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Today’s AJ Highlights

Good morning: How do you measure value? Self-worth? Thea Lim wrestles with the tensions between internal value for an artist and external valuation, now measured in any number of ways by likes, Tweets, and making the right lists. It makes for a schizophrenic existence as an artist. Well worth the read. Here are the rest of today’s highlights:

  • The Bells Of Notre Dame Cathedral Return To Paris A convoy of trucks carrying eight restored bells, the largest weighing more than 4 tons, arrived at Notre Dame Cathedral in preparation for its reopening on December 8, 2024. This marks a symbolic moment for France, following the catastrophic 2019 fire. Read more in AP.
  • Richard Pettibone, Progenitor Of “Appropriation Art,” Has Died At 86 Richard Pettibone, a pioneering figure in appropriation art, known for his works that copied the iconic styles of artists like Andy Warhol and Frank Stella, passed away at age 86. His death marks the end of a legacy that shaped contemporary art discussions on originality and replication. Read more in Artnet.
  • California’s New Laws Regulating Use Of AI Now In Force California has enacted new laws to regulate the use of artificial intelligence, providing actors more protection over their digital likenesses and combating the spread of deep fakes in political ads. Read more in Los Angeles Times.
  • The Guggenheim Museum Under Fire for Controversial Director Appointment The Guggenheim Museum is facing backlash after appointing a director with no prior experience in the arts. Critics argue the decision reflects a broader issue in the museum world, where fundraising prowess is often prioritized over artistic expertise. Read more in The Guardian.
  • Hollywood Mega-Agency UTA Closes Its Visual Art Division United Talent Agency (UTA) is shuttering its fine arts division after the departure of its director, signaling a shift in the agency’s focus. UTA was one of the first major entertainment agencies to expand into visual arts, representing prominent artists. Read more in ARTnews.

The rest of the stories we collected in the past day are below.

Doug

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