Final Christie's Report: Detroit Art Worth Up to $867-Million

DETROIT FREE PRESS
By Randy Kennedy

Detail from Michelangelo drawing for design of Sistine Chapel, estimates auction value is $12 million to $20 million

MICHIGAN---The price tags are on the paintings. Detroit’s emergency manager released a report from Christie’s auction house on Thursday detailing market estimates for some of the greatest masterpieces in the collection of the Detroit Institute of Art. The estimates – which Christie’s said would total between $454 million and $867 million – cover about 2,800 pieces, or less than 5 percent of the institute’s entire collection because Detroit’s emergency manager, Kevyn D. Orr, asked Christie’s to focus only on pieces that had been bought with city funds over the years, not ones than had been donated or bought with other funds. The museum and its supporters have vowed to go to court to try to stop any sale. [link]

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Museum Review: The Unfulfilling "Records of Rights" at National Archive

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Ed Rothenstien

WASHINGTON, DC---Before we explore the problems with the permanent exhibition that opened this month at the National Archives here, it might help to recognize the challenges it faced. The exhibition, “Records of Rights,” is the first attraction you see after passing through the building’s new marble-clad entrance. Magna Carta is this exhibition’s promissory note, in more ways than one; its gallery’s promise is also unfulfilled. What are we left with, as we head up to the Rotunda to see the founding documents? No context or perspective; only grim struggles and partially won liberties. This is a peculiar way for an institution that is a reflection of the government itself, to see the nature of its origins, the character of its achievements, and the promise of its ideas. [link]

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Art Institute of Chicago Hosts 200-Piece Italian Nativity Scene From 1700s

ABC7 CHICAGO
By Frank Mathie

ILLINOIS--When we think of Nativity scenes or mangers, we usually think of small religious settings under the Christmas tree. But ABC7 Eyewitness Reporter Frank Mathie says the Art Institute of Chicago has gone big time with this ancient sacred story. "It's a crèche. A Neapolitan crèche. The Italians call it a precepio and it comes from the 18th century for the celebration of Christmas," said Sylvain Bellenger, curator, medieval European sculpture. Bellenger is responsible for acquiring the crèche from a collector in Naples, Italy. The familiar cast of Christmas Eve characters is all here but they are here in abundance, and they're dressed in the finest of Italian silks made by the finest designers almost 300 years ago. [Link]

 

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Nevet Yitzhak Exhibit Peels Off the Prevailing View of 'Islamic Art’ as 'Monolithic and Mysterious'.

HAARETZ
By Galia Yahav

From 'Orient Express': Shows experts as genies returned to their bottle.

ISRAEL---One of the most wonderful aspects of “Orient Express,” the brilliant exhibition of works by Nevet Yitzhak at Jerusalem’s L.A. Mayer Museum for Islamic Art, is the resounding answer she gives to the superficial, cliché-filled discourse on Islamic art. It is a discussion that defines Islamic art as a “rich, ancient, much respected culture” in a generalized manner that, as it declares the wealth of ancient Islam, presents Islamic art as homogeneous, monolithic and bereft of any nuances. [link]

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Objects of beauty from ‘Mother Russia’ in North Carolina

THE HERALD SUN
By Blue Greenberg

The Durnovo Casket, silver gilt, enamel and sheets of lapis lazuli,
Firm of Ovchinnikov, Russia, 1889, now on view at the N.C. Museum of History.

NORTH CAROLINA---“Mother Russia” conjures up images of great writers; vast expanses of unbelievable cold; royal courts with tsars and tsarinas, the peasants or serfs, who were little more than slaves; the psychic Rasputin; the assassinations of the last tsar and his family; and the people’s devotion to the Eastern Orthodox Church. All this is part of the mystique surrounding this exhibition of more than 200 decorative and religious objects, which date from the first Romanov, Peter the Great (1672-1725), to Nicholas II (1868-1918), the last. [link]

North Carolina Museum of History: “The Tsar’s Cabinet: Two Hundred Years of Russian Decorative Arts under the Romanovs" and "Windows into Heaven: Russian Icons from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek Collection of Religious Art” (Ends March 5);  5 E. Edenton Street, Raleigh, North Carolina; 919-807-7900; ncdcr.gov/ncmoh

