Statues smuggled out of Thailand were welcomed back to the kingdom in an official repatriation ceremony at the national museum. This report brings you details of the artwork that contain objects looted from Asia, Africa and other places. Watch in for more details!

Thailand celebrates return of artefact from New York's Metropolitan Museum

Statues smuggled out of Thailand were welcome back to the kingdom in an official repatriation ceremony at the national museum. This report brings you details of the artwork that contain objects looted from Asia, Africa and other places. Watch in for more details!

Thailand celebrates return of looted statues

An art project connecting Dublin and New York through a live video "portal" has been closed temporarily within less than a week of its launch due to instances of misconduct.

The portal, featuring a continuous live stream displayed on large circular screens in both cities, was crafted by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys. Each structure, weighing 3.5 tonnes, boasted a 2.4-metre diameter screen.

It is positioned at the junction of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street in New York. In Dublin, it is placed at the corner of North Earl Street and O’Connell Street.

The portals were put in place in order to foster a sense of connection between distant places.

However, reports surfaced of users engaging in "inappropriate behaviour" such as displaying swear words. Some even flashed&nbsp;their body parts, and a few people in Dublin even transmitted footage of the 9/11 attacks for New York viewers to see.&nbsp;

Dublin City Council and the Flatiron Nomad Partnership, responsible for the installations, swiftly responded to address the issue.

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The council announced plans to implement technical solutions within 24 hours to curb such behaviour, while the Flatiron&nbsp;revealed intentions to install software updates and increase on-site staff and barriers.

Amid efforts to rectify the situation, the portal remained inactive on Monday and Tuesday (May 13-14), with hopes of resuming operations by Wednesday morning (May 15).

Dublin City Council expressed disappointment that their initial solution, involving blurring, was deemed inadequate.

“Dublin city council had hoped to have a solution in place today, but unfortunately the preferred solution, which would have involved blurring, was not satisfactory," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Flatiron Nomad Partnership said that the inappropriate actions stemmed from a "very small minority" and affirmed that the overwhelming majority of visitors had engaged with the art installation appropriately, experiencing the intended sense of joy and connection.

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Initially planned to remain on display until autumn, the art installation gained global attention and stirred controversy since its launch on May 8.

<h2>Mostly friendly gestures&nbsp;</h2>

While most interactions involved friendly gestures and playful exchanges, some incidents, including egg-throwing and displaying offensive imagery, led to the temporary shutdown.

Founder of the portal and artist Gylys said, “Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is—united and one."

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“The livestream provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures, transcend geographical boundaries, and embrace the beauty of global interconnectedness."

The Dublin City Council announced on May 8 that the Dublin portal was designed to also connect Dublin with various cities and destinations in Brazil, Poland, and Lithuania.

(With inputs from agencies)

An art project connecting Dublin and New York through a live video "portal" has been closed temporarily within less than a week of its launch due to instances of misconduct.

An art project connecting Dublin and New York through a live video "portal" has been closed temporarily within less than a week of its launch due to instances of misconduct. The portal, featuring a continuous live stream displayed on large circular screens in both cities, was crafted by Lithuanian artist Benediktas Gylys. Each structure, weighing 3.5 tonnes, boasted a 2.4-metre diameter screen. It is positioned at the junction of Broadway, Fifth Avenue, and 23rd Street in New York. In Dublin, it is placed at the corner of North Earl Street and O’Connell Street. The portals were put in place in order to foster a sense of connection between distant places. However, reports surfaced of users engaging in "inappropriate behaviour" such as displaying swear words. Some even flashed their body parts, and a few people in Dublin even transmitted footage of the 9/11 attacks for New York viewers to see. Dublin City Council and the Flatiron Nomad Partnership, responsible for the installations, swiftly responded to address the issue. Also Read | Who is Mohamed Amra, escaped drug dealer from French prison van attack? The council announced plans to implement technical solutions within 24 hours to curb such behaviour, while the Flatiron revealed intentions to install software updates and increase on-site staff and barriers. Amid efforts to rectify the situation, the portal remained inactive on Monday and Tuesday (May 13-14), with hopes of resuming operations by Wednesday morning (May 15). Dublin City Council expressed disappointment that their initial solution, involving blurring, was deemed inadequate. “Dublin city council had hoped to have a solution in place today, but unfortunately the preferred solution, which would have involved blurring, was not satisfactory," it said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Flatiron Nomad Partnership said that the inappropriate actions stemmed from a "very small minority" and affirmed that the overwhelming majority of visitors had engaged with the art installation appropriately, experiencing the intended sense of joy and connection. Also Read | Zelensky cancels Friday visit to Spain; Ukraine withdraws troops in Kharkiv Initially planned to remain on display until autumn, the art installation gained global attention and stirred controversy since its launch on May 8. Mostly friendly gestures While most interactions involved friendly gestures and playful exchanges, some incidents, including egg-throwing and displaying offensive imagery, led to the temporary shutdown. Founder of the portal and artist Gylys said, “Portals are an invitation to meet people above borders and differences and to experience our world as it really is—united and one." Watch | Boeing deliveries slump in 2024 | Drone films Japan's biggest warship × “The livestream provides a window between distant locations, allowing people to meet outside of their social circles and cultures, transcend geographical boundaries, and embrace the beauty of global interconnectedness." The Dublin City Council announced on May 8 that the Dublin portal was designed to also connect Dublin with various cities and destinations in Brazil, Poland, and Lithuania. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's the controversy that forced shutdown of Dublin-New York art portal that offered live stream

Seeking to "challenge the history of art," two women sprayed the words "MeToo" on a 19th-century painting of a vagina titled "l'Origine du Monde". Along with the more than 150-year-old painting, they also tagged four other artworks.

