North Figueroa Bookshop in Highland Park has hand-painted murals on its façade, including one of Tessa Hulls' Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic memoir "Feeding Ghosts", which was being painted by sign painters during a visit to the store last weekend.
US Senators Propose Art Market Anti-Money Laundering Bill
7.25.25
US senators have introduced the Art Market Integrity Act, suggesting that comprehensive anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) measures could be applied to some art market participants. However, they believe the art market should not be a primary focus for these regulations. The bill was introduced just before the US Congress takes a month-long break, making it unlikely to be taken up until September at the earliest.
Yuga Labs Wins Partial Victory in BAYC Trademark Dispute
7.25.25
Yuga Labs has won a partial victory in its trademark dispute with Ripps and Cahen over BAYC NFTs. A three-judge panel ruled that Yuga Labs' trademarks are protectable under the Lanham Act, but reversed the district court's grant of summary judgment on the company's trademark infringement claims, finding that Yuga Labs did not prove consumer confusion as a matter of law. The panel also upheld the $9 million damages awarded to Yuga Labs against Ripps and Cahen, while dismissing their counterclaim under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA).
A benefit show was organized by Hiphop Against Genocide and Burrow Skateshop to raise funds and awareness for Palestine's Palestinian skateboarding community. The event featured a photo exhibition, flea market selling merchandise and music, live silkscreen printing, a mini skateboarding competition, graffiti session, and a performance by local underground acts.
Istana Open House Celebrates SG60 with Fun Activities
7.24.25
This year's Istana open house, celebrating Singapore's SG60 theme "Building Our Singapore Together", will feature a range of activities for all ages, including inclusive sports and hands-on art. The event, held from 8.30am to 6pm, will include boccia, seated volleyball, and virtual archery, as well as collaborations with local artist Herman Chong and Uniqlo. Live performances by LAYYI, Sherman Zhuo, and student groups from various schools will also take place. Visitors can explore the Istana Villa, which features a collection of state gifts presented to Singapore's leaders, and enjoy food and beverage stalls, merchandise booths, and limited-edition souvenirs. Admission is free for Singaporeans, permanent residents, and migrant domestic workers, while others will pay S$20 per adult and S$10 per child aged 4-12 via cashless payment methods.
Palace Complex Renovations Near Completion in Istanbul
7.24.25
Restoration work is almost finished at four key locations in the palace complex, including the historic Saray Theater, the Carpet Museum, and the Furniture Museum, which will soon showcase a collection of rare artifacts in newly designed galleries.
Racism Fuels Freedom for Black Athletes and Entertainers
7.24.25
Lorraine Hansberry and Wallace were discussing the disparity in opportunities for African Americans in the arts. Hansberry suggested that despite hostile circumstances, many successful black athletes and entertainers exist, implying that racism has created a space where they can express themselves more freely than writers like herself who face censorship due to racist attitudes.
Russian Artist Defies 'Foreign Agents' Law with Art
7.24.25
Apakhonchich, a Russian artist, is challenging Russia's "foreign agents" law by submitting creative reports to the Justice Ministry instead of traditional bureaucratic documents. Her artwork, which includes anti-war drawings and personal reflections, will be showcased at an upcoming exhibition in Amsterdam co-organized with The Moscow Times.
Swati Chaturvedi's Fragrance Revolution in Interior Design
7.24.25
Styling with scent is becoming an increasingly popular approach to interior design, allowing individuals to create unique and personalized spaces. Designers are now considering fragrance devices such as candles, diffusers, and plug-ins as a key element in their designs. This trend is seen as a way to add depth and character to a room, much like lighting or color palettes. For example, designer Swati Chaturvedi suggests using fragrance to style spaces, providing an alternative approach to traditional interior design elements.