ArtPourri

Representation for Biennale — The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs  has announced the selection of Puerto Rico-based artist collaborative Jennifer Allora and Guillermo Calzadilla as the U.S. representation to the 54^th International Art Exhibition in Venice, Italy, in 2011.  Lisa D. Freiman, from the Indianapolis Museum of Art, will serve as Commissioner, organizing the exhibition and related activities from June through November 2011.  The artists’ presentation will feature new commissions incorporating interactive sculpture, performance and sound elements.

Auction News — At Sotheby’s London, a new record has been set for any single print sold at auction as well as for a print by the artist at auction.  Pablo Picasso’s La Minotauromachie recently sold for $1.9 million and is considered to be the artist’s masterpiece of printmaking. — At Christie’s, a new house record has been set for the most expensive item sold online.  A rare Shang Dynasty bronze wine vessel—Fangyi—was sold for $3.3 million to an American collector.

Stamp News — Winslow Homer, considered one of the greatest American painters of the 19^th century, has been honored on a U.S. commemorative postage stamp.  The new 44-cent stamp is the ninth issuance in the American Treasures series and features Boys in a Pasture, an 1874 oil on canvas painting by Homer that is part of the Hayden Collection at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.

Architecture for the Biennale — The High Museum of Art, Atlanta, is representing the U.S. at this year’s 12^th Biennale of Architecture in Venice with the exhibition Workshopping:  An American Model of Architectural Practice.  The exhibition explores the role of trans-disciplinary collaborations in architecture, spotlighting seven projects with a focus on research and social engagement.

Rediscovered Rembrandt Unveiled — A recently rediscovered painting by one of the world’s most renowned painters, Rembrandt van Rijn, will be on view through November 28th in the European and American art galleries at the Denver Art Museum.  Once attributed to Frans Hals, a contemporary of the artist, Rembrandt Laughing made headlines in 2007 when the Rembrandt Research Project determined that it in fact is a self-portrait of the artist, painted by the Dutch master when he was 21 or 22 years old.

NEA News — The North Carolina Arts Council is the recipient of the 2010 National Accessibility Leadership Award for its outstanding accessibility work.  The award recognizes exceptional initiatives or programs that make the arts accessible and inclusive for older adults and individuals with disabilities.

Copyright ARTtalk Vol. 20 No. 12 — October 2010