Eldarir's Antiquities Tainted by False Provenance Claims
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Eldarir's collection of Egyptian antiquities has been linked to false provenance claims. In 2012, Khouli was sentenced after admitting to buying and smuggling the items, including coffins and funerary boats. Similar items from Eldarir's collection are currently for sale with similar descriptions, such as an Egyptian Mummy mask sold online in Mexico for $15,275, a coffin lid offered by a Colorado-based art dealer for $65,000, and a shabti sold through a Chicago-based coin dealer for $1,950.
A painting believed to be by New Zealand artist Frances Hodgkins was confirmed genuine with the help of Mary Kisler, leading to a significant price increase. The artwork, which lacked a signature, had been sold at an antiques market in Ardingly, West Sussex for £140. If authentic, it could be worth £600,000.
Hilife Exhibition Kicks Off in Hyderabad August 13
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The Hilife Exhibition is set to begin on August 13 in Hyderabad at HICC, Novotel, Hitech City, featuring top fashion labels, top designers, and an artistic collection of exquisite fashions, festive collections, jewellery, and designer wear.
Jeff Koons' Balloon Sculpture Joins National Gallery Collection
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A new balloon sculpture by Jeff Koons has been added to the National Gallery of Australia's collection, joining iconic works like Jackson Pollock's Blue poles. The sculpture, titled Balloon Venus Dolni Vestonice (Yellow), was gifted by Steve and Kylie Shelley in 2013-17.
The Kesennuma Minato Matsuri Cultural Parade in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, has fostered cultural, economic, and humanitarian ties between Indonesia and Japan. The festival, held annually since 1951, celebrates maritime traditions while symbolizing hope, resilience, and collaboration between the two nations. Indonesian workers living in Kesennuma have received support from the city government, with Mayor Shigeru Sugawara appreciating their contributions to local industries such as fishing vessel operations and seafood processing. The festival has also seen the establishment of Indonesian restaurants and prayer rooms within the city, strengthening the bond between Indonesia and Kesennuma.
The Lahore Biennale Reader provides an in-depth analysis of Pakistan's artistic world, tracing its history and evolution. The book features contributions from Iftikhar Dadi and Hoor Al Qasimi, who served as readers for the Lahore Biennale 02. The publication delves into the Partition of India and Pakistan, including research on a centuries-old manuscript that was divided between the two countries in 1947. It also explores the country's contemporary art scene through the lens of curator Zahra Khan, who shares her experiences and insights as she navigated Pakistan's first-ever Venice Biennale pavilion.
Lin-Manuel Miranda was thrilled to see a new wax figure of himself at Madame Tussauds in New York City, celebrating the 10th anniversary of his hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" at the Richard Rodgers Theater. The figure is part of a special exhibit honoring the show's milestone, which has become a cultural phenomenon since its opening on August 6, 2015.
Portugal's Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Margarida Balseiro Lopes, has announced that Manifesta will be held in Coimbra in 2028, a strategic move reflecting the government's commitment to culture. The biennial, founded in 1996, aims to engage local contexts and communities in collaborative cultural production. Manifesta will partner with Coimbra-based Anozero, led by Carlos Antunes and Désirée Pedro, to promote cross-cultural collaboration within the European arts landscape. The event will be supported by national partners, including Portugal's Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and will draw on a combination of international and local expertise.
The Sydney Morning Herald is featuring a new show that brings together two iconic artists, Max Dupain and Man Ray, to explore themes of beauty, the body, and provocation. The exhibition marks a rare collaboration between the two artists, who were united for the first time in an exploration of these topics. Annie Leibovitz's 1991 photo shoot with Demi Moore, which caused controversy due to its explicit nature, is referenced as an example of the provocative art that will be showcased in the new show.