Latest Opinion and Letters to the Editor from the readers of the World Art News
In the realm of art, there exists an enigmatic connection to the world of drugs—an allure that has enticed and ensnared countless renowned artists throughout history. These tragic tales, punctuated by creativity, self-destruction, and haunting masterpieces, reveal the profound impact drugs can have on artistic expression. Let us embark on a journey through the lives of famous artists, exploring their tumultuous relationships with drugs and the indelible mark it left on their art.
Taste Contemporary is thrilled to present “Going Beyond,” a captivating two-person exhibition that showcases the extraordinary works of textile artist Michael Brennand-Wood and ceramic artist Anne Marie Laureys. These two artists, who have been closely associated with the gallery since its inception, are known for their ability to transcend the conventional and redefine the possibilities of their chosen materials. Held at Cromwell Place in London, this remarkable exhibition opened to the public on May 30th and will continue until June 4th, 2023.
The International Conference, Leonardo The Immortal Light, held at Palazzo Li Madou in Ancona, unveiled a groundbreaking study on Leonardo da Vinci’s red chalk drawing, revealing that it depicted the features of Federico da Montefeltro, the Duke of Urbino. The event, now in its 30th edition, explored Leonardo’s genius through scientific research, philosophy, and art, with renowned experts presenting their findings. The conference also highlighted the role of Neoplatonism during the Renaissance, the symbolism employed by Federico at his court, and the anatomical details of the drawing. The event culminated in the awarding of the prestigious Leonardo International Award to the Marche Region for its commitment to culture, tourism, and sustainability. The discoveries made during the conference underscored the profound connection between the Marches and Leonardo’s works, emphasizing the need for a new humanism that unites spirituality and intellectual achievements. The event serves as a catalyst for cultural rebirth, inspiring further research and appreciation of Leonardo’s legacy, while envisioning a future where art, science, and philosophy intertwine to shape a harmonious society.
“I foresee a mature NFT developing from the ashes of the grifters. Original art is original art and there will always be a market for it. The world will only get more digital. Whether it’s gaming platforms or the metaverse, cave paintings or an NFT gallery, there are still walls that need decoration. The savvy artists will figure out how to keep a toe in each pool to create physical and digital work, each raising the others’ profile.”
Mon Dieu Projects aims to bring some irreverence to the LA art world with its provocative curatorial choices. “Mon Dieu” the French expression of “My god!” and surprise is the reaction the curators hope to inspire. It also represents Galerie Youn’s Montreal roots with its roster of eccentric artists, who are thrilled for their West Coast debut.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was a world-renowned 18th century writer and philosopher, covering poetry, plays, novels, and scientific treatises, and widely considered the greatest German writer of all time. His magnum opus, “Faust,” tells the story of a scholar who makes a deal with the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and pleasure, and is regarded as one of the greatest literary works ever written. Now imagine owning an antique limited-edition royal “Faust” that is the size of a small window. It is covered in leather and silver, published and decorated by the finest bookmakers and artists of its time, and made exclusively for Queen Victoria. Who wouldn’t want such a copy for their personal library?! This book exists, and with some effort, you can purchase it for your collection.
Art dealing can be a glamorous and lucrative business, but it can also be incredibly dangerous. In recent years, there have been numerous cases of art dealers falling victim to theft, fraud, and even violence. According to reports by the FBI, Interpol, and the Art Loss Register, there were over 24,700 reported cases of art theft between 2008 and 2022, with the value of stolen art during this period surpassing more than $11 billion. These statistics serve as a stark reminder of the risks that art dealers face in their line of work.
Freaky-Deek is a talented sculptor and videographer hailing from the Black Forest region in Germany. He has been showcasing his work in various galleries, exhibitions, and social media platforms. Having grown tired of just typing on a keyboard, freaky-Deek decided to dive into his creative passion and start his own business. As a former figurine collector, he wanted to create something truly unique and dynamic. So, he combined his electronics skills with his love for art and crafted sculptures with added features such as lights and sound. Recently freaky-Deek embarked on a new journey with the creation of a one-of-a-kind polymer clay cyborg sculpt, known as Project AD-01.
Didier Guenard is a known artist, furniture maker, and restorer from France that specialized in wooden art and décor. His signature creations are works of fine furniture made from vintage and antique oak barrels. Didier uniquely repurposed, perfected, and mastered the wood of these vessels, teaching the world – the art of revealing a straight line within a curve.
For centuries oak barrels have been used to store and transport wine and spirits, but they also have a second life as a material for making artistic furniture. The sturdy and durable oak wood can be transformed into unique and beautiful pieces that add a rustic and vintage charm to any space. The process of making artistic furniture from these barrels is a creative and innovative endeavor that requires a skilled craftsman.
It seems that the modern art world wants the artist to be restricted to the haul and carry, booth setup, travel, out of town hotel expenses, adverse weather, damage to artwork, and watch the crowds meander by art show circuit rather than using local art for interior decorating or serious art show displays in art centers or galleries. Communities like art shows that draw crowds and money into their area, and seem determined to keep the art show circuit working to their own advantage.
Tom Glynn is a rare breed: an artist who can move effortlessly between artforms, materials, scales and registers, equally adept at making miniature paintings and monumental sculptures. And yet all of his work is unmistakably English in mood. His images are populated by the country’s Neolithic monuments and pastoral landscapes, and informed by the many artists who inhabited those places before him. Glynn is driven by the same Romantic spirit that motivated Palmer and Turner, Nash and Piper, Wallis, Lanyon and Hockney, but his art is never anything but his own. It is, after all, underpinned by an urge that has coursed through his veins since he first stepped foot in a sandpit.
