Lithuania's cultural debate over whether to ban Russian culture has sparked controversy, with some arguing that it is a form of "cultural decolonization" to distance themselves from Russia's imperial past. However, others disagree, citing the importance of artistic freedom and the need not to repeat the actions of their former Soviet rulers who suppressed Lithuanian culture. The debate echoes similar discussions in Ukraine, where the Kyiv City Council recently voted to stop showcasing Russian music, plays, books, and art in public spaces. Lithuania's current Culture Minister Sarunas Birutis has taken a more nuanced approach, stating that he enjoys Tchaikovsky's music but does not see it as a reason to prohibit it.
https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-01-08/opinion/columns/Ukraines-existential-culture-war/2217402Mannar Thirumalai Naicker College is celebrating its 50th academic year with a theatrical production that combines music, dance, humour, and action. The play features a specially-designed set that transforms into four distinct settings, including Venice, the court scene, Shylock's home, and a garden. The set weighs over 1700 kilograms and uses more than 300 lights. Students from both undergraduate and postgraduate English programmes have contributed to various aspects of the production, including welding, painting, prop-making, and marketing, under the guidance of professionals and experts from across Tamil Nadu.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/madurais-mannar-thirumalai-naicker-college-set-to-stage-shakespeares-the-merchant-of-venice/article69052594.eceA severe wildfire, known as the Palisades Fire, swept through the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, forcing bulldozers to clear abandoned vehicles from roads so emergency responders could pass. The fire threatened the Getty Villa, a museum housing priceless works of art, but its collection remained safe due to trimmed bushes in the area. The National Weather Service had issued an extreme fire alert for much of Los Angeles County, citing low humidity and dry vegetation as conditions were "about as bad as it gets" for wildfires.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/news/2025/01/08/thousands-flee-as-wildfires-burn-out-of-control-in-and-around-los-angelesThe National Gallery in London has published a book titled "The National Gallery: Paintings, People, Portraits" by Taschen. The book features the work of Piero della Francesca and is edited by Alvaro Barrington. It includes 582 pages of information about the gallery's collection, including contemporary artists who have been inspired by its works.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/07/alvaro-barrington-on-piero-della-francescas-baptism-of-christSally Mann, a renowned American photographer born in 1951, has published a memoir titled "Hold Still" that is richly illustrated with her photographs. The book's concept originated from an invitation to deliver the Massey Lectures at Harvard University. In it, Mann reflects on her experiences growing up in the American South, drawing heavily from this region as a source of inspiration and influence for her work.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/01/08/compelling-prose-and-lyrical-turns-in-sally-manns-poignant-and-at-times-shocking-memoirThe Santa Monica Post Office art fair, launched by Chris Sharp in collaboration with the city's post office, offers a more intimate alternative to larger fairs like Art Basel Miami Beach and Felix. With an exhibitor fee of $6,000 for galleries and $2,000 for project spaces, it aims to provide a lower barrier to entry for smaller spaces. The fair features established galleries such as Sprüth Magers and PPOW alongside emerging spaces like Ehrlich Steinberg and House of Seiko. Participants are looking forward to the opportunity to connect with others who share their passion for art, citing the low cost of entry and open floor plan as key factors in fostering a sense of experimentation and exchange.
https://hyperallergic.com/981939/santa-monica-post-office-fair-is-coming-to-los-angeles/New York-based interior designer Vanessa DeLeon's latest lighting collection pays homage to Art Deco's signature style, featuring deep hues like emerald and ebony alongside metallic accents and stylized prints. The trend is also reflected in the designs of London-based design house Divine Savages, which incorporates architectural drama into their collections with pieces such as a "Deco Martini" print featuring a classic fan motif and a swanky cocktail glass. Meanwhile, designer Athena Calderone's collaboration with Crate & Barrel invokes cinematic Art Deco silhouettes with alabaster sconces and geometric-patterned furnishings. The trend is also being celebrated in an exhibition at the Museum of the City of New York, which features over 250 postcards showcasing the city's iconic Deco buildings, as well as 1920s-era gowns, shoes, and accessories.
https://apnews.com/article/art-deco-style-returns-fashion-decor-8a2fbf29fd725d3b08550e086648e7f5A wildfire in Pacific Palisades has destroyed multiple homes and scorched over 1,260 acres of land. The blaze began at around 10:30 a.m. near N Piedra Morada Dr and quickly spread to over 200 acres within the hour, threatening nearby homes with smoke blowing towards the Getty Villa museum. Over 250 firefighters from the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and neighboring agencies are battling the fire, which has prompted the closure of Eastbound Pacific Coast Highway at Topanga Canyon Boulevard and Las Flores Canyon Road. The Getty Villa is closed to the public and its staff have been evacuated due to the fire, but a detailed plan is in place to protect the art collection, including fireproof walls.
https://deadline.com/2025/01/wildfire-pacific-palisades-winds-1236250233/Hala Badri, the director general of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, emphasizes that art and culture are integral to Dubai's identity. The city's cultural scene is thriving, as seen in events like the Sikka Art Fair held in Al Fahidi, a cultural area in Dubai. This suggests that Dubai prioritizes its artistic heritage and provides opportunities for artists to showcase their work.
https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2025/01/07/the-art-and-culture-of-dubai-is-a-part-of-its-soul/