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Sofia Coppola art directs inaugural Bal d’Été gala for Paris couture week
Sofia Coppola transformed the Musée des Arts Décoratifs into a realm of old-world glamour Sunday night, orchestrating the…
- Sofia Coppola served as artistic director for the inaugural Bal d'Été at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, officially launching Paris Haute Couture Week with a star-studded gala featuring Kirsten Dunst, Keira Knightley and Penélope Cruz
imdb+2. - The event distinguished itself from traditional fashion fundraisers by selling tickets to individuals and families rather than corporate sponsors, with a no-phones policy creating what observers called "pre-Instagram glamour"
imdb+1. - The gala commemorated the centennial of the 1925 International Exhibition of Decorative Arts that popularized Art Deco design, serving as both a cultural celebration and fundraiser for the museum's programs
harpersbazaar+2. - Jean-Victor Meyers, L'Oréal heir and President of the Honorary Committee, selected Coppola for her ability to blend "fashion, music, cinema, art and design into immersive worlds"
harpersbazaar+1. - The event was positioned as France's answer to the Met Gala, emphasizing authentic French cultural traditions while reviving the historic Parisian grand ball tradition that merged art, fashion and society
harpersbazaar+2.
Chihuahua leads rescuers to owner trapped in glacier crevasse
A Chihuahua guided Swiss rescue teams to its owner trapped in a glacier crevasse on Friday, marking an…
- A Chihuahua guided Swiss rescue teams to its owner who had fallen into a crevasse on the Fee Glacier above Saas-Fee on Friday when a snow bridge collapsed beneath him
swissinfo+1. - The hiker called for help using amateur radio after falling into the crevasse, but rescue teams initially struggled to locate him on the wide glacier surface where the hole was barely visible
swissinfo+1. - The rescue team spotted the small dog positioned on a rock directly next to the crevasse opening, and the dog's behavior helped guide them to the correct location
swissinfo+1. - Air Zermatt crews successfully extracted both the hiker and his Chihuahua, flying them to a hospital in Visp for medical evaluation
swissinfo+1. - The rescue comes amid ongoing concerns about Swiss glacier safety, with Switzerland losing 4% of its total glacier volume in 2023 and experiencing a devastating glacier collapse in May that destroyed 90% of the village of Blatten
cbsnews.
Japan’s viral manga earthquake prophecy fails to materialize
Japan awoke to stillness early Saturday morning as a viral manga prophecy predicting a catastrophic earthquake on July…
- Japan awoke to stillness early Saturday morning as a viral manga prophecy predicting a catastrophic earthquake on July 5 failed to materialize, with over 250,000 online viewers witnessing only an ordinary sunrise instead of the predicted disaster
thestandard+1. - The doomsday prediction from manga artist Ryo Tatsuki's work "The Future I Saw" had forecast a massive earthquake cracking the ocean floor between Japan and the Philippines, triggering tsunamis three times larger than the 2011 disaster
thestandard+1. - The false prophecy inflicted substantial economic damage, with the Nomura Research Institute estimating potential losses of up to ¥560 billion ($3.9 billion) as travelers canceled flights and hotel bookings across East Asia
gulfnews. - Tatsuki, dubbed "Japan's Baba Vanga," had gained credibility after her 1999 manga appeared to predict the devastating 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami that killed nearly 20,000 people
ndtv+1. - The Japan Meteorological Agency repeatedly dismissed the prediction as "a hoax" and "disinformation," with seismologists emphasizing that earthquake prediction with specific timing remains scientifically impossible
ndtv+1.
Pope Leo XIV revives papal summer retreat tradition
Pope Leo XIV will depart Vatican City tomorrow to spend two weeks at the papal summer retreat in…
- Pope Leo XIV will travel to Castel Gandolfo on July 6 to spend two weeks at the papal summer retreat, reviving a centuries-old tradition that Pope Francis abandoned during his 12-year papacy
catholicnewsagency+1. The Chicago-born pontiff will stay at the hilltop estate south of Rome from July 6-20 for what the Vatican calls "a period of rest"catholicnewsagency+1. - The papal visit has generated economic hope in the lakeside town of 8,900 residents, with Mayor Alberto De Angelis saying Leo's return "gives us hope. The heart of the city returns"
catholicnewsagency. Local business owners anticipate increased tourism as visitors seek glimpses of the pontiffcbsnews. - Leo will stay at Villa Barberini rather than the traditional Apostolic Palace, which Francis converted into a museum in 2016
catholicnewsagency+1. The Vatican has reportedly installed a tennis court for the tennis-loving pope and refreshed the swimming poolcatholicnewsagency. - During his stay, Leo will make limited public appearances, celebrating Mass at local parishes on July 13 and 20 and leading the Angelus prayer in Liberty Square
catholicnewsagency+1. All private audiences and Wednesday general audiences will be suspended during July, resuming July 30vaticannews. - The 135-acre estate has served as a papal retreat since 1596, with popes including Pius XII, John XXIII, Paul VI, John Paul II, and Benedict XVI spending summers there to escape Rome's intense heat
catholicnewsagency+1.