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Utah Art Exhibit Stretches the Definition of ‘Spiritual’

THE SALT LAKE TRIBUNE
By Peggy Fletcher Stack


UTAH---You would, of course, expect to see lots of angels at a spiritual art exhibit — as well as Jesus, Madonnas, biblical figures, crosses, steeples, Hindu gods and Islamic prayer rugs. But birds, beggars, books, flying maps and beams of light? "You can find the sacred in nature and ordinary objects," says Rita Wright, curator at Springville Museum of Art’s annual "Spiritual & Religious Art of Utah Exhibition," where these works are on display. "We stretch the definition of ‘spiritual’ to include many images that are not conventional iconography." The show celebrates the experimental nature of younger artists, she says, who are trying to express their intuitive spirituality. [link]

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Art Review: A Tension Between the Sacred and the Profane

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Ken Johnson

"Luba Female Bowl Bearer," left, and a work by Constantin Brancusi, at Paul Kasmin Gallery.

NEW YORK---What is it about African tribal art that so allures us denizens of the modern, industrialized world? I wonder this whenever I encounter tribal artifacts in museums and galleries, and I’m prompted to again by two exhibitions presented by Paul Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea. Then, around the corner, in Kasmin’s West 27th Street gallery, there’s “Brancusi in New York 1913 – 2013,” a glowing display.... A museum setting like this one, however, erases the practical magic of these objects and diminishes their spiritual potency. They have become inert collectibles. The sacred is profaned. [link]

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Jamaica's National Gallery to Explore Religion and Spirituality

JAMAICA GLEANER

Osmond Watson's 1984 piece 'Jah Lives'

JAMAICA---The National Gallery of Jamaica (NGJ) will be presenting the Explorations II: Religion and Spirituality exhibition on Sunday, December 22. The exhibition is the second in the NGJ's new Explorations series, which was launched earlier this year with the Natural Histories exhibition. The series explores major themes in Jamaican art, and in the National Art Collection, and aims to allow visitors the opportunity to engage in new, more exploratory ways, the artistic and cultural history of Jamaica. [link]

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Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art Receives National Recognition

TULSA WORLD

OKLAHOMA---The Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art, which is said to house the largest collection of Judaica in the Southwest, has been accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. It joins Philbrook and Gilcrease as Tulsa's only accredited museums. Just 6 percent of the nation's 17,500 museums are accredited. "Accredited museums have met and exceeded the highest standards of the museum field in everything they do," said Ford W. Bell, president of the alliance. [link]

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Nebraska Museum Features Christmas Paintings by Artist Grant Reynard

THE GRAND ISLAND INDEPENDENT

The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney is showcasing “Grant Reynard: Divine Images”

NEBRASKA---The Museum of Nebraska Art in Kearney is showcasing “Grant Reynard: Divine Images,” through the holiday season. [Grant] Reynard’s religious-inspired Christmas themed artworks showcase Christian images of the holiday season. The artist’s almost Christmas card-style paintings evoke the true meaning of Christmas and the season. Reynard, a noted illustrator, was born in 1887 in Grand Island. Reynard died in Leonia, N.J., in 1968. The Museum of Nebraska Art holds more than 3,000 of Reynard’s works, along with archival material, the largest single collection of his work. [link]

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Documentary “Detroit Art City” Highlights Financial Crisis at DIA

THE MORNING SUN

"Annunciatory Angel" (1450/1455) by Fra Angelico, a Dominican monk.

MICHIGAN---While the fate of the art collection at the Detroit Institute of Arts is threatened with sale in the city bankruptcy, a new documentary premiering Wednesday sheds light onto the history of one of the top comprehensive art museums on the country. The Detroit Public Television documentary “Detroit Art City,” premiering at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, on WTVS-Channel 56, will provide behind-the-scenes perspectives on the museum. The documentary also will stream live at www.dptv.org/dia. The 60-minute “Detroit Art City” takes viewers behind the scenes at the DIA to trace the museum’s triumphs and challenges through the years. [link]

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The National Gallery of Art’s "Your Art App" Features Religious Art

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

"Daniel in the Lions' Den" (1614-1616) by Sir Peter Paul Ruebens

WASHINGTON, DC---The National Gallery of Art has launched the Your Art app for iPhone, iPod Touch, and Android smartphones. Your Art is a free interactive mobile application that features 18 works from the museum's "Biblical" art collection; as well as 14 works from "Myths & Legends" collection, out of 130 total highlights. It's a quick and simple download designed to enrich the experience of visitors on-site, and outreach off-site by bringing its masterpieces to art lovers around the world. Your Art is designed for use on iOS and Android devices.

iTunes App Store: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/your-art/id600049768
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=gov.nga.yourart

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Bandits & Saints of Brazil in Detroit Through January 5th

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS
By TAHLIB

Candomble Ceremony by Didito of Maracujipe, Bahia. Courtesy of Convida.org.

