Weekly Art News Roundup

Leonora Carrington's Dreamy Paintings

From her iconic surrealist paintings to her unique bronze sculptures, Leonora Carrington's art has captivated audiences for decades. Journalist Chloe Aridjis reflects on working with Carrington and exploring her enchanting world in Mexico City.

"Inside were more doors, not only to rooms but to bronze sculptures like 'Ing' (which doubled as an oven) and 'Albino Hogg' (a pig with long, slender legs), both of which had secret compartments."

From Sewing Circles to Self-Sufficiency: The Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative

The Pan-African Sisterhood Health Initiative (P.A.S.H.I.) is empowering women and promoting self-sufficiency through their transformative sewing circles. Founder Audrey Sullivan-Ongoza shares her mission to provide healthy and reusable pads in over 50 countries.

"We started small, with no funding. Just goodwill. We became our own resource development. Our resources were our own good intentions." - Audrey Sullivan-Ongoza

Protecting Sacred Lands: Biden Administration Establishes Two National Monuments in California

Native American tribes have successfully advocated for the protection of their ancestral lands in California. The Sáttaditla National Monument in Northern California and Castañeda Peaks National Monument in the Colorado Desert will preserve sacred sites and natural resources.

Wildfires in Altadena Highlight Inequalities and Cultural Loss

Historically Black communities like Altadena in Southern California face displacement and cultural erasure due to wildfires. The loss of homes and businesses represents not only a personal tragedy but also a setback to the rich history and communal spirit that has sustained the community for generations.

"Unlike reports of celebrity losses in Malibu, the devastation in Altadena illustrates how wildfires magnify inequalities, leaving poorer neighborhoods, often communities of color, with fewer resources to recover."

The "Men Don't Read Enough Fiction" Debate

The tired narrative that men are neglecting fiction reading is explored by Constance Grady. She argues that the assumption is exaggerated and serves as a distraction from more pressing issues, including the polarization of media consumption and the role of fiction in fostering empathy.

"Yet the idea of men who need new stories but refuse to read them is also exaggerated and hyperbolic. It has become its own kind of story."

Denmark's Royal Coat of Arms: A Response to Trump's Greenland Bid

In a bold move, King Frederik IX of Denmark has redesigned the royal coat of arms, removing three crowns representing the Kalmar Union. The updated version prominently features a polar bear and ram, symbolizing Greenland and the Faroe Islands, in response to Donald Trump's interest in purchasing Greenland.

Tracking AI Copyright Lawsuits in the U.S.

For those interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence and copyright, Wired has launched an interactive data visualization tracking AI copyright lawsuits in the United States.

Meta Drops Fact-Checking Weeks Before Trump's Inauguration

In a controversial move, Meta has announced the removal of fact-checkers from its platforms, raising concerns about the spread of misinformation ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration.

Required Reading

Our weekly collection of recommended art-related content, handpicked for your viewing pleasure.