Category: visual

Distinctions between good and bad art have melted away. Arguably there is only interesting art – which grabs our imagination – and uninteresting art – which fails to do so. “The more that art generates thought, the more interesting it becomes. The more it ignites negative feedback and debate, the more notorious and sensational it becomes, the closer it approaches entertainment.” *spark-online

As a subject, the Renaissance should have made great TV. Just point and shoot the art, hire someone who knows about the period to write the script, and you’ve hooked your audience. Yet the BBC’s new six part series views like a “Travel Show” marathon. Yet again, “the BBC has demonstrated that it is incapable of delivering a serious program on the visual arts.”  London Telegraph

Critic Matthew Collings’ new book pierces the veil of artspeak and looks at the rituals, silliness, gossip and integrity of the art world.  Salon

• Laurence Jarvik talks with Collings, who explains why the Young British Artists have caused such a sensation on both sides of the Atlantic. The Idler 12/1/99

A new report published yesterday accuses the British Museum of severely damaging the Elgin Marbles 60 years ago in an ill-advised cleaning, then covering up the incident.  Toronto Globe and Mail

Young British Artists might have caused a sensation in Brooklyn, but on the eve of this year’s Turner Prize announcement, signs that the YBA’s have been absorbed into the wider London art world.  New York Times

Simon Schama’s new Rembrandt book works to make its subject come alive with every brush stroke.  Boston Globe

Australia’s National Gallery of Art cancels planned visit of the infamous “Sensation” show.  Sydney Morning Herald

• And: New York Times account 12/1/99

As World War II was winding down, the British tried to figure out what to do with the German-owned art it had confiscated. Return it to its rightful owners? Uh-uh – it was sold at auction.  London Telegraph

Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi reopened this weekend after repairs from 1997 earthquake.  London Telegraph

Just where do you hang it? Store it? Look at it?  Wired