William Kentridge’s largest sculpture show outside Africa opens in Yorkshire
South African artist William Kentridge's largest sculpture exhibition outside his home country opened at Yorkshire Sculpture Park last…
- William Kentridge's "The Pull of Gravity" opened at Yorkshire Sculpture Park on June 28, marking the first museum presentation outside South Africa to focus solely on his sculpture
ysp+1. - The exhibition features over 40 sculptural works spanning from 2007 to 2024, including the new commission "Paper Procession" - six monumental colored sculptures up to five meters high displayed against a century-old yew hedge
ysp+1. - Kentridge's practice has evolved over two decades from drawing into three-dimensional sculpture, transforming works that originated from puppetry, film props, and stage sets into bronze, steel, paper, and found object installations
ysp+1. - The exhibition includes the first institutional presentation of "Self-Portrait as a Coffee Pot," a film series created during the first Covid-19 lockdown, alongside immersive installations spanning seven screens
yorkshirepost+1. - Running through April 19, 2026, the show positions Yorkshire as an unexpected hub for contemporary African art while Kentridge continues exploring themes of colonialism, history, and political ambiguity through his distinctly South African lens
yorkshirepost+1.
Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party to curate new David Bowie Centre
The Victoria & Albert Museum has announced that award-winning musician Nile Rodgers and Brit Award-winning indie rock band…
- The V&A Museum has announced that Nile Rodgers and The Last Dinner Party will guest-curate special exhibitions at the new David Bowie Centre, opening September 13, 2025, at V&A East Storehouse in London
antimusic+1. - The Centre will provide free access to over 90,000 items from Bowie's personal archive, acquired through the generosity of the David Bowie Estate, the Blavatnik Family Foundation, and Warner Music Group
antimusic+1. - Nile Rodgers, who produced Bowie's hugely successful albums "Let's Dance" and "Black Tie White Noise," has curated items reflecting their shared "love of the music that had both made and saved our lives," including personal correspondence and stage costumes
antimusic+1. - The Last Dinner Party, a Brit Award-winning indie rock band, selected items mostly from the 1970s showing how Bowie continues to inspire generations of artists, including handwritten lyrics for "Win" and Station to Station tour setlists
timeout+1. - The Centre features nine curated displays, interactive installations, and a unique "Order an Object" service allowing visitors to book one-on-one time with archive items, establishing a new model for public access to celebrity archives
timeout+1.
Oxford archaeologists find intact Roman wicker well in Norfolk
Archaeologists from Oxford Archaeology have uncovered a remarkably intact Roman-era well in Norfolk, England, featuring meticulously woven wicker…
- Oxford Archaeology team uncovered a remarkably intact Roman-era well in Norfolk, England, featuring unique construction with meticulously woven wicker lining that has survived nearly 2,000 years
arkeonews. - The well's exceptional preservation is attributed to waterlogged, oxygen-free underground conditions that prevented organic materials from decaying over the centuries
arkeonews. - Inside the well, archaeologists found remnants of what appears to be a wooden ladder with one rail and single rung remaining, suggesting it was used to access the water
arkeonews. - The structure was constructed by digging a vertical shaft to groundwater and lining it with woven wicker resembling a giant basket, anchored with vertical wooden supports and padded with timber offcuts
arkeonews. - Researchers completed a detailed 3D scan of the fragile structure to document the craftsmanship without disturbing the site, while excavation continues with hopes of finding additional artifacts at the bottom
arkeonews.
