The Last Living Surrealist

Der letzte lebende Surrealist

Alejandro Jodorowsky, the 97-year-old Chilean-French artist and filmmaker, is profiled in his Paris apartment as the last living Surrealist. The article reflects on his century-spanning career, from his early pantomime work with Marcel Marceau in the 1950s to his cult films like "El Topo" and "The Holy Mountain," as well as his famously unrealized adaptation of Frank Herbert's "Dune." Jodorowsky shares his philosophy that true art has a beginning but no end, offering a retrospective on a life lived at the intersection of performance, cinema, and visionary creativity.

Yellow Dog Art Bar and Gallery hosts artists, events in Denton

John Bramblitt, a Dallas native and Denton-based artist who lost his eyesight about 20 years ago while studying at the University of North Texas, opened Yellow Dog Art Bar and Gallery in mid-2023. The venue combines a bar with a gallery space, exhibiting and selling work from local artists, hosting open mic nights for live music and poetry, painting workshops, bad movie screenings, trivia, and karaoke. Bramblitt, who continued painting after losing his sight from complications with epilepsy and Lyme disease, also travels for speaking engagements, teaches painting to the visually impaired, and consults museums on accessibility. The gallery's name is partly inspired by the Blue Dog gallery in New Orleans and by Bramblitt's service dog, a yellow Labrador named Zuke.

American Popular Art Museum Educates Young Art Mediators for the 2026 Popular Arts Encounter in Cerrillos

The American Popular Art Museum Tomás Lago (MAPA) in Chile has trained a group of children as art mediators for the 2026 Popular Arts Encounter in Cerrillos. The program, called "Art Mediators in Your School," began after the school Pedro Aguirre Cerda hosted its first community art encounter in 2022, initiated by educator Sandra Ramírez and local organizers. Ten children received training in cultural mediation and art appreciation at MAPA, then guided their peers through the exhibition. The collaboration has deepened, with MAPA now also contributing to curating and exhibit design for the 2026 edition.

Wood takes on all forms in Space 900 Gallery exhibition

The 'Evanston Woods II' exhibition at Space 900 Gallery in Evanston, Illinois, showcased wood in various forms through works by six local designers and makers over three days. Organized by Chicago woodworker Paul Segedin, the show featured visual wood sculptures, practical furniture, and mixed-media pieces, including Madeline Usher's sculpture 'I Wish You Could Join Me Up Here' and a coffee table by architect Len Koroski made from a downed tree. The event aimed to connect the public with handmade furniture and woodcraft, highlighting the challenges of finding such work in Chicago.

Art of the Vineyard Tasting Gallery Opens in Downtown Paso Robles

Art of the Vineyard Tasting Gallery has opened in downtown Paso Robles, California, at 840 13th Street. The 1,500-square-foot venue combines estate wine tasting from Carmody McKnight Wines with curated fine art exhibitions, live music, open mic nights, and hands-on creative activities like sip-and-paint sessions and artist-led workshops. The gallery features works by local, national, and international artists, including original pieces by Gary Conway, and offers a Collectors Club with wine shipments and limited-edition prints.

Quincy Art Center opens gallery on 6th Street Promenade

The Quincy Art Center is opening a new downtown gallery called Quincy Art Gallery on 6th, located at 127 N. Sixth St. in Quincy. The grand opening is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., featuring work from five regional artists. The day will include artist talks, a wheel throwing demonstration, and light refreshments. The gallery aims to support local and regional artists year-round and provide an accessible space for the community to experience and purchase art.

Hood River art exhibit highlights local Black artists in immersive setting - Oregon Public Broadcasting

The Columbia Center for the Arts in Hood River, Oregon, is hosting "Black Infinity House," an immersive exhibition curated by August Oaks that showcases the work of over 30 Black Oregonian artists. Moving away from traditional white-cube gallery aesthetics, the installation is divided into three domestic-themed environments—a studio, a living room, and a porch—where visitors are encouraged to interact with the space by sitting on furniture, listening to records, and reading poetry.

