The county where the Barnes Collection is located has written to the Barnes board, asking it to “consider selling the buildings that house the world-famous collection in Merion and the grounds to Montgomery County. The art collection would remain where it is and the Barnes would pay rent to Montgomery County by investing the profits from the sale. The county would use tax-exempt bonds to raise the money for the purchase.”
Tag: 06.13.07
Diamonds In The Rough (Indeed)
“It is no secret that the art market has become drunk with money lately, with major auctions routinely raising record prices for artists old and new. Never before have contemporary artists, from London to Leipzig, New York to Shanghai, been at the center of such speculative fever. But $100 million for a diamond skull that cost $23.6 million (£12 million) to make? Even Russian oligarchs and hedge-fund billionaires might think twice. The work, by the way, is called ‘For the Love of God.’ Indeed.”
Developer Planned To Pave Over Ancient Site
“Italian police have taken possession of a newly discovered ancient Greek temple in southern Italy after uncovering a developer’s plot to build over the 2,000-year-old ruins.”
Hollywood Studio Sued In Race Discrimination Suit
Universal Pictures is being accused of firing an assistant director because he is black. ” ‘I was treated and hailed to a different standard on this film. I think Hollywood has a different standard for people of colour.’ Universal Pictures has insisted that Mr Davis was dismissed purely on the basis of his inability to do the job.”
Chinua Achebe Wins Booker Prize
“Achebe is best known for his 1958 debut novel Things Fall Apart, which sold more than 10 million copies. The 76-year-old, who was paralysed from the waist down after a car accident in 1990, beat writers including Ian McEwan and Salman Rushdie to the honour.”
The Last Active Gallery In Baghdad
“Madarat, the last active gallery in Baghdad, just up a side road next to the Turkish Embassy in the Waziriya district near the city center. Imagine the risks involved for patrons attending an opening–how to get there safely, and then how long to stay en bloc as a provocative target, even how much precious gas to use up for art’s sake.”