Glenn Lowry, the longtime director of the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) New York, will step down in 2025 after a 30-year tenure. His departure comes amid protests due to his wife's investments in the oil and gas industry. MoMA is already planning to swap out over 700 works next spring as part of its next big collection rehang. Lowry's successor has not been named, but Connie Butler, who recently joined MoMA PS1 as director, may be a candidate given her experience at the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles and previous role at MoMA.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/28/moma-next-director-christophe-cherix-succeeding-glenn-lowryRoman Tam Pak-sin, known as Law Man or Law Kee, is considered the "godfather of Cantopop" and a cultural icon in Hong Kong. His classic songs continue to unite generations of Hong Kong people, with his extravagant stage shows being a hallmark of his career.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/entertainment/article/3304110/how-cantopop-icon-roman-tam-united-generation-hong-kong-people-his-classic-songs?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe painting, created in 1897-8, features floral elements reminiscent of Klimt's "Portrait of Sonja Knips" and later works such as portraits of Mäda Primavesi and Eugenia Primavesi. The work was painted during the same year that Klimt co-founded the Vienna Secession movement with Austrian artists Franz Matsch and others, aiming to break away from traditional styles. However, the painting also captures a dark side of European colonial history through its subject's participation in a Viennese völkerschau, or "human zoo," where communities were displayed for exploitation. The painting was auctioned from Klimt's estate in 1923 and remained in private hands until its public debut in Maastricht after a restitution settlement and restoration work. It sold for €15 million ($16.2 million) to an unknown buyer, with the gallery noting that such discoveries are extremely rare.
https://hyperallergic.com/999300/klimt-portrait-of-west-african-prince-resurfaces-at-art-fair/Lethbridge's community members are invited to participate in the development of the city's public art, regardless of their artistic experience. The draft report for the updated Public Art Master Plan is scheduled to be presented to city council in early 2026, providing an opportunity for all residents to engage and contribute to the plan.
https://globalnews.ca/news/11102034/city-of-lethbridge-community-input-public-art-master-plan/A London-based filmmaker has created a new art piece using Beatles ephemera, which is set to debut in Miami. The project features items such as handwritten lyrics and stage-worn clothing from the band's history.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/03/28/much-loved-national-maritime-museum-curator-gets-a-right-royal-send-offPunjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced plans to upgrade the theatre scene in the state, aiming to make it a source of positive and dignified entertainment. An artist fund has been established for the welfare of artists, with the CM stating that their well-being is her top priority. She believes theatre can play a significant role in promoting Pakistan's cultural heritage and identity.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40355184/world-theatre-day-theatre-is-a-mirror-of-art-and-culture-cmThe recent event has brought significant investment and community involvement to Belgrade's music programs over the past three years, with local bands like Meridian highlighting its role in promoting local artists and providing them with a platform to perform for an audience. Tickets are available at panthermusic.net/event/botb.
https://www.montanarightnow.com/montana/belgrades-battle-of-the-bands-to-support-music-programs/article_8683dcea-562a-4d97-b170-4625fe670a0c.htmlThe Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) has faced criticism for its handling of art pieces from majority-Muslim nations in response to Trump's travel ban. In a 2017 interview, MoMA curator Cherix emphasized the importance of inclusivity and embracing diverse works within the museum's collection. However, under the leadership of Glenn Lowry, who has been criticized for his views on protesters, the museum faced backlash during the 2021 strike against toxic philanthropy. The controversy continued with the failure to remove disgraced financier Leon Black from the board despite his ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Protests have persisted, including a recent demonstration calling for the removal of MoMA Board Chair Marie-Josée Kravis due to her husband's investments in fossil fuel assets and the museum's hosting of the World Jewish Congress gala led by Honorary Chair Ronald Lauder, who frequently lobbies on behalf of Israel.
https://hyperallergic.com/999529/christophe-cherix-named-moma-new-director/A mysterious sound, featured in a 1971 opera, has been used as North Korea's wake-up call since at least 2018. The haunting tune, described by Michael Palin as 'the world's most unusual wake-up call', was originally composed for an opera about Kim Il Sung, the country's founder and "Eternal President". The song is played every morning from the speakers of Pyongyang Railway Station and has been met with a mix of reactions on social media, ranging from finding it "dystopian" to describing it as "surrealism at its finest".
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-14543565/Tourist-dystopian-noise-north-korea-6am.html