First there was the world-famous fiasco “Beast Jesus,” then there was St. George painted to look like a toy. Now an early copy of Murillo’s Immaculate Conception of Los Venerables has been wrecked because a collector tried to have it fixed up for only €1,200 by a furniture restorer, and there are calls in Spain for the entire field of art restoration to be regulated. – The Guardian
Tag: 06.22.20
Kurt Cobain’s Guitar Sold For $6 Million
At $6.01m after fees, the guitar is the most expensive ever sold at auction, Julien’s Auctions said. Bidding in Los Angeles opened at $1m and was won by Rode Microphones founder Peter Freedman. – BBC
The Summer Of Drive-In Culture
Up and down the country, drive-ins are opening as canny entrepreneurs see a business opportunity. It’s going out but staying in at the same time, and only a cynic (that’ll be me) would suggest it combines the worst of both. Cinemas, concert halls, theatres, galleries and standup gigs are closed, festivals abandoned. And yet we yearn for live art and entertainment. Hence recent drive-in gigs at an airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and at a car park in Bratislava, Slovakia. Across the world, people are leaving lockdown, getting into their cars and chasing down what passes for live culture at this difficult time while still socially distancing. – The Guardian
BlogBacks: John Ravenal & Alan Wallach (& me) on the Confederate Sculptures Fracas
I knew that my contrarian suggestions about what to do with the controversial sculptures of Confederate leaders on Richmond’s Monument Avenue would provoke some pushback, but I hoped for the constructive critiques that I’ve come to expect from my knowledgeable, insightful readers. That’s exactly what I got. – Lee Rosenbaum
When Public Assets Become Private – Why We Should Care
Only a public agent can speak in our name. So mass privatisation doesn’t simply shift decision-making away from public institutions to unaccountable, private entities; it also undermines shared civic responsibility and the very existence of collective political will. – Aeon
Movie Theatres Struggle To Make Audiences Feel Safe
“You don’t want to make all the health stuff too obvious. Because if it feels like they’re checking in for a flight, they aren’t going to come. But you have to let them know somehow. So it’s really hard.” – Washington Post
Opera By Phone? We’ve Got You Covered
“I had worried that the just-for-me performance would be awkward. The prospect triggered flashbacks of unwanted serenades by accordionists and fiddlers playing for tips on European restaurant terraces. And though I was game for playing my part in the flirtatious conversation, I was mindful of the stern warning On Site Opera had sent ticket holders to uphold “a respectful artistic experience for all.” The last thing I wanted was to try something cute that would come out creepy.” – The New York Times
An Open Letter To The Ballet Community From A Harvard Student
Dancer Sara Komatsu says it’s time for massive change in ballet. “If we believe in this art and want it to succeed, we must be willing to open our minds, have honest conversations, and put in the work to topple racist and elitist practices to usher in a new age of ballet that is diverse, exciting, and more beautiful than ever before.” – The Harvard Crimson