Jean-Marc Bustamante opens new art foundation in Arles
Renowned French artist and curator Jean-Marc Bustamante will establish the Fondation Bustamante in the 12th-century Sainte-Croix Church in…
- Jean-Marc Bustamante, renowned French artist and former director of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, will launch the Fondation Bustamante in Arles in summer 2025
theartnewspaper. - The foundation will be housed in the historic Sainte-Croix church, a 12th-century medieval building that will be redesigned by architect Charles Zana across three floors to display Bustamante's works and archive
theartnewspaper. - Bustamante aims to support artists of all generations and young curators through a diverse exhibition program and educational masterclasses, positioning the foundation among Arles' exceptional cultural offerings
theartnewspaper. - The artist, who represented France at the Venice Biennale in 2003 and the São Paulo Biennale in 1994, is known for his groundbreaking "photographic paintings" that blur boundaries between photography and traditional painting
theartnewspaper+1. - Arles has become a major European cultural hub alongside institutions like LUMA Arles and the Fondation Van Gogh, with Bustamante describing it as having "enormous cultural importance" comparable only to Venice
theartnewspaper.
BIG to transform Copenhagen plazas with meteorite strike design
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won a competition to transform three major public plazas in Copenhagen's Ørestad district…
- BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) has won a competition to redesign three major public plazas around DR Concert Hall, Bella Arena, and Royal Arena in Copenhagen's Ørestad district with "The Impact," a 50,000+ square meter project
domusweb+1. - The design features a dramatic sculptural "crack" resembling a meteorite strike that connects all three plazas, allowing water, light, and native vegetation to flow through the urban landscape
domusweb+1. - Each plaza will have distinct features: DR Concert Hall gets an urban pool and amphitheater, Bella Arena receives sunken green "rooms" with climbing vegetation, and Royal Arena gets a dramatic sculptural void for gatherings
designboom+1. - The project embraces "urban Kintsugi" - inspired by the Japanese art of repairing broken pottery with gold - where cracks and fractures create "accelerated patina" and allow light to enter the urban fabric
domusweb+1. - The sustainable design aims for less than 0.1 kg CO₂ per m² per year, reusing existing granite and concrete materials while incorporating rainwater management and native vegetation to support biodiversity
archdaily+1.
Senegal abandons Akon’s Wakanda-style futuristic city project
The Senegalese government has officially abandoned Akon's $6 billion futuristic city project, the BBC reported today, marking the…
- Senegal has officially abandoned Akon's $6 billion futuristic city project, with officials citing inadequate funding and halted construction as key factors in the decision to shelve the ambitious urban development scheme
bbc. - The Senegalese government had issued multiple ultimatums to the American-Senegalese singer, threatening to reclaim 90% of the 136 acres of Atlantic coastline allocated for the project if construction did not begin
bbc+1. - The project's failure was compounded by the collapse of Akoin, Akon's cryptocurrency that was meant to power the city's economy, which plummeted from $0.15 at launch in 2020 to just $0.003 by August 2024
bbc+1. - Legal challenges plagued the venture, including a $4 million lawsuit from Akon's former business partner who accused the project of displaying characteristics of "fraudulent business ventures such as Ponzi schemes"
nilepost. - While the original Akon City vision has been scrapped, Senegal says it will collaborate with Akon on a more "realistic" development for the same site near Mbodiène village
bbc.
300,000-year-old wooden tools found in China
An international research team has unearthed 35 wooden tools dating back 300,000 years at an archaeological site in…
- An international research team has unearthed 35 wooden tools dating back 300,000 years at the Gantangqing archaeological site in Yunnan province, China, marking the earliest known evidence of complex wooden tool technology in East Asia
independent+1. - The tools, crafted primarily from pine and hardwoods, include digging sticks and unique hook-shaped implements designed for harvesting underground plants like roots and tubers, revealing that early humans in the region relied heavily on plant-based diets
independent+1. - The discovery, published in the journal Science, challenges previous assumptions about technological development in prehistoric East Asia and provides empirical support for the long-debated "bamboo and wooden tools hypothesis"
chinadaily+1. - The wooden artifacts were preserved in oxygen-deprived clay sediments at an ancient lakeshore site, a rare occurrence since wooden tools from this period typically decompose rapidly
independent+1. - The findings contrast sharply with contemporaneous European sites like Schöningen in Germany, where wooden tools were primarily hunting implements, highlighting distinct regional survival strategies adapted to different environments
independent+1.
