A 12th Century manuscript in the British Museum is shown to have been looted from Italy. “The missal, from the chapter library of Benevento, was acquired by a UK army captain during World War II and bought by the British Museum library (as it then was) at Sotheby’s in 1947.” – The Art Newspaper
Tag: 07.03.00
LOOKING BACK FOR THE FUTURE
The latest style in Moscow is what might be called reconstructivism. Wherever a historic building once stood but was destroyed, a more or less exact replacement now seems to be called for. Although not official policy, this growing attempt to re-create pre-revolutionary, pre-Stalin Moscow is largely driven by the office of the capital’s mayor, Yuri Luzhkov. – The Guardian
TAXMAN MAKES ARTISTIC DEAL
Instead of being the only Cimabue to ever have been auctioned, the rare panel painting will be accepted by the British government to pay the estate taxes of the current owner. The painting will join the collection of the National Gallery. – The Art Newspaper
LADY DIANA IN A JEEP?
When attempts to place statuary atop Trafalgar Square’s fourth vacant plinth began last year, officials were surprised by how seriously Londoners took up the task. Suggestions ranged from a statue of Princess Di to a giant pigeon. A year of trading art on and off the pedestal has suggested a plan for the future. – The Times (UK)
INDEPENDENCE TOUR
Norman and Lear and a partner who bought a copy of the Declaration of Independence on the internet last week, plan to tour it. “I don’t want to see it sitting on a wall, I want to take it where Americans can see it. I made a film in Greenfield, Iowa, and that’s a place I know well. If that living document came to Greenfield, people would come by the busloads.” – Los Angeles Times
STROKE SENDS ARTIST’S CAREER SOARING
Artist Katherine Sherwood was always an artist. But a debilitating stroke at the age of 44 transformed her career. “Critics see a huge change in Sherwood’s work. From the restricted, analytical style of the art professor she once was, she has been transformed into a vibrant, free-flowing painter. She has just finished a show at New York’s prestigious Whitney Museum, and her abstracts sell for $10,000. “I have sold more paintings in the past few months than in 25 years as an artist,” she says with a smile. – The Times (UK)
BRITAIN’S OPERA HOPE
The hip new opera in London last season was – of all things – a piece about soccer. Mark-Anthony Turnage, the “Silver Tassie’s” composer, “has emerged as one of the great hopes of English classical music – a natural extension of an extraoridnary line that runs through such fertile counties as Elgar, Walton, Bridge, Britten and Tippitt.” – Sequenza 21
FASTER LOUDER STRONGER
The Sydney International Piano Competition opens. But criticism is rife, and charges of scandal abound. “No one, of course, will ever hear of any of the SIPCA prizewinners. They all seem to have had rather too close connections with various members of the jury, which in any case is mostly comprised of lacklustre teachers who … wouldn’t recognise good and original artistry if it jumped up and bit them.” – The Age (Melbourne)
CONTROVERSIES ALL AROUND
Resignations from the competition’s executive and controversy about not using an Australian piano, mar the competition – and yes, all three Australian pianists competing made the quarter finals. – Sydney Morning Herald
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CABARET SINGER?
The fourth annual Sydney Cabaret Convention has certainly demonstrated there are a multitude of performers out there who can manage cabaret as a technical feat. But there is a lot more to it than technique and tamed facility. Like all live performance, cabaret should be extraordinary. And at this convention, you got seven minutes (two songs and a bit of chat) to prove your worth. – Sydney Morning Herald