Mexico faces sales of pre-Columbian art

Le Mexique face aux ventes d’art précolombien

The Mexican government is facing ongoing legal and diplomatic hurdles in its attempts to halt the sale of pre-Columbian artifacts in Paris. Despite formal protests from the Mexican embassy citing national heritage laws from 1827, auction houses like Millon continue to proceed with sales, generating millions in revenue. French authorities and legal experts maintain that Mexican national laws do not supersede French jurisdiction, which largely adheres to the 1970 UNESCO Convention regarding the illicit import and export of cultural property.

The delirious teaser by the creators of 'Panique au village' for the reopening of the Musée de la Figurine in Compiègne

Le teaser délirant des créateurs de « Panique au village » pour la réouverture du musée de la Figurine à Compiègne

The Musée de la Figurine in Compiègne, France, is set to reopen on May 23, 2026, after a major renovation. To promote the reopening, the museum commissioned Stéphane Aubier and Vincent Patar, the creators of the cult stop-motion series "Panique au village" (known for its absurd plastic figurines), to produce a teaser video. The museum, which holds a rare collection of nearly 155,000 figurines spanning from prehistory to the present, has been redesigned with a 1,000-square-meter space, six thematic areas, interactive displays, and a monumental diorama of the Battle of Waterloo featuring 12,000 figurines, now enhanced with augmented reality. Admission will be free for all from May 23 to August 16, 2026.

AT A LOW FLAME. CLAY AND NATURAL FIBERS IN THE WORK OF IBERO-AMERICAN ARTISTS

A MEDIA LUMBRE. BARRO Y FIBRAS NATURALES EN LA OBRA DE ARTISTAS IBEROAMERICANOS

The exhibition 'A media lumbre' presents a collection of works by Ibero-American artists that engage with materials and knowledge historically considered minor arts, such as ceramics, clay, wool, textiles, embroidery, and natural fibers. The show integrates sound and oral tradition as tools for transmitting memory, drawing inspiration from communal gatherings like the 'filandones.' It unfolds across four autonomous exhibitions in Valencia, Mallorca, Aragon, and Catalonia, connecting urban museums like the IVAM with rural contexts.

Fort Smith museum unveils two new art exhibitions on May 15

The Fort Smith Museum of History will open two new exhibitions on May 15. 'The Art of the Brick' features large-scale sculptures by contemporary artist Nathan Sawaya, built entirely from LEGO bricks, while 'The Art of Native American Basketry' showcases a collection of woven baskets from regional tribes.

Memories of South End captured on canvas in art exhibition

A nostalgic art exhibition opened at the South End Museum in Nelson Mandela Bay, featuring canvas paintings that recreate historical black-and-white images of the former South End neighborhood. The exhibition and sale, organized by local framing company Frame Art and artist/trustee Michael Barry, showcases works primarily by Vincent Olivier, based on a collection amassed by the late Frame Art founder Salie Wackie.

The language of termites: Liss Fenwick’s The Colony – in pictures

Artist Liss Fenwick has created a photobook titled 'The Colony' by feeding a collection of historical Australian novels, described as 'settler fan fiction,' to a colony of termites. The insects consumed the books over several years, leaving behind hollowed, sculptural remains that Fenwick photographed. The resulting work documents this process of organic transformation, where the physical texts are digested and reshaped.

Australia’s best photos of the month – March 2026

The article presents a collection of notable Australian cultural events and announcements from March 2026. It highlights the addition of the viral 'Succulent Chinese Meal' speech to the National Film and Sound Archive, a profile of 'Squid Game' composer Jung Jae-il, pianist Jayson Gillham's announced tour with a Palestinian-Jordanian musician ahead of a court case, and Kylie Minogue's scheduled performance at the AFL Grand Final.

Charles Bronson Art Auction

charles bronson art auction

A collection of 500 artworks by Charles Bronson, one of the United Kingdom’s most notorious prisoners, is scheduled for auction at David Duggleby Auctioneers on March 11. The works, created using crayon, ink, and pencil on prison documents, will be sold as a single lot. The collection explores themes of isolation and endurance, reflecting Bronson’s decades of incarceration and solitary confinement.

oscar wilde memorabilia collection auction bonhams

Bonhams auction house in London will hold a sale on February 18 of books, photographs, and ephemera related to Irish writer Oscar Wilde, drawn from the 60-year collection of former antiques dealer Jeremy Mason. Highlights include a signed 1891 copy of *The Picture of Dorian Gray* (estimated $16,000–$24,000), a signed 1898 copy of *The Ballad of Reading Gaol* ($13,000–$20,000), and a letter to a child in which Wilde describes himself as a wallflower ($5,400–$8,100). The sale spans Wilde’s life from childhood to his literary success, imprisonment, and exile.

Secret garden bursts into colour with new art exhibition

The Castle Gardens in Malton has launched its first open-air art exhibition, featuring a collection of paintings and sculptures by local artists. Staged by the community interest company You will be CIC, the artworks are mounted directly onto the landscape's veteran trees to create an accessible cultural trail. The initiative is part of the broader Ryedale Gateway Project Trail, which aims to expand public art across the Malton and Norton areas.

