Newly Discovered Painting Attributed to Michelangelo Sparks Debate
Belgian art historian Michel Draguet has attributed a newly discovered painting, titled _Spirituali Pietà_ and dated to the 1540s, to Michelangelo, based on stylized initials and technical analysis confirming its 16th-century origins. However, David Ekserdjian, an emeritus professor at the University of Leicester, has expressed skepticism, stating that the painting's style does not align with Michelangelo's known works and questioning the lack of prior recognition if it were indeed by the master.
Chilean Architect Smiljan Radić Clarke Wins 2026 Pritzker Prize
Smiljan Radić Clarke, a Chilean architect based in Santiago, has been awarded the 2026 Pritzker Architecture Prize for his innovative approach to architecture that emphasizes fragility and uncertainty. The jury highlighted his diverse body of work, which spans cultural institutions and private residences, as a reflection of material experimentation and cultural memory, often appearing temporary or unfinished. This recognition comes amid ongoing criticism of the Pritzker Prize's focus on individual male architects, raising questions about representation in the field.
David Hockney unveils exhibition at Serpentine North Gallery
David Hockney is showcasing his first exhibition at London's Serpentine North Gallery, featuring his monumental 90-meter frieze, _A Year in Normandie_, which consists of over 100 iPad paintings illustrating the changing seasons around his Normandy home. The exhibition also includes new intimate portraits and still lifes, reflecting Hockney's ongoing experimentation with digital media at the age of 88. Visitors can view the exhibition for free, enhancing its accessibility in the parkland setting.
TEFAF Maastricht 2026 Opens with 277 Global Dealers
TEFAF Maastricht 2026, the largest and most prestigious art fair, opened its 38th edition on March 12, featuring 277 dealers from 24 countries. The fair, known for its rigorous vetting process, showcases works spanning 7,000 years of art history, including significant pieces like a dollhouse of Rembrandt’s house and a 17th-century Mughal elephant sculpture. Running until March 19, the event attracts a European crowd in a relaxed atmosphere, contrasting with the frenetic pace of other major art fairs.
Howard Jacobson's 'Howl' Critiques Antisemitism After Hamas Attack
Howard Jacobson's latest novel, 'Howl,' critiques the rise of antisemitism following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas, using dark humor to reflect on societal reactions to such violence. The protagonist, Dr. Ferdinand Drexler MBE, a Jewish headmaster, serves as the acerbic narrator, expressing Jacobson's personal response to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The novel draws inspiration from Allen Ginsberg's poem, highlighting the author's anguish over the current state of affairs.
