Canadian photographer Don Komarechka's artistic photograph of a maple leaf flag is at the center of a controversy over copyright protection. Komarechka claims his work is an homage to Canada's national symbol, but not covered by public domain laws. In contrast, Kriger argues that this situation reveals a deeper issue about the line between copyright protection and predation, citing the use of a shared cultural icon as a commercial trigger. The law currently favors Komarechka, with his image registered in the Canadian copyright database.
https://petapixel.com/2025/04/18/how-a-photographer-protecting-his-most-famous-image-made-him-the-bad-guy/China's museums are being retrained to promote ethnic unity and counter "wrong historical views" by emphasizing archaeological findings over confrontational portrayals of ethnic divisions between the Han majority and minority groups, according to Pan Yue, director of the National Ethnic Affairs Commission.
https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3307057/chinas-museums-get-new-mission-promote-ethnic-unity-counter-wrong-historical-views?module=top_story&pgtype=sectionDavido, a Nigerian musician, believes that it's a privilege for another culture to draw inspiration from his music, citing P-Square as an example of African artists influencing American music with their hits inspired by Michael Jackson.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2025/04/19/afrobeats-megastar-davido-sees-nigerias-star-risingGaleri Sasha in Kuala Lumpur is hosting an exhibition of abstract works by Fadhli Ariffin, titled "Bino", which translates to "to shimmer" in Malay. The show, set to end on May 10, features a series of pieces that capture the fleeting moments of light and its effects on nature, inspired by the artist's roots in printmaking. Through slow layering techniques, Fadhli invites viewers to pause and notice the quiet brilliance in everyday life, creating a grounded yet dreamlike experience.
https://www.thestar.com.my/lifestyle/culture/2025/04/19/weekend-for-the-arts-039the-plantation-plot039-exhibition-039baroque-brilliance039The article suggests that life can be viewed as a performance similar to a circus, where individuals are mere actors in a staged narrative. This idea is reminiscent of Shakespeare's quote from "As You Like It," which likens the world to a stage where people play their roles. The author implies that we should accept and even find happiness in the fleeting moments of joy amidst periods of pain and suffering, acknowledging that life is a temporary performance with no inherent reality beyond its boundaries.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1302801-the-ongoing-circusMalaysia's World Heritage Day emphasizes the importance of preserving cultural heritage beyond grand monuments and globally recognized sites. It highlights the significance of everyday expressions, such as family traditions, language, and stories passed down through generations, in defining one's identity. The article encourages appreciation for the heritage that is unique to each individual and community, whether it's cooking with a recipe from childhood or sharing lullabies with loved ones.
https://www.malaymail.com/news/what-you-think/2025/04/19/rediscovering-our-heritage-zuraini-md-ali-nor-hayati-hussain/173689Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif visited the 'Punjab Dehaar' celebration ceremony at Alhamra Arts Council in Lahore, where she was greeted with traditional pomp and drumbeats. The event featured handicrafts, Punjabi turbans, shamlas, ganda sa, khanda, harpeh, and Taxila-inspired art pieces. Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated an art exhibition showcasing Punjab's culture at Ustad Allah Bakhsh Gallery, where she praised the work of local artist Zulfiqar Zulfi.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1302601-maryam-praises-cultural-touch-in-punjab-dehaar-ceremonyThe Smithsonian Institution is being criticized by President Trump, who claims it has become "divisive" due to its independent curation and programming. In response, the institution's secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch III, has reaffirmed the museum's commitment to its mission of promoting history, science, education, research, and the arts without partisanship. Trump's executive order aims to remove "improper ideology" from the Smithsonian, but this move is seen as an attempt to impose his own brand of patriotism on the institution.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/18/democrats-letter-jd-vance-save-smithsonian-trumpA group of students from the University of North Texas participated in an exhibition project called "Common Grounds" under the guidance of curatorial advisors Nada Shabout and Magali Arriola. The Dubai Collection, a repository of artworks, served as both a resource and a challenge for the students, who immersed themselves in research and interpretation to create a balanced and emotionally resonant concept that explores how art can connect people across cultures and experiences.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2025/04/19/zu-students-curate-common-grounds-show-by-dubai-collection-art-dubai