MICHIGAN---Detroit's Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History presents the exhibition "Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints" which tells the story of how African, European, and indigenous cultural traditions interacted in Brazil for 500 years. The exhibition includes nearly 200 works of art by more than 50 artists, but the most critical part of the exhibition is the "Expressions of Faith," segment. It explores the African-Brazilian religion of Candomblé which combines traditional African roots and Roman Catholicism, while also exploring the evangelical faith of the Northeast. In the exhibition, life-size mannequins of orixás (forged iron symbols of African deities) wearing colorful vestments of Candomblé can be viewed along with actual footage of the Candomblé ceremony in Bahia.

Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History: "Bandits & Heroes, Poets & Saints," (Ends January 5, 2014); 315 East Warren Avenue at Brush Street; Detroit, MI; (313) 494-5808; thewright.org

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Saint John's Bible, Religious Art on Exhibit at Canton Museum of Art

THE CANTON REP

"Washing Feet" by He Qi in "Sacred Voices" accompanying exhibition

OHIO---On Friday, the Canton Museum of Art opened its newest exhibit, "Illuminating the Word: Saint John's Bible." It features an extraordinary presentation of a hand-crafted, 1,127 page illuminated Bible commissioned by Saint John's University in Minnesota. The Saint John's exhibit is accompanied by "Sacred Voices," a 30-piece collection of contemporary, religion-themed art created Christian, Jewish and Muslim artists from Great Britain, Austria, Australia, Canada and the United States. [link]

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Artist Wang Luyan Explores All of Life’s Paradoxes in Beijing Exhibition

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Sheila MelvinH

CHINA---“Diagramming Allegory,” the Wang Luyan solo exhibition at the Beijing Parkview Green Exhibition Hall, occupies an enormous space divided into two long galleries. While one is configured to resemble a shooting range — with a giant brushed stainless steel handgun, far taller than any man, and an oversize target — the other resembles the nave of a cathedral, including a crucifix and a confessional. At first glance the two galleries — appear diametrically opposed. The second includes Mr. Wang’s versions of iconic religious masterpieces like Michelangelo’s “Creation of Adam” and Leonardo’s “Madonna Litta,” displayed near a 20-foot high architectural painting of the interior of a church. [link]

Revolving Genesis D10-03 (2010). PHOTO: COURTESY OF PARKVIEW GREEN.

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Springville Museum of Art Annual Exhibit Emphasizes Religious Similarities

DAILY HERALD
By Casey Adams

First-place winner J. Kirk Richards' "Angels Singing in White." Courtesy of Springville Museum of Art

UTAH---A silent conversation is unfolding in the galleries at the Springville Museum of Art during the 28th annual Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah Exhibition, which runs through Jan. 15. Utah artists share ideas about faith and worship using art as a voice to express the beauty of the many spiritual differences represented within the Beehive State. The annual exhibition presents this conversation over three parts. First, an interfaith panel was to speak on how the panelists' personally adhere to their respective faiths. Second, the art show of nearly 200 pieces adds a visual dimension to the conversation. And finally, artists will be available on the last day of the exhibition to answer questions from museum patrons about their art work. Submissions were selected for the exhibition based on technical merit and an artist's willingness to explore the idea of spirituality in a unique way. Awards were given to top artists. [link]

Springville Museum of Art: "28th annual Spiritual and Religious Art of Utah Exhibition," (Ends Jan. 15); 126 E. 400 South in Springville, UT; (801) 489-2727; smofa.org

EVENTS CALENDAR:

Wednesday, November 20, 2013*
*Opening Reception, 7-8:30 pm
All submitting artists and the public are invited to attend. Accepted artists should come prepared to engage with public and answer questions regarding their work. Award-winning works will be announced at this event.

