Tracing the Origins of the Venus of Willendorf

March 3, 2022 • View in browser

Good morning. ⛅ Today, the origins of the Venus of Willendorf, the “Karen” meme and US exceptionalism, and reviews of Jenny Dubnau, Ai Weiwei, and Hana Yilma Godine.

— Hrag Vartanian, editor-in-chief

Researchers Trace the Origin of Venus of Willendorf to Northern Italy

But they are also open to the possibility that it may have originated from eastern Ukraine. | Jasmine Liu

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Photograph by Tom Griggs

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Hana Yilma Godine’s Paintings Depict Ethiopian Traditions with Modern Style and Flair

Her work transports viewers into a timeless space where beauty, community, and the natural world are valued above all. | Taylor Michael

In the Work of Ai Weiwei, Biography Supersedes Art

Perhaps Ai is untouchable. If that is the case, where were we left when judging his new art? | Michael Glover

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With her portraits, the artist seems to be drawn to that psychologically charged instant of the momentary encounter. | John Yau

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What the ‘Karen’ Meme Shows About Declining US Exceptionalism

While there's room for debate about who is and is not a Karen, one critical component is the stench of entitlement and a pressing need to appeal to authority. | Justine Smith

How the Ivory Tower Always Comes Crashing Down on Artist Parents

The true problems relate to the invisible architecture of these institutions that cannot or will not respond to the needs of parents. | Arielle Fields

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IN MEMORIAM

Dan Graham (1943–2022)
American conceptual artist | Guardian

Barry Bauman (1949–2022)
Prominent American art conservator | New York Times

Michele McNally (1956–2022)
Former director of photography at the New York Times | New York Time

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