Largest Mars meteorite on Earth could fetch $4M at auction
A 54-pound chunk of Mars, the largest piece of the red planet ever discovered on Earth, will go…
- A 54-pound Mars meteorite designated NWA 16788, the largest piece of the red planet ever found on Earth, will be auctioned at Sotheby's New York on July 16 with an estimated value of up to $4 million
local12+1. - The meteorite was discovered in November 2023 by a meteorite hunter in Niger's Agadez region and is 70 percent larger than any other known Martian fragment, accounting for roughly 6 percent of all Martian material found on Earth
news.artnet+1. - Scientists determined the meteorite was blasted from Mars' surface by an asteroid impact so intense that parts of the rock transformed into glass, with its surface displaying patches of glassy fusion crust from its fiery passage through Earth's atmosphere
local12+1. - The sale has sparked debate within the scientific community about whether such rare specimens should remain in museums for public access, though a reference sample has already been transferred to China's Purple Mountain Observatory for study
fact-news. - Only about 400 Martian meteorites have been officially classified worldwide, making them rarer than diamonds, with Sotheby's accepting cryptocurrency as payment for this most valuable extraterrestrial specimen ever offered at public auction
news.artnet+1.
Ancient Roman engineers built breakwater in Misenum with recycled ruins
Underwater archaeologists have discovered a remarkable Roman-era breakwater at the ancient port of Misenum near Bacoli, Italy, revealing…
- Underwater archaeologists discovered a Roman-era breakwater at the ancient port of Misenum near Bacoli, Italy, revealing how Imperial engineers repurposed architectural fragments to create a 295-foot-long protective barrier
greekreporter+1. - The breakwater was constructed from recycled marble columns, carved stones, and sculptural fragments that were intentionally placed on the seafloor rather than scattered by natural collapse
greekreporter+1. - The structure protected the harbor of Portus Iulius, home base for the Classis Misenensis—the most powerful naval fleet in the Roman Empire—from fierce Sirocco winds originating from Africa's Sahara Desert
archaeology+1. - The discovery spans 90 meters in length and 23 meters in width, submerged at depths of 5-9 meters between Punta Terone and Punta Pennata
greekreporter+1. - Roman engineers demonstrated remarkable sustainability by recycling monumental cultural materials for coastal defense, blending Greek and Roman maritime engineering techniques in this strategic Mediterranean location
greekreporter+1.
Neanderthals ran a ‘fat factory’ 125,000 years ago, study finds
According to recent research published in Science Advances, archaeologists have discovered evidence that Neanderthals operated a sophisticated "fat…
- Archaeologists discovered evidence that Neanderthals operated a sophisticated "fat factory" at the Neumark-Nord site in present-day Germany approximately 125,000 years ago, where they systematically processed bones from at least 172 large mammals to extract nutrient-rich bone grease
popular-archaeology+1. - The discovery pushes back the timeline for resource intensification by nearly 100,000 years, as previous evidence of such complex processing techniques dated only to 28,000 years ago among Upper Paleolithic Homo sapiens
popular-archaeology+1. - Neanderthals employed sophisticated techniques including crushing bones into tens of thousands of fragments and heating them in water to render calorie-rich grease, demonstrating remarkable planning and coordination in a tightly organized 50-square-meter area
press.uni-mainz+1. - The fat extraction likely served as a critical survival strategy to prevent protein poisoning (rabbit starvation), a potentially lethal condition that occurs when humans consume too much lean protein without adequate fat or carbohydrates
livescience+1. - The Neumark-Nord archaeological site spans over 74 acres and has yielded extraordinary preservation of Last Interglacial flora and fauna, including remains of approximately 70 straight-tusked elephants and evidence of controlled landscape management over at least 2,000 years
press.uni-mainz.
Tate chair proposes Turbine Hall naming rights for a minimum of £50m
According to The Art Newspaper, Roland Rudd, the chair of Tate's trustees, has suggested that naming rights for…
- Roland Rudd, chair of Tate's trustees, has suggested selling naming rights to the iconic Turbine Hall at London's Tate Modern for "a minimum of £50m" as part of the institution's ambitious fundraising campaign
theartnewspaper. - The proposal is tied to the Tate Future Fund, a new endowment initiative launched to raise £150 million by 2030, with £43 million already secured from donors including trustees and foundations
theartnewspaper+1. - The endowment follows a US museum model and aims to provide long-term financial stability for Tate's four galleries, supporting exhibitions, research, and public programs through annual interest rather than spending the principal
theartnewspaper+1. - Director Maria Balshaw emphasized the fund represents a strategic shift beyond recent financial difficulties that led to budget deficits and a 7% workforce reduction in 2024-25
theartnewspaper+1. - The campaign was launched at a star-studded gala at Tate Modern featuring performances by the Pet Shop Boys and attended by celebrities including Daniel Craig and Reese Witherspoon, raising £1 million at the event
maxwellmuseums.substack.
