Ntombela, a curator at the Nelson Mandela Museum, said it took about two years to secure the works of artist Esther Mahlangu for an exhibition in South Africa. The exhibition features numerous artworks owned by international collectors that were brought back to the country with significant funding. Mahlangu, a recipient of the Order of Ikhamanga in silver, is known for her colorful home in Mpumalanga province, which attracts tourists. The exhibition will run until April 17 before embarking on an international tour starting in the US in 2026.
https://apnews.com/article/south-africa-art-exhibition-esther-mahlangu-be15dbfafa39ea6b58743845b436e0b2The Villa Harris Museum in Tangiers is hosting an art exhibition that showcases the city's rich history through 30 paintings of its iconic landmarks. Curated by Majda Amellal, the exhibition features works from artists such as George Owen Apperley and Simonet Lombardo, alongside a painting by Moroccan artist Rachid Hanbali from 1970. The collection aims to connect Moroccans with their city's past through its depiction of historic sites in Tangiers.
https://africanews.com/2024/12/28/exhibition-celebrates-tangiers-artistic-legacy/The Shanxi Museum in China is hosting an exhibition featuring 134 ancient Greek and Roman sculptures, which will be displayed in five sections to showcase the arts of different locales, periods, and styles. The exhibition aims to promote cultural exchange between East and West, as evidenced by the influence of Gandhara art on Chinese Buddhist cave statues such as those found at Yungang Grottoes in Shanxi's Datong city. The event is part of an ongoing effort to continue cultural exchanges in a modern era.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iconic-art-to-go-on-show-in-cradle-of-chinese-culture-302339465.htmlAt Hong Kong's Para Site art space, an exhibition called "How to Be Happy Together" explores the theme of home and human connections among expat workers. The show is inspired by Wong Kar-wai's 1997 film "Happy Together", which tells the story of two men from Hong Kong who travel to Argentina in search of a sense of belonging. However, the exhibition does not simply retell the movie, but rather presents alternative ways of forming meaningful connections with others while living abroad. The show features over 20 artists and is curated by Xiang Zairong.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3291713/hong-kong-art-show-thats-homage-wong-kar-wai-ponders-meaning-home-expat-workers?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionA joint exhibition of French and Chinese artefacts is currently on display at the Hong Kong Palace Museum as part of the "The Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles: China-France Cultural Encounters in the 17th and 18th Centuries" show. The exhibition, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between France and China, highlights the exchange of artistic ideas and craftsmanship between the two countries during this period. According to Laurent Salome, director of the National Museum of the Palaces of Versailles and Trianon, the exhibition showcases how French artists attempted to imitate Chinese porcelain-making techniques, demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation for Chinese artistry. The exhibition is seen as a sign of past exchanges between France and China, as well as a possible readiness to strengthen ties through cultural dialogue.
https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3291913/beijing-paris-ties-display-hong-kong-show-silk-porcelain-and-diplomacy?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionLaretna T. Adishakti, Chairperson of the Indonesian Batik Lovers Association (PPBI), highlighted the significance of a batik exhibition at Yogyakarta train stations in Indonesia. The event aims to showcase that batik is not just a textile art form but also represents history, economy, nature, and culture. By displaying batik at train stations such as Yogyakarta and Lempuyangan, it demonstrates how trains help preserve and promote cultural heritage by connecting the region with other areas and strengthening national identity.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1955787/batik-exhibition-at-yogyakarta-station-until-december-31-2024Walasse Ting's vibrant paintings, which combine Chinese and Western styles, are on display in a new exhibition in Hong Kong. The artist's use of bright acrylic colors and motifs such as flowers, women, and cats evoke feelings of joy and exuberance. Ting's children, Mia and Jesse, recall growing up watching their father paint and describe his work as an unapologetic celebration of beauty and happiness. The exhibition showcases the evolution of Ting's artistic style, which blended Chinese and Western influences in works such as "Summer Symphony (Painted with Beethoven Symphony No. 4)" from 1967.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3291704/how-chinese-american-artist-walasse-tings-vibrant-paintings-mixed-chinese-western-styles?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne is hosting an exhibition featuring the work of celebrated artist Yayoi Kusama. The exhibition, which runs until April 21, showcases the entirety of Kusama's career, including her early paintings and correspondence as well as her more recent large-scale works. A new Infinity Mirrored Room will also be premiered at the exhibition.
https://www.smh.com.au/culture/art-and-design/australia-art-exhibitions-2024-20241209-p5kww3.htmlIndonesian artist Arahmaiani has faced controversy throughout her career due to her works combining symbols from Islam, Western culture and sexuality. Her 1993 painting "Lingga-Yoni" and 1994 installation "Etalase" sparked outrage among conservative Muslims who called for censorship and threatened her with death. She later moved to Australia where she continued her studies while living with a hippy community. Arahmaiani has spoken out against prejudices faced by Muslim women abroad, including being detained by American immigration officers in 2002 due to her status as a young Muslim woman travelling alone. In response, she created the installation "11 Juni 2002" which recreated the room where she was detained. She is also involved in environmental protection work in Tibet and has replicated her "Flag Project", which promotes community dialogue, in various locations including Tibet. Arahmaiani is currently working on a theme of political dynasties in Indonesia, a topic relevant to the country's recent election of President Prabowo Subianto, who is a former son-in-law of Suharto and has ties to the outgoing head of state Joko Widodo.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/life/2024/12/21/arahmaiani-from-exile-to-global-stage-indonesias-fearless-artistic-voice/160661