At the INHA, the summer closure of the library revives the debate

À l’INHA, la fermeture estivale de la bibliothèque ravive le sujet

The National Institute for Art History (INHA) in Paris is facing backlash over its decision to implement a permanent two-week summer closure of its library every August. Originally introduced as a temporary measure during the 2024 Olympics and subsequent renovations, the closure is now being formalized by the administration despite a change in leadership. Staff and researchers have launched a petition, arguing that August is a critical period for international scholars and students who rely on the library’s extensive collections.

A New Look at Rabelais and His World

The article examines the philosophical and literary significance of laughter in François Rabelais's work, particularly *Gargantua and Pantagruel*, contrasting his celebratory view with the predominantly negative assessments of laughter in Western philosophy from Plato to Hobbes. It highlights how Rabelais channels a durable tradition of folk humor as a form of affirmative relief from oppression and official solemnity.

This art exhibition wants to leave you ‘a bit happier’

Architect and artist François Valentiny, together with his wife Edith Burggraff, has opened a joint exhibition titled "L'art en partage" at the Valentiny Foundation in Remerschen, Luxembourg. Running until 10 May, the show features paintings and sculptures by the couple and is accompanied by concerts, workshops, and community events. Valentiny, known for designing landmarks like KPMG Luxembourg's headquarters and the Bijou building, studied architecture in Vienna and splits his time between Luxembourg and Austria.

PHOTO GALLERY: End-of-year arts exhibition at LC

Lynden Christian High School held its second end-of-year art exhibition on May 6, showcasing work from roughly 160 students. The event in the student lounge featured live art demonstrations, student musical performances, short films from the filmmaking class, snacks, and an awards ceremony. Trophy winners were announced across categories including Outstanding Artist Awards for various levels, Outstanding Filmmaker Awards, Work Ethic Awards, Attitude Awards, and the LCHS Distinguished Artist Award, with Josie Hendricks winning both the Distinguished Artist Award and Best In Show for her piece "Valentine."

Rome: A new cultural space opens in Trastevere (there's also an art radio station)

Roma: apre a Trastevere un nuovo spazio culturale (c’è anche un radio sull’arte)

A new cultural space called ASIF has opened in Rome's Trastevere district at Via della Lungara 24, launching on May 8 with an exhibition titled "Educazione sentimentale per architetti" by artist and illustrator Chiara Carrer, running until June 20. The space is distinguished by an accompanying radio station that extends its reach through programs exploring art and the city, with a team including Yasmin Rosciglione, Arturo Zanaica, Novella Hoffer, Iacopo Taddia, Monica Dell'acqua, Edoardo Taddia, and Blanca Castro Xiques. The inaugural show, curated by Bonvini 1909 (named Artribune's gallery of the year in 2025), features over sixty works including collages, engravings, and sculptures centered on the theme of dwelling.

20 artisti lavoreranno in 20 paesini remoti di 20 regioni italiane. La rassegna che porta l’arte contemporanea nei borghi torna per il settimo anno

The seventh edition of "Una Boccata d'Arte," an initiative by Fondazione Elpis, will bring contemporary art to 20 remote villages across all 20 Italian regions. Twenty artists, each paired with a curator, will create site-specific projects that will be inaugurated simultaneously on June 20-21, 2026, and remain on view until October 4. A key innovation this year is that artists and curators spent extra time engaging with local communities before designing their works, fostering deeper connections. Examples include Greek artist Vasilis Papageorgiu transforming a traditional tablecloth from a resident of Tredozio, and Francesco Alberico collaborating with a socio-health facility in Bressanone to create a bird-themed installation.

C’è un museo di Torino che cerca 100 lampade per realizzare una grande installazione. Ecco come partecipare

The MAO – Museo d’Arte Orientale in Turin has launched an open call titled "We need your light," inviting the public to lend up to three lamps each for a large-scale collective installation. Participants can deliver their lamps on May 17-18, 2026, by booking a time slot via Eventbrite; the museum will collect the objects, rewire them for safety, and incorporate them into a site-specific artwork debuting during Turin's Art Week in October 2026. The museum also encourages lenders to share the story behind their lamp, which will be filmed and included in the exhibition.