Diana de Rosa painting shatters auction expectations and redefines her legacy
A rediscovered Baroque painting by Diana de Rosa, a 17th-century Neapolitan artist and contemporary of Artemisia Gentileschi, has…
- A rediscovered Baroque painting by Diana de Rosa, "Salome with the Head of Saint John the Baptist," shattered auction expectations at Sotheby's London, selling for £317,500 ($436,086) and more than quadrupling its high estimate
news.artnet.
- De Rosa, also known as Annella di Massimo, was a 17th-century Neapolitan artist born in 1602 who was heavily influenced by Caravaggio through her stepfather Filippo Vitale after her father's death in 1610
news.artnet.
- The dramatic canvas offers a rare glimpse into the bold, expressive style of De Rosa, a contemporary of Artemisia Gentileschi, whose reputation has long been eclipsed by male peers like Caravaggio
news.artnet.
- Sotheby's specialist Elisabeth Lobkowicz described the work as "a powerful, arresting image, comparable to Caravaggio's own treatment of Salome" and called it a "cornerstone piece" that demonstrates De Rosa's accomplishment
news.artnet.
- The sale highlights the ongoing scholarly effort to correct historical misattributions of women artists' works, as many of De Rosa's paintings have been wrongly attributed to male contemporaries throughout history
news.artnet.
Bactrian inscription on vessel found in Tajikistan sheds light on Kushan era
Archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan have unearthed a rare clay vessel bearing a complete Bactrian inscription…
- Archaeologists from the National Museum of Tajikistan have discovered a rare clay vessel with a complete Bactrian inscription at the Khalkhajar archaeological site near Sarband village, dating to the Kushan Empire period (1st-3rd centuries AD)
timesca+1. - The two-handled water jug, found in fragments and carefully restored, bears the inscription "This water jug belongs to the woman Sagkina" in Bactrian language written in Greek-derived script
timesca+2. - International experts including Professor Nicholas Sims-Williams and numismatist Joe Cribb translated the rare inscription, which represents one of the few complete Bactrian texts found in Tajikistan
timesca+1. - The discovery provides unprecedented insight into female literacy, property ownership, and everyday life during the Kushan era, when Bactrian served as the administrative lingua franca across Central and South Asia
muslimnetwork. - The artifact will be displayed at the National Museum of Tajikistan and contributes valuable material for onomastic studies and understanding of ancient Central Asian naming conventions and gender roles
muslimnetwork+1.
Lost 1847 anti-slavery document found in Mass. archive
A retired teacher volunteering at a Massachusetts archive has uncovered a lost piece of American religious history: a…
- Jennifer Cromack, a retired teacher volunteering at the American Baptist archive in Groton, Massachusetts, discovered a lost 178-year-old anti-slavery document that had been missing for over a century
abcnews.go. - The 5-foot-long handwritten scroll titled "A Resolution and Protest Against Slavery" was signed by 116 New England ministers in Boston on March 2, 1847, and was found in pristine condition
abcnews.go. - The document emerged during a critical period in American religious history, signed two years after slavery split the Baptist denomination in 1845 when southern Baptists formed the Southern Baptist Convention
abcnews.go. - The ministers declared they could "no longer be silent" and condemned slavery as "an outrage upon the rights and happiness of our fellow men," representing a bold stance when many northern Americans were reluctant to speak out against slavery
abcnews.go. - Church officials called it the "Holy Grail" of abolitionist-era Baptist documents and are now researching the signatories, which included ministers from some of the nation's first integrated churches
abcnews.go.
Giant Roman shoes found at Hadrian’s Wall puzzle experts
Archaeologists working at a Roman fort in northern England have uncovered eight leather shoes from nearly 2,000 years…
- Archaeologists have discovered eight Roman leather shoes measuring the equivalent of modern size 13-14 at Magna Roman Fort in Northumberland, England, dating back nearly 2,000 years
the-independent+1. - The shoes were found in defensive ditches that Romans used as waste dumps and were preserved by low-oxygen, waterlogged soil conditions
the-independent+1. - The largest shoe measures 32.6 centimeters long (UK size 14/US size 16), while 25% of all shoes found at Magna exceed 30 centimeters, compared to just 0.4% at the nearby Vindolanda fort
independent+1. - The discovery suggests the people stationed at Magna may have been physically larger or from a specific region, challenging assumptions about Roman populations along Hadrian's Wall
the-independent+1. - Experts believe the findings highlight the diversity of regiments and populations that served along the Roman frontier, with Andrew Birley noting the "wide variations between the regiments and people who served along Hadrian's Wall could be cultural and physical"
independent+1.
