Craig Smith's book "Relational Art: A Guided Tour" revisits the relational art movement, which seeks temporary spaces for connectivity, community, and meaning in a rapidly changing world. The book highlights how digital platforms such as podcasts, social media, and live streaming have created new forms of exhibition space that foster audience participation and collective art production. However, Smith notes that these platforms are increasingly being used to spread conspiracy theories and propaganda, making them unreliable conduits for connectivity. In contrast, relational art projects offer a transparent and pure space for making meaning and community, as exemplified by the work of artist and scholar Nicolas Bourriaud, who coined the term "micro-utopias" to describe these digital spaces.
https://hyperallergic.com/986753/craig-smith-relational-art-in-the-time-of-tech-oligarchy/This month's must-see exhibitions include Leonardo da Vinci's works at an exhibition in Delhi, India. The event is part of the India Art Fair 2025, which will take place in Delhi. Additionally, there are exhibitions on Orphism and a show exploring 14th-century Siena.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/02/04/shows-to-see-around-delhi-during-india-art-fair-weekThe annual Design Milan event held at Crystal Hall in India has become a popular attraction for cultural enthusiasts, industry leaders, and creative connoisseurs. The event is organized by Idea Worldwide, a company that also runs an Instagram account under the same name. The event aims to showcase dance as art, offering a unique interpretation of the form.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/business/design-milan-an-innovation-festival-hosted-by-idea-world-college/Cultural performances at the Maha Kumbh in India are set to begin on February 7 and continue until February 10. The events aim to showcase a "confluence of cultures" by featuring renowned artistes from various parts of the country. The lineup includes Odissi dancer Dona Ganguly, playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy, classical dancer Sonal Mansingh, singer Suresh Wadkar, and singer Hariharan. Other notable performances include a Rasleela performance by Dr Devkinandan Sharma from Mathura, a Sufi performance by Yogesh Gandharv and Abha Gandharv, and a violin performance by Dr L Subramaniam. The events are part of the Maha Kumbh celebrations, which will be suspended on February 12 due to the sacred Magh Purnima Snan.
https://www.news18.com/india/cultural-performances-at-mahakumbh-featuring-renowned-artistes-from-feb-7-9215812.htmlLucía, the curator at the Museo Universitario Arte Contemporáneo in Mexico City, understands the transformative potential of art to impact society and politics. This perspective is reflected in her work, which likely involves engaging with artists and institutions such as the private museum Museo Jumex, where a recent change in management led to criticism from critics over issues including transparency and programming. The city's art scene has also been marked by instances of censorship at prominent museums, highlighting tensions between artists, institutions, and their audiences.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/02/05/lucia-sanroman-chief-curator-muac-interviewThe Metropolitan Museum of Art is hosting an exhibit on Black dandyism, a cultural and historical examination of the style from the 18th century to today. The show, curated by Andrew Bolton and guest curator Barnard professor Lisa Miller, explores how Black people have used fashion to transform their identities over time. Featuring contributions from artists such as Torkwase Dyson and Iké Udé, the exhibit will highlight notable figures like Julius Soubise, one of the first Black dandies in 18th-century London. The show is divided into 12 sections, each representing a characteristic that defines "dandy" style, including ownership, presence, distinction, and cosmopolitanism.
https://channelnewsasia.com/obsessions/suit-up-met-gala-reveals-dress-code-and-slate-new-celeb-hosts-4915966The growing number of galleries in Mexico City is a positive trend for the art world, as it makes art more accessible to a wider audience. This expansion is evident at Zona Maco, an annual art fair that has seen significant growth in recent years. According to Art House's successful capitalization on this trend, the fair is experiencing rapid expansion of the city's artistic scene. Additionally, smaller sales platforms such as Salón ACME and Cinco Pisos en el Quinto are providing alternative spaces for artists without gallery representation, offering a more "empathetic model" as the region's art market grows.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/02/05/comisario-art-house-mexico-city-art-handling-startupThe National College of Arts (NCA) in Lahore marked Kashmir Solidarity Day with a poster exhibition featuring creative works by students and artists highlighting the struggle, culture, and rights of the Kashmiri people. The event drew participation from students, faculty members, artists, and journalists. NCA Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Murtaza Jafri emphasized that the exhibition showcased the passion and creativity of young artists and highlighted the importance of art in raising awareness about historical truths, specifically the Kashmir issue.
https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/1279533-poster-exhibition-emphasises-kashmiris-freedom-struggleThe National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) kicked off National Arts Month at its office in Intramuros on February 3, 2025 with a morning event led by Executive Director Eric Zerrudo. The ceremony featured performances from local groups including the Manila City Band, Tondo Drumbeaters, and Kislap Sining of the Philippine Normal University (PNU).
https://www.manilatimes.net/2025/02/06/campus-press/national-arts-month-kicks-off-in-intramuros/2050702