The South African Pavilion Is Betraying Its Own History
South Africa’s recent decision to cancel the exhibition titled Elegy at the Venice Biennale has sparked controversy and criticism from writer Christina Sharpe and professor Rinaldo Walcott. The move, which was deemed as censoring art, goes against the country’s historical fight against apartheid and its condemnation of Israeli actions in Gaza. The cancellation of the exhibition, which centered around Gaza victims, has been described as a betrayal of South Africa’s revolutionary legacy.
News
In a separate incident, the White House has been accused of influencing the Smithsonian Institution to align its programming with the president’s worldview. This move has raised concerns about the institution’s autonomy and the potential impact on the content of future exhibitions.
Opinion
Artist Damien Davis explores the issue of application fees in the art world, highlighting the financial burden they place on artists and questioning the normalization of paying for access to opportunities. Meanwhile, Theo Downes-Le Guin shares his experience curating an exhibition about his mother, Ursula K. Le Guin, and the challenges of representing a complex and multifaceted individual.
From Our Critics
Critics delve into the works of Henri Rousseau, exploring the personal stories behind his paintings. They also examine exhibitions that reclaim memory and identity, celebrate the art of Palestinian embroidery, and showcase the creativity of Black artists in reimagining the universe.
Repatriation: The Game
A new video game allows players to join a heist crew to reclaim looted African artifacts from museums. The game not only focuses on the heist aspect but also incorporates cultural elements such as music, ceremonies, and consultations with elders to restore the objects’ social significance.
Required Reading
Explore stories about the Schomburg Qur’an, Auudi Dorsey’s paintings, an unsolved Pollock theft, and more in this roundup of must-read articles from around the internet.
In Memoriam
We pay tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to the art world, including a painter of Colombian national memory, a pioneer of Art Informel, and an Italian conceptual photographer.
A View From the Easel
Get a glimpse into the creative spaces of artists Natacha Voliakovsky and Traci Johnson, who use their studios as platforms for protest and artistic expression.