Ancient network of ‘Walled Oases’ discovered in Arabian desert
A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has revealed a vast network of ancient walled oases in the Arabian Desert, dating…
- Archaeologists have revealed a vast network of ancient walled oases in the Arabian Desert dating back over 4,000 years, challenging perceptions of the region as dominated solely by nomadic tribes
arkeonews+1. - The Khaybar Oasis fortification, one of the largest discoveries, originally stretched 14.5 kilometers with walls up to 2.4 meters thick and 5 meters high, enclosing nearly 1,100 hectares of territory
popular-archaeology+1. - Researchers have confirmed at least ten major walled oases stretching from Tayma near the Jordanian border to Thaj on the Persian Gulf, with some walls extending up to eight kilometers
arkeonews. - The fortifications, built between 2250 and 1950 BCE, protected sophisticated agricultural systems including water sources, farmland, livestock, and settlements with crops of grains and date palms
greekreporter+1. - Modern satellite imagery and field surveys have identified four previously unknown walled oases including Dumat al-Jandal, Hait, Huwayyit, and Khaybar, revealing evidence of complex Bronze Age civilization
greekreporter+1.
National Parks’ negative signage order prompts outpouring of support for parks and historical accuracy
Following an executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History," the Trump administration installed signs across…
- The Trump administration installed signs at National Parks asking visitors to report "negative" depictions of American history following the "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History" executive order
govexec+1. - Instead of identifying problematic content, nearly 200 visitor submissions overwhelmingly praised National Park Service staff and advocated for honest historical narratives, with no examples of anti-American content flagged
govexec+1. - Visitors at sites like Manzanar National Historical Site and Stonewall National Monument defended factual historical interpretation, with many expressing outrage at what they viewed as censorship attempts
govexec+1. - The initiative required parks to review all public-facing content by mid-July and remove materials that "fail to emphasize American grandeur," but visitor feedback instead called for more inclusive storytelling
govexec+1. - Conservation advocates criticized the "snitch signs" as an attempt to whitewash history and undermine rangers' professionalism at sites documenting difficult chapters like Japanese internment camps and indigenous massacres
whro+1.
Tim Blum closes Los Angeles and Tokyo galleries after 30 years
Veteran art dealer Tim Blum has announced the closure of his eponymous galleries in Los Angeles and Tokyo,…
- Tim Blum announced the closure of his prestigious Los Angeles and Tokyo art galleries after 30 years in business, citing burnout from the relentless pace of the traditional gallery system rather than financial concerns
news.artnet+1. - The veteran dealer will transition away from permanent public spaces and formal artist rosters toward what he calls "a more flexible studio model" focused on collaborations and long-term projects
news.artnet+1. - Blum's decision comes two years after his longtime partner Jeff Poe departed from their Blum & Poe gallery, which was instrumental in launching the global careers of artists like Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami
hypebeast+1. - The gallery's current summer exhibitions in Los Angeles will close on August 16, while the Tokyo location's group show concludes on August 2, with the fate of a planned New York space still undecided
hypebeast. - Blum emphasized that his departure reflects broader systemic issues in the art world, stating "This is not about the market. This is about the system" and describing the business as increasingly "arduous" and "aggravating"
hypebeast+1.
Manchester Museum reconsiders display of ancient Egyptian mummy
As reported by The Art Newspaper and The National News, Manchester Museum is conducting a public consultation on…
- Manchester Museum is conducting a public consultation asking visitors whether to continue displaying the 2,700-year-old mummified remains of Asru, an ancient Egyptian woman whose body has been on exhibit for nearly 200 years since being unwrapped in 1825
cairoscene+1. - Asru's mummified body and coffins were acquired in Egypt by cotton merchants Robert and William Garnett in the early 1800s and donated to the Manchester Natural History Society, with her remains unwrapped in April 1825 as both investigation and entertainment, which was common practice in 19th century learned societies
thenationalnews+1. - The museum has placed a small plaque beside her remains inviting visitors to share their thoughts on her future display as part of the institution's broader reconsideration of how it cares for human remains in its collection, marking 200 years since her unwrapping
thenationalnews+1. - This consultation is part of a wider conversation UK museums are having about their colonial histories and collections, with the Manchester Museum stating that "decolonising" is an "integral part" of its mission and acknowledging the "true, violent history of colonialism"
thenationalnews. - Asru was the daughter of Pa-Kush, meaning "the Kushite Man," who held the title "Document Scribe of the Southern Region" and likely lived at the end of Egypt's 25th Dynasty of Kushite rulers, giving insight into her family's prosperity and multicultural heritage
egyptmanchester.wordpress.
