The Louvre Abu Dhabi has funded a multifaceted research project on Islamic art, including Mamluk and Buddhist pieces. The museum has partnered with the Louvre in Paris to support this research, which aims to better understand the cultural exchange between Islamic and European civilizations. The project will focus on the use of Islamic art in museums, as well as its preservation and conservation. The research will also explore the role of women in Islamic art, with Emirati women playing a key part in shaping the museum's collection and exhibitions.
The article "Gemini Nano Banana AI: From vintage saree to professional portraits— 15 prompts you should try right now" showcases the capabilities of AI-powered portrait generation. The AI model, Gemini Nano Banana, can transform vintage saree images into professional portraits with just 15 prompts. This technology has the potential to revolutionize portrait photography, making it more accessible and affordable for everyone.
The art market is experiencing a slowdown, according to the latest Art Basel/UBS report. Total sales grew just 3% in 2022, a decline from previous years. China's zero-Covid policies have led to the UK overtaking it as the second-largest market. This trend is concerning, as it may impact the art market's ability to recover before Christmas.
Arthy Ahmed Dance Academy is offering a unique approach to dance classes, focusing on nurturing passion over competition. Adults from diverse backgrounds are rekindling their love for dance at the academy, which provides a supportive environment to rediscover classical dance. By prioritizing joy, healing, and community, the academy is helping participants find a sense of fulfillment in their dance experience.
Artmark's sales figures reveal a strong presence in Romania, with EUR 7.67 million in fine art sales and EUR 1.93 million for decorative and luxury art. International expansion is also gaining traction, with Artmark Croatia reporting EUR 1.38 million in sales and Artmark Bulgaria recording EUR 1.69 million, boasting an impressive adjudication rate of 88.55%.
A recent exhibition at the Bady Dalloul's Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai has highlighted issues of displacement and empire catastrophe. The exhibition, titled "Self-portrait with a cat I don't have", marks the second chapter in Dalloul's "Land of Dreams" series, which explores innovative practices shedding new light on interconnected lives. The show follows a debut at the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo (2024-25) and precedes its presentation at Lisbon's Centro de Arte Moderna Gulbenkian in 2026.
Home decor trends in 2025 are shifting towards bold contrasts, geometric patterns, and dynamic visuals. Designers are incorporating striking contrasts and playful clashes to create personal and contemporary spaces. Geometry is also making a comeback, adding structure and rhythm to modern and versatile interiors. The rules of pattern design are being loosened up, allowing for more creative freedom.
The article "Where did all the Brisbane festivals go?" from The Sydney Morning Herald questions the decline of music festivals in Brisbane. According to a recent survey, attendance figures for local events have plummeted, with some festivals seeing a 50% drop in attendance over the past year. The article cites the Brisbane Festival, which has been a major event for the city's cultural calendar, as an example of this decline. The festival has seen a significant decrease in attendance since 2020, with some events struggling to attract even half the number of attendees they once did. The article suggests that this decline may be due to a combination of factors, including increased competition from other events and changing audience preferences.
Former auction heavyweights are remodelling the art market as advisers. Jussi Pylkkänen, Christie's longtime global president, is stepping down after nearly 40 years and will work as an independent art adviser. Pylkkänen's departure comes as Christie's pivots from ultra-contemporary Western artists towards tried-and-tested 19th- and 20th-century big hitters, similar to Sotheby's. Patti Wong & Associates, launched by former Sotheby's chairperson Patti Wong, is partnering with London-based advisory The Fine Art Group to expand its global reach. This shift in focus reflects mainland Chinese art buying's post-pandemic contraction, with Christie's and Sotheby's turning to household names like Chagall.