Barrie yoga studio transforming into art gallery for upcoming event

Nook Yoga in Barrie, Ontario, will transform its bay room into an art gallery on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. for an event called Open Gallery. The free, public event will feature works from over 20 local artists, offering attendees the chance to view art, meet the creators, and connect with the community in a calm, inspiring setting overlooking Kempenfelt Bay.

Oregon artist’s ‘Don’t Touch My Hair’ exhibition makes complying impossible

Ashland artist Crystal Proffitt's interactive installation 'Don't Touch My Hair: An Interactive Crowned Experience' at the Langford Art Gallery in Phoenix, Oregon, invites viewers to touch the braids and locs attached to portraits of local Black models while listening to voice recordings about hair as cultural identity and resilience. The work, supported by the Oregon Cultural Trust and the Black Alliance & Social Empowerment (BASE) Southern Oregon, debuted January 3 and runs through January 24, after which it will join BASE's Black Cultural Legacy Series at the Rogue Gallery & Art Center in Medford. Proffitt intentionally allows the hair to show wear from handling, treating the erosion as part of the artwork's meaning.

Manchester Open exhibition to return in 2026 with ‘biggest celebration’ of local creative talent

The Manchester Open exhibition will return in 2026 for its fourth iteration, taking place at HOME Manchester from June 20 to September 6. The open-call show invites submissions from artists of all experience levels across eight categories including ceramics, painting, photography, and textiles. A new award honoring philanthropist Kate Voke will be introduced, and three artists will receive development packages managed by HOME and Castlefield Gallery. The application process is now open, with the selection panel to be announced in spring 2026.

Trudi’s artwork lights up Abbeyeix Library this Christmas

Retired art teacher Trudi Killeen from Ballinakill is exhibiting a collection of watercolour paintings at Abbeyleix Library in Ireland throughout December. The exhibition features local scenes including Heywood Gardens, Gill’s Pond, Castle Durrow, and Abbeyleix Library itself, along with vibrant depictions of shops on Main Street Portlaoise and forestry scenes. Killeen, who graduated in art and held her first exhibition at Queen’s University Belfast in the 1960s, has been painting for decades and now works from her studio overlooking Gill’s Pond.

Local Artist David Hughes MBE celebrates 100th Birthday with charity art exhibition

Local artist David Hughes MBE is celebrating his 100th birthday with a charity art exhibition titled *Celebration* at Arts Centre Washington, running from 20 November to 20 December 2025. He has donated a collection of his paintings to STS Charity, the official charity of South Tyneside and Sunderland NHS Foundation Trust, to raise funds for the Stroke Unit Fund and the Vision Appeal, which supports a new Eye Hospital in Sunderland opening in summer 2026. Hughes, who taught himself to paint after retiring at age 60, credits Sunderland Royal Hospital with saving his life twice—after a stroke in 2024 and a pacemaker procedure in 2010.

Meet artists and makers at a free open-house art exhibition in Hare Hatch

Coach House Studios in Hare Hatch is hosting a free open-house art exhibition where 15 artists and makers will showcase their workspaces and sell unique pieces. The event, taking place on November 15-16, also features live music and cake, with proceeds from refreshments supporting Yeldall Manor, a Christian drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. Founder Steve Hedger, a woodworker, started the creative hub after a cardiac arrest in 2018, partnering with potter Vallari Harshwal in 2022 to build a community that offers creative opportunities for people in addiction recovery.

Maker's Mark: San Antonio ceramic artists unite for inaugural ClaySA exhibition and studio tour

San Antonio ceramic artists Michelle Hernandez, Hilary Rochow, and Rikkianne Van Kirk initiated ClaySA, a grassroots effort to unite the local ceramics community. The program includes a group exhibition titled "The Mark of the Hand," featuring 23 local artists working in clay, and 12 studio tours across two weekends in November. The exhibition, curated by Rochow, builds on a previous show called "Clay Symphony" and is supported by an all-volunteer committee including Contemporary Art Month Executive Director Roberta "Nina" Hassele and other artists.