Story by Lee Lewis - Latest Exhibtion at Swan Hill Studios

Shrewsbury-based artist Lee Lewis has opened a solo exhibition titled 'Story' at Swan Hill Studio, featuring a collection of paintings and personal objects that explore themes of memory and personal narrative. The exhibition, which has been extended until February 28, 2026, focuses on her recent concentration on painting and draws heavily on her Welsh roots and observations of everyday life.

Two spectacular art exhibitions coming to Andover

Two new exhibitions are opening at Unity Art Studio in Andover's Chantry Centre. Serena Read presents 'Peace and Chaos,' a mixed-media collection exploring urban and natural environments, while fellow resident artist Steve Harrington-Ellsmore showcases 'Inhabiting the Real.'

Daniel Johnston’s world comes alive in a new Austin gallery exhibition

A new exhibition dedicated to the late artist and musician Daniel Johnston has opened at the Austin gallery Yard Dog. The show features a collection of Johnston's drawings, paintings, and personal ephemera, offering a comprehensive look at his distinctive visual art practice.

Art space Styria

The Neue Galerie Graz is presenting 'Art space Styria,' an exhibition running parallel to the Promotion Prize of the Province of Styria for Contemporary Arts. The show features Styrian participants from the 2023/24 studio programs and foreign scholarships offered by the Department of Culture, showcasing work by over 30 artists including Ace, Joerg Auzinger, Veronika Eberhart, and others. The exhibition highlights contemporary art from artists who either come from Styria or have close ties to the region.

Jeremy Dennis ’13 Curates Zuccaire Gallery Exhibition Exploring Indigenous Language in Contemporary Art

Jeremy Dennis, a 2013 graduate, has curated an exhibition at the Zuccaire Gallery that explores the role of Indigenous language in contemporary art. The show brings together works by multiple artists who incorporate Native languages into their practice, examining themes of cultural preservation, identity, and linguistic revitalization through visual art.

Venice Biennale: In Photos and Video

The Venice Biennale, one of the most anticipated events in the art world, is showcased through a collection of photos and video. The article presents visual scenes from the prestigious international art exhibition, capturing the atmosphere and installations on display.

A Fountain of Creativity from Arid Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has launched a significant design exhibition in Milan, showcasing a collection that blends the nation's ancient cultural traditions with contemporary aesthetics. The showcase features works inspired by the arid landscapes and rich artisanal history of the Central Asian republic, marking a deliberate effort to export its unique creative identity to a global audience during a major international design moment.

Rare Books Stolen From a Jesuit Archive in Rome Are Returned to Italy

A collection of rare 17th-century books, written in Chinese by Jesuit missionaries and stolen from the Jesuit Historical Institute in Rome, has been returned to Italy. The books, which cover astronomy and other scientific topics, were recovered by the Carabinieri art squad after being illegally exported to the United States.

Oculus Serenade: Artwork by Peter D. Gerakaris - The Berkshire Edge

The article announces and describes artist Peter D. Gerakaris's exhibition "Oculus Serenade," which features a collection of vibrant tondo (round) paintings, works on paper, and mosaic artworks. Gerakaris's work merges microscopic and macroscopic perspectives, focusing on motifs from the natural world such as endangered botanicals, exotic birds, and aquatic life, inspired by his firsthand experiences in diverse ecosystems. The exhibition's centerpiece is a four-foot diameter "Orchid Oculus Tondo," surrounded by hand-embellished prints and a cut-glass mosaic, with the artist's process described as a form of "visual jazz." The article also notes Gerakaris's interdisciplinary practice, his previous projects including a permanent installation at the Berkshire Botanical Garden, and details for an upcoming artist's reception at the Cornwall Library.

Design and Motorcycle Collector Opens a Museum Dedicated to the Piaggio Vespa in Milan: Unique 80-Year-Old Specimens

Collezionista di design e moto ha aperto un museo dedicato alla Vespa Piaggio a Milano: esemplari unici di 80 anni fa

Former Ikea executive Stefano Biffi has transformed a 700-square-meter former tire workshop in Milan into "My Vintage," a private museum and event space housing one of the world's most significant collections of Piaggio Vespa scooters. The venue features rare specimens from the 1940s, 50s, and 60s, including original 1946 models displayed without kickstands to reflect the muddy road conditions of post-war Italy. The space is designed to be a sustainable cultural hub, offering guided tours alongside rentals for events, film shoots, and ceremonies.

Movie-inspired art exhibition lets public explore one of Canada’s luxury hotels

Hotel Confidential is a new contemporary art exhibition hosted at the Royal Hotel in Picton, Ontario, featuring original projects by 16 artists. The show utilizes the hotel's Annex Building to display site-specific installations, such as a collection of vintage suitcases containing miniature dioramas and various architectural interventions. Co-curated by Stacey Sproule and Christina Zeidler, the event aims to bridge the gap between the region's luxury tourism industry and its dense local artist community.