Recent archaeological find in North Macedonia may be lost capital of Lyncestis
Recent archaeological excavations near the village of Crnobuki in North Macedonia have revealed a significant discovery that challenges…
- Archaeologists excavating at Gradishte near the village of Crnobuki in North Macedonia have discovered what may be the lost capital city of the ancient Kingdom of Lyncestis, dating back to at least 360 BCE
archaeology+1. - The site, previously thought to be a simple Roman military outpost, has revealed a thriving ancient city spanning at least seven acres with sophisticated urban features including an acropolis and Macedonian-style theater
archaeology+1. - Excavations have uncovered remarkable artifacts including stone axes, coins, a clay theater ticket, pottery, game pieces, and textile tools that provide evidence of a prosperous settlement predating the Roman Empire by centuries
archaeology+1. - The discovery includes the northernmost example of Hellenistic Ionic architecture found to date, suggesting the site was home to elite residents and challenging assumptions about the cultural sophistication of ancient Macedonia's peripheral regions
newsnow+1. - Archaeologist Nick Angeloff suggests this could be Lyncus, the capital of the Kingdom of Lyncestis that was conquered by Philip II in 358 BCE, and that historical figures like Octavian and Agrippa may have passed through on their way to the Battle of Actium
archaeology+1.
Creative Australia reinstates Sabsabi & Dagostino for Venice Biennale
According to SBS News, Creative Australia has reinstated renowned Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as…
- Creative Australia has reinstated Lebanese-Australian artist Khaled Sabsabi and curator Michael Dagostino as Australia's representatives at the 2026 Venice Biennale, reversing a controversial February decision that sparked widespread protests
theartnewspaper+2. - The original controversy began when right-wing politicians made allegations of antisemitism against Sabsabi during a senate hearing, focusing on his 2007 video installation "You" which features Hassan Nasrallah, the late Hezbollah leader
news.artnet+1. - Creative Australia's board had initially withdrawn the appointment to avoid "prolonged and divisive debate," prompting immediate resignations from senior staff including Mikala Tai and board member Lindy Lee, plus withdrawal of support from philanthropist Simon Mordant
news.artnet+1. - An independent external review by Blackhall & Pearl found that Creative Australia was unprepared for controversy and identified "missteps, assumptions and missed opportunities" in their governance processes
theartnewspaper+2. - The reinstatement comes with a formal apology from Creative Australia CEO Adrian Collette, who acknowledged the hurt caused to the artistic team, while Simon Mordant has now accepted the role of Global Ambassador for the project
theartnewspaper+1.
Canaletto’s Venice masterpiece sells for £31.9M, shattering his auction record
According to The Art Newspaper and Reuters, Canaletto's masterpiece "Venice, the Return of the Bucintoro on Ascension Day"…
- Canaletto's masterpiece "Venice, the Return of the Bucintoro on Ascension Day" sold for £31.9 million at Christie's London, shattering the artist's previous auction record
theartnewspaper+2. - The 1732 painting, once owned by Britain's first prime minister Sir Robert Walpole, had been estimated at £20 million but attracted five bidders from Asia, Europe and North America
theartnewspaper+1. - At 86cm by 138cm, it's the largest major Canaletto to hit the market in two decades and depicts Venice's grandest ceremonial view during Ascension Day festivities
theartnewspaper+1. - The work has only appeared at auction three times in its 300-year history - in 1751, 1993, and now 2025 - and remains in exceptional condition with original impasto intact
artdependence+1. - The sale price surpassed Canaletto's previous record of £18.6 million set in 2005 and represents the second-highest price for an Old Master at Christie's London
news.artnet+1.
