February 28, 2023
Good morning. ☁️ Marking a year into its war with Russia, Ukraine released a postage stamp featuring a mural by the British street artist Banksy with the writing "Fuck Putin" in Cyrillic. I pray for this war to end soon and for a day when countries print stamps that say “Fuck Wars.”
Meanwhile, Tennessee banned drag queen story hours for children, targeting performers who wish to do nothing but serve their community. And in New York State, legislators on both sides of the aisle are pushing to undo former Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to rename a bridge after his father.
There’s that and more, including eight lesser-known art spaces in California that warrant a day trip and a visit to Robert Rauschenberg’s Soho home in NYC.
Finally, we welcome you to join us today at 6pm (EST) for an online conversation with our journalism fellow Dakota Noot on LGBTQ+ Chicanx art and drag performance. In the meantime, you can also check out Noot's online exhibition about these very topics.
— Hakim Bishara, Senior Editor
Ukraine Marks First Year of War With Banksy Stamp
The stamp also features the shorthand “FCK PTN!” in Cyrillic. | Taylor Michael
SPONSORED
On Being and Belonging in America
Join the New-York Historical Society for a virtual conversation on the Peabody Essex Museum’s new installation of Native American and American art with Philip J. Deloria, Marie Watt, and Karen Kramer. Learn more.
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Vidalia Anne Gentry and other drag performers protested at the Tennessee State Capitol in Nashville earlier this month. (photo courtesy of Ray Di Pietro)
Tennessee passes a bill criminalizing public drag performances as well as private shows with the presence of a minor.
Viral Instagram “photographer” Jos Avery reveals that his images were actually generated by Midjourney.
A New York State bipartisan bill could revert the name of the Mario M. Cuomo Bridge back to the Tappan Zee Bridge.
SPONSORED
Islands of Kinship: A Collective Manual for Sustainable and Inclusive Art Institutions
Six visual arts organizations across Europe are collaborating on a new project addressing togetherness, fairness, responsibility, and kindness. Learn more.
ON IDENTITY AND IMAGE MAKING
The Body by Design: LGBTQ+ Chicanx Art
Dakota Noot presents an exhibition of works by LGBTQ+ Chicanx artists and offers insight into his curatorial process. | Dakota Noot
The challenging of body norms is especially relevant for many LGBTQIA+ individuals. For the Chicana/o/x artists in this exhibition, the body can be shaped, molded, performed, and reclaimed. Without an ideal to follow, they become the model to inspire.
Dakota Noot and Hrag Vartanian will further discuss the curator’s process and exhibition on Today, February 28, at 6pm (ET). Register via Zoom.
SITES & SPACES
Eight California Art Spaces Off the Beaten Track
Scenic, historic, and oh-so-very California spaces that justify an art pilgrimage. | John Seed
Robert Rauschenberg's NY Home Opens to Visitors
The orphanage-turned-house where Rauschenberg exhibited his work and threw parties is now open by appointment. | Elaine Velie
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IN OUR STORE
“A Little Taste Outside of Love” Silk Scarf x Mickalene Thomas
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