In Brief
Selfie Snappers Smash Baroque Sculpture in Herculean Feat of Stupidity
On Friday two tourists visiting the northern Italian city of Cremona broke part of an 18th-century sculpture they were climbing to take a selfie.
In Brief
In Brief
A Card Game to Debate the Absurd Extremes of Cultural Opinions
A new card game throws together the highs and lows of culture, from Wagner's Ring Cycle to the video game Doom, asking players to debate essential questions like, "Which is a sign of the Apocalypse?" or "Which expresses the inexpressible?"
In Brief
Americans Are Losing the Art of Signing Their Names
To some of us, the doodle in the corner of a canvas is often as interesting as the painting itself.
In Brief
Archaeologist Discovers Ancient Mayan City Built on a Grid
If you've ever found yourself lost in Manhattan, you know that city grids are a beautiful thing.
In Brief
New John Cage Archive Offers Access to His Compositions and Collaborations
Launched yesterday, a free online archive of John Cage performances presents a comprehensive overview of his career, from a watering can poured on national television to a rhythmic solo piano performance inspired by lost love.
In Brief
Archaeologist Finds Liquid Mercury at Ancient Mesoamerican Site
Large quantities of liquid mercury have been discovered at one of Mexico's most sacred pre-Columbian sites.
In Brief
Obama Administration's Tax Reforms Target Art Collectors
The Obama administration is looking into ending a tax break that has been heavily exploited by buyers and sellers of art.
In Brief
Deal the Colors of the Rainbow with a New Playing Card Deck
Centuries of use haven't changed the standard deck of playing cards much. A new version designed by Fredericks & Mae puts all 54 cards on the color spectrum in a fanning rainbow.
In Brief
An Exhibition of Art Seized During Corruption Raids in Brazil
A Brazilian museum has opened an exhibition of art seized amid the largest corruption scandal in its country's history.
In Brief
Report on the State of Humanities Is Cautiously Optimistic
Amid much handwringing about the future of books and arts, the Academy of American Arts and Sciences released its annual report on the state of the humanities last week.
In Brief
Will Cornelius Gurlitt's Collection Turn Up at Documenta 14?
Documenta 14 director Adam Szymczyk wants to show the collection of late art hoarder Cornelius Gurlitt as part of the quinquennial exhibition's next edition in 2017.
In Brief
Turns Out Derrida Has Always Been Incomprehensible
Not only did Derrida do poorly on his Shakespeare essay: he also went on flunk his university entrance exams, which he had to take three times.