Giant Buddha Lands in New York

Daily Newsletter

A nude performance, a photography fair turns to craft, and a review of Alice Tippit’s erotics

Recently, artist Xandra Ibarra, nearly unclothed, made her way through the contemporary galleries of the Museum of Fine Arts, laughing throughout the experience. This was part of her ongoing performance piece, “Nude Laughing,” presented at various art venues over the past twelve years. Staff Reporter Rhea Nayyar provides an account of the performance that unsettled museum-goers, stirred up Instagram critics, and shook the puritanical foundations of Boston.

Challenging the boundaries of the art world, a conversation is scheduled for this Wednesday from 3–4pm (ET) featuring Editor-at-Large Hrag Vartanian and Indigenous weaver and MacArthur fellow Jeremy Frey. They will explore the intricacies of basket-making, which combines craft, design, and contemporary art—from collecting materials to display in museums. We invite you to become a member here. We would be delighted to welcome you.

—Lisa Yin Zhang, associate editor

Refreshing Turn to Craft at AIPAD’s Photography Show

This year’s photography fair, emphasizing Latin American and Latine artists, offers hope amid the prevalence of AI image manipulation. | Isa Farfan

Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments

An exhibition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art showcases works from ancient times to the present, examining the impact of the Rocky statue on Philadelphia’s culture, community, and public art.

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News

• Xandra Ibarra’s nude performance at the MFA Boston has sparked discussions surrounding consent, audience behavior, art history, and the portrayal of the human body.
• A new 27-foot-tall Buddha on the High Line revives a significant piece of cultural heritage—the Bamiyan Buddhas.

From Our Critics

Alice Tippit’s Mischievous Erotics

Through her art, Tippit expresses skepticism about language’s capacity to fully capture human experience. | Lori Waxman

Mark Milroy Sees, Remembers, and Imagines at Once

Milroy’s work stands out for its blend of personal memory with art historical insight. | John Yau

Jan Staller Photographs the Nuts and Bolts of Manhattan’s Urban Symphony

Staller’s latest photography book turns Manhattan’s construction sites into surreal landscapes. | Mellissa Holbrook Pierson

The Marsden Hartley Legacy Project Launches Online

The complete catalogue of works by modernist painter Marsden Hartley is now accessible online.

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A View From the Easel: Hadieh Afshani

Afshani finds that a certain level of distraction can enhance her clarity when evaluating her work.

Remembering James Hayward, LA’s Adored Cowboy Painter

Known for his vibrant personality, humor, and storytelling, Hayward left a lasting legacy as a legendary artist.

Holly Wong on Randa Jumean’s “Image of Family Torn by ICE Wins World Press Photo of the Year”

From the Archive

Esther Pressoir Is the Coolest Artist You’ve Never Heard Of

In 1927, Esther Pressoir embarked on a remarkable artistic journey, cycling from France to Italy with 30 pounds of art supplies. | Bridget Quinn