Tag: Crime

Afghan Artists and Cultural Heritage in Extreme Danger: The World is Failing Afghanistan on Two Critical Fronts

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The Artistic Freedom Initiative (AFI) urgently called for the safety of Afghan artists who are categorically persecuted by the Taliban as demonstrated in a new report launched today: Artistic Exodus: Afghan Artists Fleeing Taliban Rule. The report, produced in partnership with UC Berkeley Law Pro Bono Program, brings to light the abuse of people working in music, visual arts, performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites and arts education since the regime regained control of Afghanistan two years ago. 

Notre-Dame Cathedral: Rising from the Ashes with Global Solidarity

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In the heart of Paris, where history and artistry intertwine, a monumental effort is underway, one that embodies the resilience of human spirit and international solidarity. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece that stood witness to centuries of history, faced a catastrophic trial on April 15, 2019, when a fierce blaze consumed its iconic spire and wooden roof, sending shockwaves across the globe.

Art & Drugs: An Enigmatic Journey through Tragic Tales of Famous Artists

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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.

Art Dealer’s Daily Dangers … and Safety Measures

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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.

Is Art Financing Terrorism?

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Art and terrorism seem to be worlds apart, however what most people perceive as heritage and culture – criminal organizations see as cold hard cash. Cash that is hard to trace and very easy to move undetected through any borders of any country.

First crucial point to understand is that when we are talking about art, we do not mean your local flea market ‘stuff’. Nor do we limit ourselves to just paintings. We are talking about high-end ‘movable cultural property’ consisting of art, antiques, and collectibles … very expensive art, antiques, and collectibles. Items that by far exceed a $100,000 dollars benchmark.

Second point to understand – there are lots of them, everywhere, in every country, city, and town. In fact there will never be a shortage of them. With the latest modern art hype the market literally became a factory. These modern creations are breaking multimillion dollar records at top auctions around the world.

UNBREAKABLE: Surviving Assault, Drugs & Prison – Exclusive Interview with Elizabeth Mikotowicz | Part 4

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“I say this as a recovering addict – there is no better high for me than going to a concert”

Artist Elizabeth Mikotowicz was nearly beaten to death while being pregnant, addicted to drugs by the medical system, then sent to prison where she was regularly humiliated and treated as a slave.

In this explosive interview, for the first time ever, Elizabeth shares her phenomenal life story with The World Art News!

It is an emotional, at times horrific, and unquestionably inspiring account of one woman’s survival against all odds.

Top 15 Most Unusual Museums You Should Consider Visiting in America

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art. The American Museum of Natural History.

These are familiar institutions that you may have visited, considered visiting, or heard of in passing.

While these landmarks are popular for a reason, there are tens of thousands of other museums across the U.S. that many people are not as familiar with.

And that’s a shame, since these off-the-wall stops consist of enriching, unique exhibits that may convert even the most stubborn of museum doubters. 

UNBREAKABLE: Surviving Assault, Drugs & Prison – Exclusive Interview with Elizabeth Mikotowicz | Part 3

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“I watched many women die”

“You suffer from things nobody should”

Artist Elizabeth Mikotowicz was nearly beaten to death while being pregnant, addicted to drugs by the medical system, then sent to prison where she was regularly humiliated and treated as a slave.

In this explosive interview, for the first time ever, Elizabeth shares her phenomenal life story with The World Art News!

It is an emotional, at times horrific, and unquestionably inspiring account of one woman’s survival against all odds.

UNBREAKABLE: Surviving Assault, Drugs & Prison – Exclusive Interview with Artist Elizabeth Mikotowicz | Part 2

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“I wanted to paint something on the prison walls that reminded women of the beauty outside”

Artist Elizabeth Mikotowicz was nearly beaten to death while being pregnant, addicted to drugs by the medical system, then sent to prison where she was regularly humiliated and treated as a slave.

In this explosive interview, for the first time ever, Elizabeth shares her phenomenal life story with The World Art News!

It is an emotional, at times horrific, and unquestionably inspiring account of one woman’s survival against all odds.

UNBREAKABLE: Surviving Assault, Drugs & Prison – Exclusive Interview with Elizabeth Mikotowicz | Part 1

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“I was only 20 the first time I was rag-dolled around the room and sent flying backwards smashing the back of my head on a radiator”

Artist Elizabeth Mikotowicz was nearly beaten to death while being pregnant, addicted to drugs by the medical system, then sent to prison where she was regularly humiliated and treated as a slave.

In this explosive interview, for the first time ever, Elizabeth shares her phenomenal life story with The World Art News!

It is an emotional, at times horrific, and unquestionably inspiring account of one woman’s survival against all odds.