covering his black hair. The war-weary children sing along to a tune blasting from a speaker as hand puppets of a lion and a mouse pop up from a square hole carved at the centre of the wooden board. "How sweet it is to live well and in peace," they chant in unison. Packing up his kit after the show, Abu Rashed says theatre is a form of resistance. ... More Vivaldi reworked to 'make climate change audible'BERLIN (AFP).- A classical orchestra in Germany aims to "make climate change audible" with a reworking of Antonio Vivaldi's famous violin concertos "The Four Seasons" using algorithms based on climate data. The project reimagining one of the most widely recognised classical works is entitled "For Seasons" and will be performed in Hamburg on Saturday. A collaboration between musicians, artists and software developers, the composition has been described by its creators as "disharmonic" and "uncomfortable". "The piece makes the facts of climate change obvious: the climate and our seasons have grown unbalanced," the organisers said on the project website. Using data relating to species extinctions, rises in global temperatures and extreme weather events, the composers claim to have developed algorithms which can "influence the ... More Teresa Iarocci Mavica appointed commissioner of the Russian Pavilion at the Venice BiennaleVENICE.- Teresa Iarocci Mavica has been appointed commissioner of the Russian Pavilion in the Giardini, main exhibition area of the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia), the largest international exhibition in Europe. The respective order was signed by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Vladimir Medinsky on November 8, 2019. The strategic management of the Pavilion has been appointed to Smart Art consultancy. For 10 years, Smart Art will be working to ensure financial independence and sustainable development of the Russian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale: it will provide professional support for projects on stages of their preparation and implementation, as well as maintaining the infrastructure of the building that needs special and careful treatment. Anastasia Karneeva, Smart Art co-founder: This long-term lease will allow ... More J. Garrett Auctioneers' November 2nd-4th auction grosses over $2 millionDALLAS, TX.- An outstanding pair of carved alabaster angels having gold-gilded wings and amazing overall detail sold for $28,800 and an important oil on canvas painting of Columbuss discovery of America by Nicolaas Pienemann (Dutch, 1809-1860) brought $41,600 at an auction of items from the estate of Lonnie Bo Pilgrim (1928-2017), the co-founder of Pilgrims Pride. Pilgrims Pride was, at one time, one of the largest chicken producers in the United States. Items from Mr. Pilgrims estate headlined the auction held November 2nd-4th by J. Garrett Auctioneers, online and in the Dallas gallery at 9203 Diplomacy Row. Also offered were items from Richard Horton of Fort Worth, Texas, who amassed a museum-quality collection spanning over 50 years. This sale was very reminiscent of the good old auction days, said Julie Garrett VanDolen ... More Diana Greenwald named new Assistant Curator of the Collection at the Isabella Stewart Gardner MuseumBOSTON, MASS.- The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum announces Diana Greenwald as the Museums new Assistant Curator of the Collection. In this role, she is responsible for the care of the permanent collection and organizing special exhibitions. Her particular focus will be works in the collection from the nineteenth and early twentieth-century. Greenwald brings to the museum extensive experience as an art and economic historian. Previously, she was a pre-doctoral fellow at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, Frick Art Reference Library, and the Winterthur Museum and Library. Most recently, she worked two years as an Andrew W. Mellon post-doctoral Curatorial Fellow at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. for the departments of American and British Paintings and Modern Prints and Drawings. I am thrilled to work at the Gardner, ... More |
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Flashback On a day like today, Jeff Koons' "Balloon Dog (Orange)" set a world auction record November 12, 2013. Jeff Koons' "Balloon Dog (Orange)" at Christie's in New York. The mirror-polished stainless steel with transparent color coating was part of Post-War and Contemporary Evening Sale held on November 12, 2013. The sculpture sold for $58,405,000. The sum was the highest ever paid for a work by a living artist. AFP PHOTO/Don Emmert
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