“A monumental frieze made between 1909 and 1916 by Edvard Munch for the Aula (assembly hall) of the University of Oslo was unveiled to great acclaim in 2011 after a lengthy [restoration] project … However, only 20 months after the project was completed, a Norwegian conservator has warned that harmful dust and debris from the restoration of the building’s exterior may harm the recently treated frieze.”
Tag: 12.18.12
Renewed Controversy Over White Australian Artists Using Aboriginal Motifs
A couple of prominent indigenous artists (along with one Indian-Australian taking umbrage on behalf of people of colour) have broken with their dealers in protest over the “appropriation” by certain white artists of dots, cross-hatching and other techniques characteristic of indigenous painting. Others argue that the indigenous motifs are now an integral part of contemporary art’s visual vocabulary and should be available to all.
If Our Universe Is Just A Matrix-Style Simulation, How Could We Know?
Here’s one physicist who claims to have an answer.
The Dos and Don’ts Of Flower-Giving At The Royal Ballet
Making gifts of bouquets to the dancers at Covent Garden has a history going back to the company’s shoestring beginnings at Sadler’s Wells in the 1930s. The tradition is now thoroughly established – for all performances, not just opening nights – but there are rules to be followed (and certain preferences to be kept in mind).
Mariinsky Will Cut Back On Foreign Touring
“World audiences have come to know [Valery] Gergiev and his company well as they crisscrossed the globe after the collapse of Soviet state funding. But with Russians now pouring the kind of money into the arts that has just built the $700-million Mariinsky II theatre [the company’s third stage], he wants to concentrate on domestic performances.”
Valery Gergiev Suggests That Pussy Riot Are Fame Whores
Said the maestro and Putin confidante, “Why go to the Cathedral of Christ to make a political statement? Why with screaming and dancing? … I am told by too many people that those girls are potentially a very good business proposition. Suppose that someone created all this in order to produce another touring group earning millions and millions? Anna Netrebko didn’t need to do something like this.”
Nielsen To Buy Arbitron – Ratings Giants Unite
“Nielsen said it needs Arbitron to better measure consumers’ media habits when they’re out of the home. In addition to tracking traditional radio, Arbitron will help it gain data on streaming audio.”
Chinese Movie Directors Demand Censorship Reform
“This surge of dissent among filmmakers follows similar comments demanding reforms of censorship laws from industry figures.”
Louvre Director To Step Down
The director of the Musée du Louvre, Paris, Henri Loyrette, has announced that he will leave the museum next April after 12 years in the post.
NRA Takes Down Its Popular Facebook Page After Shootings
“The NRA’s Google+ and YouTube pages remain intact, but the NRA “locked” its most recent Google+ post, decrying a surge in federal background checks, preventing the post from being shared with others or commented upon. On YouTube, the NRA appears to have similarly disabled comments on its most recent upload.”