A new exhibition showcases Michelangelo's lesser-known works, including a red chalk preparatory sketch for the Sistine Chapel's "Worship of the Brazen Serpent" section. The catalogue features drawings and letters that reveal the artist's creative process, such as his draughtsmanship, which is highlighted in a book about his life and works. A scholar discovered a sketch of Michelangelo in the margin of a 15th-century edition of Dante's Divine Comedy, while another expert, Grant Lewis, curated the exhibition.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/01/april-book-bag-from-a-new-angle-on-michelangelos-sistine-chapel-to-the-re-issuing-of-bell-hookss-art-essaysA new book, "Artists of the Middle East: 1900 to Now" by Saeb Eigner, explores Iraq's diverse art scene and Tehran's Saqqakhaneh school of the 1950s. The book delves into the lives and works of artists such as those influenced by the pivotal Saqqakhaneh school, which had a lasting impact on the region's artistic landscape.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/01/new-book-looks-at-the-shaping-of-modern-art-in-the-middle-east-beyond-politics-and-warThe Academy has faced criticism after releasing a statement condemning artists who express harm or suppress viewpoints, with some members feeling it fell short of the moment's demands. Journalist Yuval Abraham compared this to silence on Hamdan's assault. Over 600 Academy members signed an open letter expressing their discontent, including Joaquin Phoenix, Olivia Colman, and Riz Ahmed. In response, the board apologized for any support given to artists who felt unsupported by the initial statement, condemning violence worldwide and affirming the suppression of free speech under any circumstances.
https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/the-academy-apologizes-to-oscar-winning-palestinian-filmmaker-hamdan-ballal-amid-attacks-on-him-by-israeli-settlers-13875915.htmlThe 32nd annual Days of European Film festival is coming to Czechia, featuring award-winning films, special showcases, and events across the country. Screenings will take place in Prague (Světozor, Edison, Přítomnost cinemas), Brno (Kino Art), and Ostrava (Minikino) from April 2-16.
https://www.expats.cz/czech-news/article/ahoj-monday-5-tips-for-surviving-the-week-ahead-in-czechia-17The event will feature traditional artisans demonstrating various techniques such as egg decorating, corn husk crafting, glass, wood, and leather working. Children and their families can attend theater performances every weekend and a special Easter-themed workshop on April 21. The event also includes creative recycling workshops, a carousel, stilt-walking performers, instrumental recitals, and other activities.
https://www.romania-insider.com/central-easter-fair-bucharest-april-2025A 12-hour theatre marathon at the York Theatre has left two critics, John Shand and Peter McCallum, with a lasting impression. The event, which took place from March 29 to April 5, showcased the enduring power of theatre in capturing history's surprises.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/theatre/what-i-learned-from-this-12-hour-theatre-marathon-20250330-p5lnlp.htmlBennett, an adjunct professor at UNC Chapel Hill, and Whitener, a former instructor at The Creative Circus, mentor junior creatives at agencies and brands. Their work has earned industry recognition, including 15 Cannes Lions, with notable campaigns like Coca-Cola's "1,000 Song Celebration" and the Travelocity Roaming Gnome's first live-action TV campaign. Guesthouse, an agency founded by Bennett and Whitener, is on pace to more than double its first-year revenue growth in its second year, prioritizing simplicity, great work, fast execution, and lasting client relationships built on kindness and creativity.
https://www.adweek.com/agencies/indie-agency-guesthouse-expands-adding-every-man-jack-and-first-full-time-hire/A majority of Brits and MPs believe that Big Tech companies should pay artists and writers for the content their artificial intelligence systems consume. A new ChatGPT image generator is generating high-quality images in the style of Studio Ghibli, while fashion chain H&M has rolled out AI-generated 'twins' of real-life models, including successful models like Vilma Sjöberg and Mathilda Gvarliani. The Mail is leading a campaign against government plans to exempt AI firms from copyright laws, with 92% of MPs supporting transparency about the materials used to train their models. Research shows that 69% of the public and 85% of politicians think Silicon Valley giants should compensate creators when they use their work to train AI models.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14555165/Artificial-intelligence-firms-pay-artists-musicians-using-work-amid-uproar-Labours-plans-exempt-copyright-laws-according-new-poll-Brits.htmlThe Shanghai Museum has launched an exhibition featuring lyrics from the Chinese working class movement of the past century, which includes an AI melody-generating machine that allows visitors to compose music for the lyrics. The exhibition is scheduled to run until June 8, with a goal of immersing young visitors in the vibrant power of this historical movement.
https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202503/1331240.shtml