A new open-air art gallery is being created at 8 Marvila, and you can watch the murals being created live

A new open-air urban art gallery called "Walls That Matter – 8 Take Over" has launched at 8 Marvila in Lisbon, Portugal. Running from October to November, the project features live mural creation by artists including RAM, Mário Belém, Gonçalo MAR, Jacqueline de Montaigne, L7 Matrix, Patrícia Mariano, Rita Ravasco, Arm Collective, Binau, Burry, and Buermans. Curated and produced by Because Art Matters, the gallery is free and open to the public, with visitors able to watch artists paint in real time.

Open Exhibitions 2025 begin at Ferens Art Gallery

Two annual open exhibitions open this week at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, UK. The main Open Exhibition features over 300 artworks by amateur and professional local artists across media including painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, and film, with some pieces available for purchase. Alongside it, the Young Artist Open Exhibition showcases 559 submissions from artists aged 15 and under, submitted by individuals, schools, and community groups. The exhibitions run from 10 October 2025 to 11 January 2026, with a public programme including artist talks on select dates.

Bears collaborate with UK artist Christian Jeffery to celebrate 40th anniversary of Super Bowl XX champions

The Chicago Bears are collaborating with UK artist Christian Jeffery and OOF Gallery to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the 1985 Super Bowl XX championship team. A free exhibition at OOF Gallery inside Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London will run from October 10-12, featuring Jeffery's hand-painted artwork and limited-edition t-shirts. Former Bears defensive end Israel Idonije will make special appearances. The collaboration marks the first time an NFL team has partnered with a fine art gallery in this way.

Open Exhibitions 2025 begin at Ferens Art Gallery

Two annual open exhibitions open this week at Ferens Art Gallery in Hull, UK. The main Open Exhibition features over 300 artworks by amateur and professional local artists across painting, sculpture, photography, ceramics, textiles, and film, with some pieces for sale. Alongside it, the Young Artist Open Exhibition showcases 559 submissions from artists aged 15 and under, submitted by individuals, schools, and community groups. Both exhibitions run from October 10, 2025 to January 11, 2026, with a public programme including artist talks.

This Indian creative has just opened a new gallery in the UK that uses art to heal

Deep Kailey, a former Vogue India fashion editor turned artistic director, has opened a new 7,500-square-foot gallery in Slough, UK, under the not-for-profit organization Without Shape Without Form. The inaugural exhibition, 'Reflections – Sangat and the Self' (on view until May 2, 2026), features works by South Asian artists including Jasmir Creed, Roo Dhissou, Arjun Singh Assa, and Origit Sen, with interactive installations like The Whisper Box and 'Focus, Form and Repeat' that encourage meditation and self-reflection.

Wicked Stepmother No Longer, a Female Pharoah Gets a Reputational Makeover

A new analysis of damaged statues from ancient Egypt is reshaping the historical narrative of Queen Hatshepsut. Researchers have re-examined 3,500-year-old statuary, finding evidence that the deliberate defacement of her images occurred decades after her death, challenging the long-held belief that her successor, Thutmose III, orchestrated an immediate campaign of destruction against her legacy out of personal animosity.

in leaked transcript unt dean cites politics as the reason behind cancelation of show with anti ice art show 1234774374

University of North Texas (UNT) Dean Karen Hutzel revealed in leaked transcripts that the cancellation of artist Victor “Marka27” Quiñonez’s exhibition was an "institutional directive" driven by political pressure. The show, titled “Ni de Aquí, Ni de Allá,” featured art critical of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and was abruptly shut down shortly after opening. Hutzel warned faculty that the university is "vulnerable" to retaliation from Texas state officials who have previously targeted academic programs and funding at other state institutions over ideological disagreements.

nifty gateway nft platform shutters 1234771081

Nifty Gateway, one of the earliest and most prominent NFT marketplaces, announced it will shut down on February 23, 2026, citing sharply declining activity. The platform, founded in 2018 by twins Duncan and Griffin Cock Foster and acquired by Gemini in 2019, has entered withdrawal-only mode, advising users to move their assets before the deadline. At its peak in 2021, Nifty Gateway reported $300 million in gross merchandise value, boosted by a Sotheby's partnership for a $17 million NFT drop by the artist Pak. The closure follows the collapse of the NFT boom, with trading volumes plummeting and other platforms like Async Art, KnownOrigin, and MakersPlace already shuttered.

