Why Art Offends: A Perfect Storm In A Teacup

Why Art Offends: A Perfect Storm In A Teacup

Artlyst recently created a list of the most offensive works of art; so what is the difference between this and its idea of hated art? Our good friend Marcel Duchamp may hold the answer. For the critical point in tipping the urinal over, marking it ‘R. Mutt’ and...
London’s Leading Museum Directors Exit In Droves

London’s Leading Museum Directors Exit In Droves

Do I detect a pattern here? There is an exodus afoot amongst the highest echelons of museum management; in the past twelve months the resignations have been announced of Nicholas Penny (National Gallery), Sandy Nairne (National Portrait Gallery), Penelope Curtis (Tate...
Jeff Koons And The Ten Million Pound Easter Egg

Jeff Koons And The Ten Million Pound Easter Egg

Religious or not, we are all familiar with the spirit of giving, new life and general goodwill associated with decorating and eating eggs at Easter. The practice in any case dates back to ancient times, Christianity only taking it up with later examples found from...
Rembrandt vs Damien Hirst The Art And The Ego

Rembrandt vs Damien Hirst The Art And The Ego

Rembrandt, unlike Vermeer who made extraordinary universes out of small rooms in the provincial town of Delft, needed to leave his native Leiden for Amsterdam in order to drape his sitters in exotic costumes and enjoy the worldly benefits that his remarkable talent...