Design collective Dorothy images more contemporary toy soldiers that deal with the horrors of war (h/t BAGnewsNotes) (via wearedorothy.com)
This week’s Required Reading explores the restoration of earthquake-damaged Haitian murals, an archeological mystery in West Asia, the 18th C toilette tradition, Genesis Breyer P-Orridge on pandrogeny, connecting the dots on Mona Lisa, the Banksy app, the year’s worst first sentences, cool iPhone cases and even Death has a generational divide.
Over at C-Monster, San Suzie (aka Art Nurse) has a fascinating post about her work to preserve an important mid-20th C. Haitian murals at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, which was badly damaged by the earthquake.
Archeologists have uncovered a bit of an ancient mystery. 4,200 years ago, civilizations across West Asia collapsed, possibly because of a major drought, but it appears that one settlement in present day Syria, Tell Qarqur, not only survived by expanded. Why?
A post on the Getty’s Iris blog explores the 18th C. Parisian tradition of the hours-long toilette, which was a “ritual of rising and dressing.”
Artist Genesis Breyer P-Orridge talks to Douglas Rushkoff of The Believer about a great deal of topics, including the difference between pandrogeny and transvestism or transgender.
There’s a new Banksy iPhone app, which shows you where you can find the locations of works by the anonymous street art creator.
The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest was started in 1982 by San Jose State University’s English Department and it awards “accolades” to the worst opening sentence of a novel that year. This year’s “winner” is Sue Fondrie, an associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. Here is the opener for her novel, which is unnamed in an effort, I assume, to protect the other sentences:
Cheryl’s mind turned like the vanes of a wind-powered turbine, chopping her sparrow-like thoughts into bloody pieces that fell onto a growing pile of forgotten memories.
A tumblelog by a company that makes awesome iPhone cases.
And on the lighter side, an animation that explores the generational conflict between Death and her son, Morty.
Required Reading is published every Sunday morning, and it is comprised of a short list of art-related links (10 or less) to long-form articles, videos, blog posts or photo essays worth a second look.
The Latest
Saudi Arabia Announces $1M “Freedom of Expression” Art Award
Kanye West, Roman Polanski, and Carl Andre are among the shortlisted artists.
British Museum Offers Greece “Exclusive NFT” of the Parthenon Marbles
“With the power of blockchain technology, there will be no question who the real owner is,” said a British Museum spokesperson.
The Public Theater Explores the Hurricane Katrina Diaspora in shadow/land
Written by Erika Dickerson-Despenza and directed by Candis C. Jones, this lyrical meditation on legacy, erotic fugitivity, and self-determination is on view in NYC.
MoMA to Co-Curate Exhibition With NYPD
Arrest Me, Daddy hopes to cast a more positive light on the work of law enforcement officers.
Repatriation-Inspired Fragrance Line Hopes to Heal Collector Wounds
The exotic scents of the Rapatriement line offer solace and joy to dismayed collectors who were forced to return looted artifacts.
The Rubin Museum Presents Death Is Not the End
Tibetan Buddhist and Christian works of art made across 12 centuries explore death, the afterlife, and the desire to continue to exist. On view in NYC.
Mediocre Painting Thought AI-Generated Revealed as Work of Real Artist
Visitors who spoke to Hyperallergic said they were “horrified” to learn that a human could come up with such a banal and poorly executed artwork.
Prince Harry to Star in New Van Gogh Biopic
The estranged prince said he took the role to raise awareness of mental health issues.
When I Am Empty Please Dispose of Me Properly
Ayanna Dozier, Ilana Harris-Babou, Meena Hasan, Lucia Hierro, Catherine Opie, Chuck Ramirez, and Pacifico Silano explore the myths of the American Dream at Brooklyn’s BRIC House.
Newly Discovered Trove of Vermeer Works Reveals He Painted Mainly Dogs
A cache of 243 paintings found in an English castle, all depicting canine subjects, suggests Vermeer’s true aspiration was to become a dog portraitist.
Vatican Partners With Balenciaga on “Spiritual” Menswear Line
A spokesperson for the church cited “shared values” with the fashion brand.
Pratt’s 2023 Fine Arts MFA Thesis Exhibition Is On View in Brooklyn
The two-part exhibition features the work of 41 graduating artists across disciplines, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, and integrated practices.
Iran Issues Fatwa Against AI
A reinterpretation of the Quran through a queer lens, written by an AI chatbot, is said to cause the move.
Met Gala Announces 2023 “Looting and Plunder” Theme
Select A-list guests will be invited to wear any artifacts from the museum’s collection that have not yet been seized by the Manhattan DA’s office.