Afsaneh Mirfendereski, a Chevy Chase artist and architect of Persian heritage, responds to Magic Carpet Ride: Corcoran Gallery’s “Sickle-Leaf” Persian Triples Previous Auction Record for Carpets and Rescue Miscue: Outlandish Proposal to Save the Corcoran by Dumping Its Art: Senator [William] Clark [who in 1925 bequeathed to the Corcoran Gallery the Sickle-Leaf Carpet that the … [Read more...] about BlogBack: Afsaneh Mirfendereski, Persian Artist/Architect, Blasts Corcoran’s Carpet Sale
Archives for June 2013
Maximum Massimiliano: What’s Next for Gioni, Acclaimed Director of 2013 Venice Biennale? (with video)
There has not in my memory been another director of the Venice Biennale who has been as widely acclaimed for his creative vision and assured execution as Massimiliano Gioni, the New Museum's associate director and director of exhibitions. From all accounts, he has expertly navigated the challenges of a nearly impossible task---to bring some order to the chaos of the … [Read more...] about Maximum Massimiliano: What’s Next for Gioni, Acclaimed Director of 2013 Venice Biennale? (with video)
Magic Carpet Ride: Corcoran Gallery’s “Sickle-Leaf” Persian Triples Previous Auction Record for Carpets
"$16,000...I mean, $16 million. Hell-o-o-o-o!!! Excuse me, I'm not used to this!" blurted Sotheby's flustered auctioneer and senior consultant for rugs and carpets, Mary Jo Otsea, as bidding on Lot 12 soared today to more than three times the previous auction record for any carpet. (It also set a new auction record for any Islamic work of art.) Sought by at least four … [Read more...] about Magic Carpet Ride: Corcoran Gallery’s “Sickle-Leaf” Persian Triples Previous Auction Record for Carpets
Bubble Burst: Hirshhorn Deflates Its “Inflatable”; Brougher to Be Acting Director
This just in from the Smithsonian Institution regarding the Hirshhorn's punctured plans for a 145-foot-tall temporary meeting hall, designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro: The Smithsonian will not move forward with plans for the Hirshhorn’s Seasonal Inflatable Structure, known as the Bubble. Richard Kurin, Smithsonian Under Secretary for History, Art, and Culture, made the … [Read more...] about Bubble Burst: Hirshhorn Deflates Its “Inflatable”; Brougher to Be Acting Director
“Breach of Trust”: AAMD President Timothy Rub’s Eloquent Letter to Michigan’s Governor Defends Detroit Institute’s Collection
As I hoped he would, Timothy Rub, director of the Philadelphia Museum, has hit the ground running in his new gig as president of the Association of Art Museum Directors. His just released Letter to Michigan Governor Rick Snyder goes beyond the usual bromides (which he repeats) that monetizing the Detroit Institute of Art's collection to satisfy the financially Detroit's … [Read more...] about “Breach of Trust”: AAMD President Timothy Rub’s Eloquent Letter to Michigan’s Governor Defends Detroit Institute’s Collection
Piano Lessons: Whitney’s Capital Campaign Still $176 Million Short CLARIFIED
CLARIFICATION: The Whitney's spokesperson, Stephen Soba, took strong exception to what he said were "factual inaccuracies" in this report. I am reprinting the full text of his three objections at the bottom of this post, with my responses. At the Metropolitan Museum's press lunch yesterday, director Tom Campbell broke some news concerning a sister institution: He announced … [Read more...] about Piano Lessons: Whitney’s Capital Campaign Still $176 Million Short CLARIFIED