But Babies Prefer Picasso

Newly published research finds they prefer the imagery of Pablo Picasso to the impressionism of Claude Monet. For babies, “a painted canvas is simply a visual pattern,” writes a University of Zurich research team led by psychologist Trix Cacchione, “and some patterns appeal to them more than others.”

Anish Kapoor Cancels Beijing Exhibition To Protest Ai Weiwei’s Detention

“Anish Kapoor has cancelled plans to present his sculptures at the National Museum of China in Beijing, in protest against the continuing detention of Ai Weiwei. He had been asked by the British Council to consider a show at the newly renovated museum in Tiananmen Square as part the ‘UK Now’ festival in China late next year.”

Kevin O’Hare Is Right Choice For Royal Ballet, Says Guardian

Judith Mackrell: “So on paper, O’Hare’s appointment couldn’t sound more logical. But logical is also potentially dull. Ballet companies need stars to sell tickets, especially in financially straitened times, and Kevin O’Hare isn’t a name that lights up. … The fact that O’Hare comes without any artistic ego or agenda of his own can, I’d suggest, be a positive.”

The Family Project: Rage, Dylan Thomas, And Dad

“Just as D.J.’s eccentric mannerisms and dramatic storytelling made people uncomfortable, the same mannerisms, performed by the son, became a trademark. … Just as D.J. used rage to hide from regret, Dylan used it to further his poet’s identity. The father and son would feed off each other, each raging himself into a state that was alternately more wronged and more poetic than the other.”