A Murano glass treasure was discovered in Bulgaria – and more
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THE HEADLINES
A SHARP DISCOVERY. Archaeologists in Burgas, Bulgaria, have discovered over 100 glass objects from the time of the Ottoman Empire in the Bulgarian bay of Chengene Skele, reports Artnet. It is not the first dive in this area. In 2020 and 2021, over 300 other glass objects were recovered from the seabed. According to a statement from the Burga Regional History Museum, researchers found the objects at a depth of 2.0 to 2.4 meters. It is speculated that the glass artifacts fell into the shallow, rocky area of the sea from the cargo of a ship hit by a storm. Experts trace them to Murano, a Venetian island famous for its fine glassware. The shipwreck is expected to be discovered nearby. Iron fragments from anchor chains and shards of ceramic vessels show markings similar to those of ceramics made in the late Middle Ages and Renaissance.
CONTROVERSIAL SELECTION. Two works are to be removed from the Royal Academy of Arts’ (RA) Young Artists’ Summer Show in London after an open letter from the Board of Deputies of British Jews raised “significant concerns” about their content. In a letter to X dated 15 July, the board’s vice-president wrote: Andrew Gilbert described three of the works on display as “anti-Semitic tropes and messages” that “caused significant concern among members of our community,” reports The art newspaper. The statement went on to apologize for any injury or suffering caused to artists or visitors and confirmed that the RA will review its processes in the future. The first work in question contained the words “Jews say stop genocide against Palestinians: Not in our name.” The second, by a 16-year-old artist, is said to depict a screaming woman and a swastika. A third work, THE MASS SLAUGHTER OF WOMEN AND GIRLS IS NOT THE WAY TO DERADICALIZE GAZA, by Michael Sandlean RA academic, was also criticized in the letter for depicting a faceless pilot and an airplane with the Star of David.
THE OVERVIEW
TimeForArtthe first and only charity watch auction to support contemporary art, will be held for the second time in December 2024 at Phillips as part of “The Phillips New York Watch Auction: XI.” The inaugural edition brought together 17 exceptional timepieces from the world’s leading watchmakers and raised $1.2 million, with 100% of the watch auction proceeds, including Phillips’ buyer’s premium, going directly to support the Swiss Institute’s innovative exhibitions, public programs, and educational and community engagement workshops. [World Tempus]
On 4, 25 and 26 June Brussels Court of Appeal rejected the measures taken by the Direction générale de l’Inspection économique against Brussels antique dealers and their collectors. In January 2020, the DGIE organization planned a raid on the BRAFA fair, targeting various galleries and collectors. [Le Quotidien de l’Art]
Chicago’s SmartMuseum celebrates its 50th anniversary with an exhibition that explores what constitutes and defines a university art museum. A pioneer of arts-based learning, the Smart and its mission have evolved since it opened in the fall of 1974. But the museum has remained a space for exploration and experimentation, and a place where people from the University of Chicago, the South Side communities, and beyond come together. [Ocula]
Camilla Engström The profile picture is of Katie White. The Swedish-born artist is currently preparing for her London solo show with Carl Kostyal in September. “I was obsessed with Georgia O’Keeffe for a long time,” said Engström. “I love her art and I love the way she dressed, the way she lived. I think I wanted to be like her.” Apparently, the painter (who also sees herself as a gardener) has overcome her obsession and found her own personal voice. [Artnet]
Caruso St John Architectsan office based in London and Zurich, was recently given the privilege Art Gallery Bielefeld, and a budget of $52 million for it. The renovation includes modernization of the services, the building envelope and the interior of the sandstone-clad building. [The Architect’s Newspaper]
THE KICKER
ART MARATHON. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are just around the corner. For those who will be in Paris this summer, Catherine Bennett has put together a series of sport-related exhibitions, from ‘En Jeu! Artists and Sport’ at the Musée Marmottan Monet, which looks back at how sport came to France from England and opened up to the world, the media and women between 1870 and 1930, to ‘Fashion in Motion’ at the Palais Galliera, which draws on its own collections to show how sportswear has evolved since the 18th century and how it has found its way into our everyday wardrobes. Bennett has also hosted two gallery exhibitions – Gagosian presents “The Art of the Olympics” with Picasso, Andy Warhol And Tracey Eminwhile Almine Rech’s “Sport and Beyond” brings together three American artists, Jeff Koons, Laurie SimmonsAnd Hank Willis-Thomas. On your marks, get set… [Artsy]