Exhibition openings to enjoy in May

Bundaberg Regional Galleries in Queensland, Australia, will launch five new exhibitions in May 2025, with opening events spread across the month. The shows include 'Lost in Palm Springs', a national touring exhibition curated by Dr Greer Honeywill featuring 14 artists and thinkers from America and Australia exploring Palm Springs' landscape and mid-century modern architecture; 'Shifting Perspectives: the Self Reconciliation Project' by local artist Avi Amesbury, which uses ceramics and storytelling to examine settler-colonial family history; 'Post Truth' by Gureng Gureng/Gangalu artist Darren Blackburn, addressing the Australian Government's Close the Gap campaign through led-neon signs; 'The Nature of Silk: The Glad Not Sad Book', a family-friendly exhibition of silk art by children's book author Kim Michelle Toft; and 'Metal in Motion' by Kevin Dekker, a collection of sculptures that transform steel, wood, stone and ceramics into dynamic, fluid forms. Opening events will be held at Bundaberg Regional Art Gallery and Childers Arts Space, with free admission and no RSVP required.

The National Museum of Mexican Art’s Special Mission

The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) in Chicago was founded in 1987 by a group of public school educators, led by Carlos Tortolero, to address a lack of Mexican history and culture in the curriculum. It has grown into a 48,000-square-foot institution with a collection of over 20,000 objects, spanning from Pre-Columbian times to the present, and was the first Latino museum in the U.S. to be accredited by the American Alliance of Museums.

Three years after, Adelakun takes 45 KókóEwà to Mydrim

Prince Saheed Adelakun has returned to Mydrim Gallery in Lagos for a solo exhibition titled "KókóẸwà" (Essence of Beauty), featuring 45 new works. The exhibition is divided into two distinct series: "Dúdúyẹmí," which celebrates the natural richness of dark skin and traditional adornments, and "Ojú Tó ń Sọ̀rọ̀," a collection of portraits focusing on the expressive power of the human gaze. Utilizing a unique and labor-intensive rope medium, Adelakun explores themes of femininity, resilience, and cultural identity.

Open Call for Contemporary Art Commissions for the V&A South Kensington's new South Asia Gallery

The Victoria and Albert Museum in London has issued an open call for contemporary artists and designers to create new carved wooden panels for a 19th-century coffered ceiling from a temple in Kochi, South India, which will be the centerpiece of its redesigned South Asia Gallery at South Kensington. The ceiling, measuring 6 by 1.7 meters and originally comprising 45 panels, has been in storage for over 70 years; more than half of its panels are missing. The commission invites applicants to replace the lost panels with sensitivity to the original materials, design, and craftsmanship, integrating them into the restored structure. Expressions of interest are due by 28 February 2026.

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Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool is celebrating its 115th birthday in 2026 with a winter exhibitions programme that includes a giant birthday cake drawing installation in the foyer, the largest-ever Grundy Open Exhibition for local artists, newly commissioned paintings by locally based artist Jayne Simpson, and a collection spotlight exhibition themed around 1926 featuring loans from Showtown History Centre. The gallery invites the public to a special launch on January 24, 2026, and the exhibitions run through March 7.

Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery set to elevate Penang's global cultural presence

The Lin Xiang Xiong Art Gallery at The Light Waterfront in Gelugor, Penang, is set to officially open in December. The eight-storey, 8,076-square-metre gallery, valued at RM100 million, will feature a collection titled "The Vicissitudes of Life" comprising 99 artworks by founder Professor Lin Xiang Xiong, addressing global issues such as war, pollution, and poverty. The launch ceremony was officiated by Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow and the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib.

Art and the Automobile in Pre-WWII France Is Worth Visiting St. Louis

The Saint Louis Art Museum is presenting an exhibition titled "Art and the Automobile in Pre-WWII France," showcasing a collection of vintage French automobiles from the 1920s and 1930s. The show features iconic vehicles such as the Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 designed by Ugo Zagato, the 1939 Bugatti Type 57C "Shah," and the 1937 Delage DB-120, among others, drawn from private collections and institutions like the Petersen Automotive Museum and The Henry Ford.

Malaysia’s youngest solo art exhibitor debuts at Sunway Square Mall

A young Malaysian artist, recognized as the country's youngest solo art exhibitor, has debuted their exhibition at Sunway Square Mall. The showcase features a collection of original works, marking a significant milestone for the emerging talent in Malaysia's local art scene.

"Adorata: The Path of Enlovement" art exhibition and book debut in Phoenix

Rogue Valley artist and spiritual teacher Tiziana DellaRovere has launched a multi-media exhibition and book debut titled "Adorata: The Path of Enlovement" at the Langford Art Gallery in Phoenix, Oregon. The project features a collection of sculptures, paintings, and an illustrated book that explores the divine feminine through the figure of Mother Mary, focusing on themes of compassion and introspection.