Madrid and Basque Governments Clash Over Picasso Loan
A political dispute has erupted between the Madrid and Basque regional governments over a request to loan Pablo Picasso's _Guernica_ to the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao for a special exhibition commemorating the 90th anniversary of the bombing of Guernica. Madrid's regional leader, Isabel Díaz Ayuso, has refused the request, citing the painting's fragility, while Basque National Party leader Imanol Pradales has criticized the decision as a political misstep. The painting has not left Madrid since it was housed at the Reina Sofía Museum in 1981.
New Book Explores Turner's Ties to Slavery
Sam Smiles has published a new book that delves into J.M.W. Turner's complex relationship with slavery, highlighting his early financial ties to plantation owners and his later artistic critique of the slave trade, particularly in works like 'The Slave Ship'. The book expands on Smiles's previous research, revealing Turner's investment in a Jamaican sugar venture in 1805 and examining the connections between his patrons and the abolitionist movement.
Dartmouth groups urge renaming of arts center over donor's ties
Dartmouth Student Government and the Student and Presidential Committee on Sexual Assault have called on the Board of Trustees to rename the Black Family Visual Arts Center, citing Leon Black's connections to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The groups argue that honoring Black undermines the college's commitment to preventing sexual violence, as he donated $48 million for the center's construction and has faced allegations of sexual assault. They assert that evidence against Black is substantial and that the names displayed on campus should reflect the institution's values.
Kong Lingyi appointed CEO of UCCA in Beijing
Kong Lingyi has been appointed as the new CEO of UCCA, a prominent Beijing institution, following Philip Tinari's departure. Emphasizing the importance of content in operations, Kong outlined her vision for UCCA's future, which includes a focus on public education and accessibility, as well as the successful execution of upcoming exhibitions across its branches in Beijing, Beidaihe, and Yixing.
Frayn's 'Copenhagen' Returns to Hampstead Theatre
Michael Frayn's play 'Copenhagen' has returned to London's Hampstead Theatre, exploring the complex dynamics between physicists Niels Bohr and Werner Heisenberg during a pivotal 1941 meeting amidst World War II. Directed by Michael Longhurst, the production highlights themes of scientific responsibility and moral dilemmas, resonating with contemporary issues of nuclear brinkmanship. The cast includes Richard Schiff as Bohr and Damien Molony as Heisenberg, with Alex Kingston portraying Margrethe Bohr.
