Walasse 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 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.htmlA longstanding conflict has erupted over the repatriation of cultural artifacts from Western museums to their countries of origin. Campaigners from various nations, including Greece and West African countries, are demanding the return of items such as the Benin Bronzes, which were looted by British forces in 1897, and friezes and statuary from the Parthenon now housed at the British Museum. The issue raises complex ethical and legal questions, with some arguing that these artifacts belong to their countries of origin.
https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3291497/should-museums-return-antiquities-their-countries-origin-some-say-no?module=post_magazine&pgtype=sectionChoi Sang-moon is a stained glass artist who has created over 150 pieces of artwork, many of which are installed at religious sites such as the Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine in Seoul and Wongok Cathedral in Suwon. Her work includes "Meditation" and "Dreaming Fish", and she recently won the International Art Award at the IAA Korea event in May this year.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2024-12-22/culture/artsDesign/Stained-glass-artist-Choi-Wookmi-wants-to-leave-her-mark-on-churches/2205775In the city of Fukuoka Prefecture, a historic home from the Meiji era has been preserved and is now open to the public. The house, which dates back to the late 19th century, showcases the opulent lifestyle of a wealthy family during that time period. The interior features intricately designed rooms with traditional Japanese architecture, including sliding doors made of wood and tatami mats on the floor. The home's design reflects the cultural and social status of its former occupants, who were members of the upper class in Meiji era Japan.
https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20241220/p2a/00m/0et/005000cAlif, a representative, stated that there was a violation of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights in Indonesia. The National Gallery banned an exhibition by artist Yos Suprapto without providing rational reasons, citing concerns over one of his works being considered immoral. Alif argued that this was a restriction on freedom of expression, which can be limited under international human rights law, but only with certain limitations as outlined in the Siracusa Principles. The banning of the exhibition involved government structures up to the ministerial level and was seen as an act contrary to democracy, as criticism through art is legitimate in a democratic country. As a result, Yos Suprapto suffered direct material losses and has the right to effective recovery as a victim of human rights violations, including demanding compensation from the government.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1955778/five-findings-of-lbh-jakarta-regarding-the-banning-of-yos-supraptos-solo-exhibitionMumbai's Art Deco architecture is under threat due to rapid development and neglect. Despite being recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018 for its unique "Indo-Deco" style, many of these buildings are being demolished or compromised through modern renovations. A small group of building owners, architects, and heritage lovers are working to conserve the city's Art Deco character, but face challenges from apartment building owners who want to redevelop their properties into cookie-cutter modern structures. According to Nayana Kathpalia, a resident of an Art Deco building that was recently restored with its original character intact, "constant vigilance" is required to preserve the city's historic architecture.
Mumbai is undergoing a $30 billion infrastructure makeover, which has raised concerns about the preservation of its historic Art Deco architecture. Despite being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2018 for its unique "Indo-Deco" style, many buildings are being demolished or renovated without preserving their original character. A small group of building owners, architects, and heritage lovers, including Nayana Kathpalia, who recently restored her own Art Deco building while maintaining its original features, are working to conserve the city's Art Deco character amidst the rapid development.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/indias-architecture-fans-guard-mumbais-art-deco-past-1848808