The Walled City of Lahore Authority (WCLA) recently hosted a two-day talent hunt event featuring various artistic performances, including painting, calligraphy, music, singing, dancing, stand-up comedy, and open mic. The event aimed to provide a platform for local artists to showcase their talents and was inspired by the traditional Mughal court performances where artists were rewarded by the emperor. Participants praised the initiative, citing its potential to inspire others to develop their own talents. The WCLA plans to continue organizing such events in the future to promote cultural heritage sites and strengthen community engagement.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1264157-wcla-launches-two-day-talent-huntThe 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/160661The global art auction market is experiencing a decline, with sales dropping by 27% in the first half of 2024, according to The Art Newspaper. However, luxury fashion brands are capitalizing on this trend by incorporating art into their designs and collaborating with artists. For instance, Louis Vuitton has re-released its iconic collaboration with Japanese artist Takashi Murakami, while Gucci, Hublot, and Cartier have participated in Miami Art Week. This blending of art and design is allowing fashion to reignite the flame for fine art, as seen in garments that serve not only a functional purpose but also convey the designer's vision.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/sunday-chronicle/fashion-as-art-and-art-as-fashion-1848680A Monet Water Lilies painting has been sold on the Chinese social media app Xiaohongshu, sparking online discussion among luxury shoppers. The sale was posted by Gao Zhen-yu, owner of Gao's Gallery in Avignon, France, who claimed that the 1908 Nymphéas painting had seven previous owners and had been included in five exhibitions. The post went viral on Xiaohongshu, with some users expressing skepticism about the authenticity of the sale.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3291630/monet-water-lilies-sale-chinese-social-media-app-goes-viral-gallery-silent-details?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Musée de l'Orangerie in Paris is hosting an exhibition featuring Claude Monet's Water Lilies series, reframing the artist's work as a lens to consider his influence. Other notable exhibitions include solo shows by Vietnamese artist Thao Nguyen Phan and Swiss-Argentine painter Vivian Suter at the Palais de Tokyo, Italian artist Anna Maria Maiolino at the Musée National Picasso, and Japanese avant-garde artist Tarō Okamoto at the Musée du Quai Branly-Jacques Chirac.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/12/19/our-pick-of-the-shows-to-see-in-the-worlds-great-art-cities-in-2025The Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azerbaijan is hosting an exhibition titled "Lines of the Invisible" featuring artist Gianfranco Meggiato's work until January 25, 2025. The exhibition aims to make visible what was previously considered impossible and is a testament to Azerbaijan's commitment to promoting contemporary art and international cultural exchange.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/azerbaijan-celebrates-contemporary-art-lines-of-the-invisible-exhibition-by-gianfranco--meggiato-extended-until-january-25-2025-302334480.htmlA Hong Kong exhibition at the Juen Juen Gung arts space showcases items from prehistoric and ancient cultures, including ceremonial demon masks and precious carvings. The exhibition is presented by Felix Lok Ching-nam, founder of Pulima, an online platform that trades in indigenous and folk art. Pulima has partnered with Juen Juen Gung, a cave-like studio located in Kowloon's San Po Kong neighbourhood, to display the items. The space was founded by artist Vaevae Chan as a refuge from her struggles with grief and depression.
https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/article/3291284/how-prehistoric-and-ancient-cultures-used-art-revealed-hong-kong-exhibition?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionThe Sharjah National Theatre Band presented a performance called "Al Redaa' Al Mukhadab Bil-Dimaa" at an event in the Al Kihaif area of Sharjah. The play, written by His Highness Sheikh Sultan and directed by Mohammed Al Amri, was showcased from December 1st to 17th and highlighted themes of courage, bravery, loyalty, and devotion. The performance incorporated various techniques such as storytelling, poetry, exhibits, and the use of camels and horses to create a unique theatre environment.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/opinion/2024/12/16/great-going-festival