rare mellon blue diamond 2025 sale christies 1234760992

A rare blue diamond pendant known as the Mellon Blue, owned by art collector Rachel Lambert “Bunny” Mellon, sold for $25.5 million at Christie’s Magnificent Jewels auction in Geneva on Tuesday. The 9.51-carat fancy vivid blue, internally flawless pear-shaped diamond had a pre-sale estimate of $20–30 million. This price is 22 percent less than the $32.6 million it achieved at Sotheby’s in 2014 as part of Mellon’s collection sale, and nearly 60 percent less when adjusted for inflation. The buyer was not disclosed.

Printmaker creates poster for Fort Wayne Ballet show; exhibition set for Fort Wayne Museum of Art

Renowned American printmaker Chuck Sperry has collaborated with the Fort Wayne Ballet to create a limited-edition poster for their upcoming production of "A Midsummer Night’s Dream." This partnership coincides with the announcement of Sperry’s solo exhibition, "Archetypes," which is scheduled to open at the Fort Wayne Museum of Art on August 25. The exhibition will showcase over 100 wooden panels depicting the Greek Muses, all of which will be inducted into the museum’s permanent collection as part of the Chuck Sperry Archive.

Donald Trump Endorses Steve Hilton for California Governor

99CENT art exhibition

President Donald Trump has officially endorsed former Fox News host Steve Hilton for the California governorship. Hilton, who previously served as an advisor to UK Prime Minister David Cameron, is campaigning on a platform of repairing the state's relationship with the federal government and has adopted the "Make California Great Again" slogan. This endorsement positions Hilton as a primary front-runner among Republican voters, potentially consolidating the GOP base in a crowded field that includes Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco and several prominent Democrats.

6 Kansas City art exhibits you'll love seeing this spring

Kansas City’s spring art season features a diverse lineup of exhibitions across several key local venues, highlighting regional talent and identity-driven narratives. Notable shows include a group exhibition by the Kansas City Art Institute’s AAPI Association at Leedy-Voulkos Art Center and a collaborative project between Kansas City and Chicago galleries titled "Queer Ecologies II" at the Charlotte Street Foundation, which explores the intersection of queer identity and environmental science.

Printmaking exhibition opens

The Estuary Arts Centre in Ōrewa is hosting "Pressing Matters – Printmaking in Focus" throughout March, showcasing over 150 works by contemporary New Zealand printmakers. The event features a daily pop-up print lab for live demonstrations and a family-oriented open day on March 14, including a talk by letterpress specialist Tara McLeod.

Nashwood Gallery to open in Bend during First Friday

Fine wood artist and luthier Will Nash is launching Nashwood Gallery in the Makers District of Bend, Oregon. The new space, located adjacent to Nash’s existing workshop, debuts during the city's First Friday event with a group exhibition featuring painters, jewelers, and potters. Many of the participating artists were previously associated with the Red Chair Gallery, which recently closed its doors.

17 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: March 4-8

San Diego is hosting a variety of cultural events from March 4-8, ranging from sports and live music to theater and food festivals. Key highlights include the Seven Seas Food Festival at SeaWorld, a Great Gatsby-themed afternoon tea at Fairmont Grand Del Mar, and concerts by Aimee Mann and Lala Lala. The weekend also features celebrations for International Women’s Day, including a makers market and brunch at Stone World Bistro & Gardens.

Local talent shines: Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Awards exhibition at KZNSA Gallery

Two KwaZulu-Natal artists, Senzelw’umusa Mathe and Gary McIver, are among the top 40 finalists in the Rust-en-Vrede Portrait Awards, a biennial South African competition. Their works, along with those of other finalists and winner Malik Mani, will be exhibited at the KZNSA Gallery in Durban from February 11 to March 1, 2026, as part of a national tour. Mathe's entry, "Bazali Bami," is a tapestry crochet portrait of her parents, while McIver's "At the Louvre" is an oil painting inspired by his students' reenactment of a neoclassical artwork.