Historians debunk Germany’s beloved Frederick potato myth
Generations of Germans have grown up believing Frederick the Great introduced the potato to their country, but historians…
- Historians are debunking the beloved German myth that Frederick the Great introduced the potato to Germany, with researcher Jürgen Luh from the Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation leading efforts to dispel the tale
news.ssbcrack. - The popular legend claims Frederick II of Prussia used reverse psychology by posting guards around potato fields during the day but allowing theft at night to create demand, but historical records show he preferred Italian cuisine and "never ate it — not boiled, not fried"
news.ssbcrack. - Potatoes were actually cultivated in Bavaria since 1647 and introduced to the Brandenburg area in the 1650s by Frederick's great-grandfather, Elector Frederick William, who grew them as ornamental plants
news.ssbcrack+1. - The reverse psychology story lacks solid historical documentation before the 20th century, with most scholars treating it as anecdote, and may have originated from similar tales about French pharmacist Antoine-Augustin Parmentier
reddit. - Despite historical evidence debunking the myth, tourists continue to leave potatoes on Frederick's grave at Sanssouci Palace, honoring him as "Der Kartoffelkönig" (the Potato King) for a feat he never accomplished
news.ssbcrack+1.
Desert harvest endures as climate change tests ancient ways
In the pre-dawn hours of Arizona's Sonoran Desert, cousins Tanisha Tucker Lohse and Maria Francisco venture into the…
- Cousins Tanisha Tucker Lohse and Maria Francisco of the Tohono O'odham Nation continue their ancestral tradition of harvesting sacred saguaro cactus fruit called 'bahidaj' in the Arizona borderlands during the scorching summer months
abcnews.go+1. - The harvest marks the Tohono O'odham New Year and is central to rain ceremonies, with the fruit processed into syrup and fermented into ceremonial wine that's believed to "sing down the rain"
sfgate+1. - Climate change is disrupting the ancient rhythms as Arizona temperatures have risen 2.5 degrees since the early 20th century, causing saguaros to bloom out of season and experience mounting environmental stress
epa+1. - The tradition is experiencing a renaissance among younger tribal members, with organized trips bringing Native youth to participate in the harvest and learn ancestral ways despite modern challenges
borderlore+1. - The Tohono O'odham maintain formal harvesting rights in Saguaro National Park through agreements dating back to advocacy efforts in the 1960s, ensuring cultural continuity on their ancestral lands
sfgate+1.
3,000-year-old Hymn to Babylon rediscovered with help from AI
Researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University and the University of Baghdad have rediscovered a 3,000-year-old hymn to Babylon that…
- Researchers from Ludwig Maximilian University and the University of Baghdad have rediscovered a 3,000-year-old hymn to Babylon that had been lost for a millennium, using AI technology to piece together fragments from cuneiform tablets
phys+1. - The 250-line hymn, dating from around 1000 BCE, describes Babylon during its cultural peak and offers rare insights into the ancient city's architecture, daily life, and natural surroundings including vivid descriptions of spring along the Euphrates River
web+1. - Professor Enrique Jiménez used his AI-powered Electronic Babylonian Library Platform to identify 30 manuscript fragments belonging to the hymn, a process that would have previously taken decades to complete
phys. - The hymn contains exceptionally rare descriptions of nature in Mesopotamian literature, depicting how the Euphrates brings spring to Babylon with fields turning green and flowers blooming
web+1. - The discovery was published in the journal Iraq and represents a significant breakthrough in understanding Babylonian literature and the cultural life of the ancient world's largest city
phys+1.
Italy pledges support for reunification of Parthenon marbles in Athens
Italy has emerged as a key ally in Greece's campaign to reclaim the Parthenon Marbles, with Culture Minister…
- Italy's Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli pledged support for the return of the Parthenon Marbles to Greece during a diplomatic visit to Athens, while announcing the repatriation of 145 ancient Greek coins originally discovered on the island of Kos
news.artnet+1. - The momentum builds on Italy's earlier precedent-setting return of the Fagan Fragment in 2022, a piece of the Parthenon's eastern frieze that was permanently returned from Sicily's Salinas Museum to the Acropolis Museum in Athens
greekcitytimes+2. - Greek Culture Minister Lina Mendoni emphasized that Greece and Italy are "co-guardians of classical civilization," as the two countries plan joint cultural initiatives including exhibitions featuring Giorgio de Chirico and Alberto Savinio alongside ancient artifacts
news.artnet+1. - The diplomatic cooperation follows the Vatican's return of three Parthenon fragments in 2023 initiated by Pope Francis, creating growing international pressure on the British Museum to return its collection of Parthenon Marbles
protothema. - Alberto Samonà, who spearheaded Sicily's fragment return, expressed optimism that "the day is approaching when the Parthenon sculptures will finally return to Athens," as international dialogue intensifies around cultural repatriation
greekcitytimes+2.