A Milano esiste una community di illustratori che racconta la città disegnandola dal vivo

Urban Sketchers Milano, a local chapter of the international Urban Sketchers community, recently held an event at Casa Galimberti, a notable Liberty-style building in Milan. The group, founded in 2007 by journalist and illustrator Gabriel Campanario in Seattle, brings together illustrators who draw urban scenes directly from life, on location. The Milan chapter, active since March 2008, is currently managed by Valentín Di Salvo, Stefano Ziffarelli, and Daniela Paglia, and organizes events such as a recent gathering at the garden of Via San Martino, which drew over 90 artists.

Withdrawing from Intense Labor: 'Quiet Quitting' Discussed in a Milan Exhibition

Sottrarsi al lavoro troppo intenso. Si parla di ‘quite quitting’ in una mostra a Milano

Artist Niccolò de Napoli explores the phenomenon of "quiet quitting" in his solo exhibition, "I’m here, but not entirely yours," hosted at Studio Lombard DCA in Milan. The exhibition, produced by PROGETTO LUDOVICO, utilizes the unconventional setting of a strategic consultancy firm to showcase works that critique modern labor expectations. Key pieces include a blue neon sign mimicking corporate aesthetics, a sound installation referencing the 1983 film "Vieni avanti cretino," and monochromatic cases made of switchable glass that obscures itself as viewers approach, symbolizing the withdrawal of the self from the workplace.

Vale spring art exhibition set to showcase local talent in Broadway

The Vale Spring Art Exhibition is scheduled to take place in Broadway, featuring works from artists based in the local area. The event aims to highlight the creative output of the community.

CCM Displays the Work of Student Artists in a Summer Art Exhibition

The County College of Morris (CCM) in Randolph, New Jersey, is hosting a Summer Art Exhibition featuring works by students from its Summer Portfolio and Presentation course. A reception was held on June 20 at the Learning Resource Center on CCM’s campus. The exhibition showcases selected pieces by students including Susan Harrsch, John Lyssikatos, Lia Scherr, Sarah Sci, Kevin Testa, and Allison Zavaleta, who completed the course designed to prepare Fine Art and Design students for careers or further study.

Kansong's Cultural Defense Exhibition Features National Treasure Vase

The Kansong Art Museum in Seoul has launched a special exhibition titled "Cultural Defense of the Nation: The Spirit of Our People Preserved Through Faith," showcasing 46 significant artifacts reclaimed by collector Chun Hyung-pil during the Japanese colonial period. The centerpiece of the show is a rare 18th-century white porcelain bottle decorated with underglaze blue, iron-red, and copper-red, which Chun famously acquired at the Gyeongseong Art Club auction in 1936. He outbid a prominent Japanese dealer with a record-breaking bid of 14,580 won—a sum equivalent to the price of 15 houses at the time—to prevent the treasure from leaving Korea.

Art exhibition celebrates Valentine’s Day in Ogbomoso

The city of Ogbomoso hosted "Exhibit Mosho," a Valentine’s Day pop-up exhibition designed to showcase the region's artistic depth and foster community pride. Featuring works from 24 artists across Nigeria—including paintings, sculptures, and photography—the event centered on the theme of "Love, Bravery, and Conquest." Organizers from Ennovate Lab and the local creative community utilized the holiday to draw residents into a shared space for storytelling and cultural reflection.

Modest space, notable art: Student works shine brightly in impressive art exhibition

An art exhibition titled "Modest space, notable art: Student works shine brightly in impressive art exhibition" showcases student artworks in a modest venue, highlighting the quality and creativity of emerging young artists. The display features a range of pieces that demonstrate technical skill and conceptual depth, drawing attention from local audiences and educators.

PHOTO STORY: UNM Art Museum showcases art’s lasting impact

The University of New Mexico Art Museum has opened a new exhibition titled “High Five Hall of Fame: Highlights from the UNMAM Collection,” running from April 18 to May 17. The show celebrates the renaissance of notable works from the museum’s collection, emphasizing the stories behind the pieces and the emotional power of visual art. Since its founding in 1962, the museum has focused on photography and emerging new media, serving as an educational resource for the university community.