Ben Shahn discussed nonconformity in art, suggesting it may be suppressed for personal wellbeing but can be rekindled through its unorthodox nature. This idea is reflected in exhibitions at the Jewish Museum in New York, such as "On Nonconformity" by Ben Shahn and a 2021 show on Nazi-looted art that included works by Matisse, Cézanne, and Chagall.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/the-nonconformist-ben-shahn-is-honoured-in-a-homecoming-show-at-new-yorks-jewish-museumThe event successfully introduced traditional Minangkabau dance, tarian Pencak, which blended silat with music, promoting cultural heritage among younger generations. The guest of honour, Puan Hajah Fadhilah binti Hawary, thanked parents for their support, while Lim Huey Tyng praised the students' dedication and talent. Ipoh Parade expressed gratitude to Perak JPN and participating schools, and looks forward to continuing this tradition with more platforms for young talents in the future.
https://www.ipohecho.com.my/2025/04/30/young-talents-shine-bright-at-ipoh-parades-sekolahku-berbakat-3-0-edisi-citrawarna-tarian-melayu/Luc Tuymans has an exhibition at the Royal Academy in London, showcasing his work alongside Jacopo Tintoretto's paintings. The show is open until November 23rd and includes works that reflect on violence and ignorance, echoing contemporary populist movements.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/left-at-the-altar-luc-tuymans-paintings-to-replace-tintoretto-works-at-venetian-churchThe Pallant House Gallery in Chichester is hosting an exhibition featuring portraits of artist Lucian Freud, with works by Smith and others. In contrast to Cuningham's portraits, which are harder to find, Freud's self-portraits are widely available, including a notable piece from his altercation with a cab driver. This exhibition marks the centenary of Freud's birth and explores his enduring appeal as a figure in art, following recent exhibitions at the Royal Academy of Arts and the National Gallery.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/face-to-face-at-pallant-house-gallery-meet-the-artists-who-paint-draw-and-sculpt-other-artistsTakashi Murakami, in collaboration with the RTFKT team, discussed the importance of cognitive revolution and its impact on art. The artist shared his commitment to Japanese ceramic artists associated with the seikatsu kōgei movement. In a conversation with Hans Ulrich Obrist at LACMA, Murakami explained the process behind large-scale paintings inspired by Chinese Yuan Dynasty porcelain vases. He also spoke about his collaboration with Virgil Abloh on "AMERICA TOO", an installation that aims to educate and impassion new audiences.
https://www.gagosian.com/exhibitions/2025/takashi-murakami-japonisme-cognitive-revolution-learning-from-hiroshige/The National Theatre has announced its inaugural programme, featuring two 20th-century plays in the Lyttelton Theatre, focusing on dysfunctional family relationships and societal expectations. The productions will be directed by Caitriona McLaughlin and Rebecca Frecknall, respectively. Hiran Abeysekera will become the first non-white actor to play Hamlet, while Paul Mescal is set to star in a modern adaptation of Arthur Miller's Death Of A Salesman. The theatre plans to expand its streaming service to attract global audiences, with executive director Kate Varah stating that it aims to reach 28 million viewers annually.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-14662933/Stormzy-new-National-Theatre-diversity-drive-signing-secret-project-legendary-venue-plans-rap-adaptations-classic-Greek-tragedies.htmlThe National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) is hosting its Summer Fiesta 2025, a six-week celebration for children aged 4 to 16 years. The event features performance-based workshops that aim to spark curiosity, build confidence, and awaken the joy of expression among young participants.
https://www.deccanchronicle.com/education/ncpa-summer-fiesta-2025-where-young-imaginations-take-centre-stage-1876037Rebecca Horn's kinetic art exhibition at Castello di Rivoli Museo d'Arte Contemporanea in Turin, Italy, explores the human condition. The show is part of a series of exhibitions that have previously featured Jeffrey Deitch, who also showcased his work in Turin in 2001. This year's event highlights the works of Wael Shawky and Josh Kline, with Ermanno Rivetti hosting the art programme in Turin during Artissima.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/with-a-cut-and-a-caress-italian-exhibition-explores-rebecca-horns-legacyCanada's Liberal party has yet to implement a policy comparable to its pandemic-era support for arts and culture. However, there are signs of growth in the Canadian art market. Jean-Paul Riopelle's abstract canvas sold for a record C$7.4m in 2017, while his works fetched $8m at Heffel's Toronto auction in November 2023. The centenary of Riopelle's birth was marked by a two-part auction that totalled $17.2m.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2025/04/30/canada-art-community-market-nationalist-turn