Monday, December 2, 2013, 6:00-8:00 pm
Community & Family Night - bring your family to the Museum for an evening of art-making and fun! Create original holiday cards, take a special tour through the exhibition, and enjoy seasonal music.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013, 7:00 pm
Interfaith Panel "Art & Worship"  - please join us for a discussion on the role of religious traditions in art from Catholic, Hindu, Muslim, Jewish, LDS and Presbyterian perspectives.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014
"Reflections on Spirituality: Artists in Conversation," 7:00 pm*
*Artists may pick up artwork at conclusion of program
To conclude the exhibition, invited artists will participate in gallery conversations with the public. Facilitated by Museum Staff, these informal discussions will give artists and visitors the chance to explore religion and spirituality in art.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Exhibition Officially Closes

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Christie’s Reveals Detroit Art Appraisal: $866 Million

THE NEW YORK TIMES
By Randy Kennedy

“Death on a Pale Horse” (1796) by Benjamin West; Credit 
Founders Society Purchase, Robert H. Tannahill Foundation Fund

MICHIGAN---The heart of the world-class collection of the Detroit Institute of Arts would raise somewhere between $452 million and $866 million if sold to help the City of Detroit dig its way out of bankruptcy, Christie’s said Wednesday, announcing the results of a highly anticipated appraisal. Christie’s examination was limited to works that were bought entirely or in part with city funds, because those works could be sold more easily than donated works, for example, whose sale could generate legal challenges. So the appraisal covers only a small part of the collection in terms of numbers — less than 5 percent of the museum’s 66,000 works — but many of the works are among the most important in the collection, by artists like Bruegel, Matisse and van Gogh. While Christie’s did not release estimates for individual works, it did note that 11 works — which it did not name — accounted for 75 percent of the total estimate in its report. [link]

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Judaica on View During Hanukkah at Metropolitan Museum

ALPHA OMEGA ARTS

Hebrew Bible on display at Metropolitan Museum of Art

NEW YORK---The Metropolitan Museum of Art celebrates Hanukkah—the Jewish Festival of Lights, through the evening of December 5—with two medieval depictions of the Temple menorah are on view at . Additional works of Judaica will be on view during and after the holiday. The menorah, an elaborate ceremonial lamp with seven branches, was among the furnishings of the Temple in Jerusalem. Its form considered to be divinely ordained, the menorah has been a recognized symbol of Judaism from ancient times.

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Yoga Exhibition Spotlights The Continuing Church-State Debate

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL
By Lee Lawrence

Bringing to life a constellation of yogas, from ascetic to esoteric to physical.

WASHINGTON, DC---It isn't every day that an art exhibition at the Smithsonian's museum of Asian art speaks (however unintentionally) to a continuing church-state debate in California. The issue is whether public schools should be teaching yoga: Do "downward dog" and "salutation to the sun" postures promote mental and physical well-being or do they constitute religious practice? Simply put, what is yoga? This is the question that "Yoga: The Art of Transformation" explores—or, rather, explodes. As curator Debra Diamond researched the topic, "it kept growing in depth and complexity," she says. Although meditation was always important, she found no single practice or belief that consistently defined yoga as it moved through India's religious and cultural communities for 2,000-plus years. [link]

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U of Michigan to Exhibit 11 Centuries of Islamic Art in 'Fragments from the Past'

THE MICHIGAN DAILY
By Giancarlo Buonomo,

Selections from the Islamic Collection of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.

MICHIGAN---For the next several months, the University of Michigan Museum of Art will exhibit Islamic art that showcases the beauty and complexity of everyday objects from the eighth through the 19th centuries. A collaborative effort. UMMA will host the exhibition of objects from the Kelsey Museum of Architecture in its glass-walled Stenn Gallery. This exhibition is part of the UM Collections Collaborations series, supported by the Andrew W. Mellon foundation, where the UMMA showcases the diversity of the University’s art collections. [link]

University of Michigan Museum of Art: "Fragments from the Past: Islamic Art from the Collection of the Kelsey Museum of Archaeology," (Nov. 30 until April 13); 525 South State Street, Ann Arbor, MI; (734)764-0395; umma.umich.edu

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