The painting, whose name means "The Origin of the World" in English, is a nude painted by French artist Gustave Courbet in 1866.&nbsp;

It is currently displayed in Centre Pompidou in Paris, France, on loan from the Musee d'Orsay as part of an exhibition centred on French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, who once owned the painting, reports AFP.

<h2>Was the painting damaged beyond repair?</h2>

Thankfully, the work of art was protected by a glass pane. Despite that, as per AFP, police were on site to assess the damage.

The two women, identified only by their birth years — 1986 and 1993 — were arrested for spraying five artworks with the words "MeToo".&nbsp;

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Another person, as per the report, escaped detention and is suspected to have stolen another artwork called "I Think Therefore I Suck," a piece by French artist Annette Messager.

French-Luxembourgish performance artist Deborah de Robertis in a conversation with WION said she had organised the spray painting as part of a performance titled: "You Don't Separate the Woman from the Artist".

She said that they were targeting famous paintings "because women are the origin of the world" and said the performance was carried out because "the very closed world of contemporary art has remained largely silent until now".

In an open letter, de Robertis denounced the behaviour of six men in the art world, and described them as "predators" and "censors".

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The defacement of the art was criticised by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

On X, she wrote, "To 'activists' who think that art is not powerful enough to carry a message alone... An artwork is not a poster to colour in with the day's message."

(With inputs from agencies)

Seeking to "challenge the history of art," two women sprayed the words "MeToo" on a 19th-century painting of a vagina titled "l'Origine du Monde". Along with the more than 150-year-old painting, they also tagged four other artworks.

Seeking to "challenge the history of art," two women sprayed the words "MeToo" on a 19th-century painting of a vagina titled "l'Origine du Monde". Along with the more than 150-year-old painting, they also tagged four other artworks. The painting, whose name means "The Origin of the World" in English, is a nude painted by French artist Gustave Courbet in 1866. It is currently displayed in Centre Pompidou in Paris, France, on loan from the Musee d'Orsay as part of an exhibition centred on French psychoanalyst Jacques Lacan, who once owned the painting, reports AFP. Was the painting damaged beyond repair? Thankfully, the work of art was protected by a glass pane. Despite that, as per AFP, police were on site to assess the damage. The two women, identified only by their birth years — 1986 and 1993 — were arrested for spraying five artworks with the words "MeToo". Also read | Warren Buffett likens AI to nuclear weapons, warns 'genie part way out of the bottle' Another person, as per the report, escaped detention and is suspected to have stolen another artwork called "I Think Therefore I Suck," a piece by French artist Annette Messager. French-Luxembourgish performance artist Deborah de Robertis in a conversation with WION said she had organised the spray painting as part of a performance titled: "You Don't Separate the Woman from the Artist". She said that they were targeting famous paintings "because women are the origin of the world" and said the performance was carried out because "the very closed world of contemporary art has remained largely silent until now". In an open letter, de Robertis denounced the behaviour of six men in the art world, and described them as "predators" and "censors". Also read | With an eye on Moon and Mars, SpaceX unveils futuristic spacesuits for Polaris Dawn mission The defacement of the art was criticised by French Culture Minister Rachida Dati. On X, she wrote, "To 'activists' who think that art is not powerful enough to carry a message alone... An artwork is not a poster to colour in with the day's message." (With inputs from agencies)

Two women arrested after spraying ‘MeToo’ on 150-year-old vagina painting and other artworks

While certain artists are expressing anger over the utilisation of AI in art creation, others are embracing state-of-the-art AI tools to elevate their artistic endeavours. An exhibition in London celebrates and showcases the evolution of AI art in 2024. Watch this report for further insights into the emerging trend.

Artistic side of Artificial Intelligence

What is fame? Maybe it is when a seemingly unremarkable sketch you scribbled on&nbsp;the smallest piece of paper is sold for thousands of dollars.

This is exactly what happened in the US, where a small yellowed piece of paper on which the famed Renaissance genius Michelangelo had scribbled a square sold for a whopping $201,600. This, as per a statement released by auction house Christie's on Wednesday (Apr 17), was 33 times its estimated value.

<h2>Its discovery</h2>

As per AFP, the scribble was found stuck to the back of the frame of another Michelangelo painting. The second painting had been in a private collection for decades, the auction house said in a media statement.&nbsp;

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It was accompanied by a letter from Michelangelo's last direct descendant and was initially expected to fetch somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000.

However, Christie's in New York said that the piece, when it went under the hammer, ended up selling for "33.6 times its low estimate." The auction house did not disclose any details of the buyer.

<h2>What is the sketch?</h2>

The small work, AFP reports, depicts a block of marble. Written on the paper is the word "simile," which in English translates to "similar".

This is believed to have been drawn while the Renaissance genius Michelangelo was working on his famed work&nbsp;the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a Christie's specialist told AFP some time back.

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It is accompanied by a letter written by the artist's descendant, Cosimo Buonarroti. Written in 1836, in the letter, he offers the piece by his "illustrious forefather Michelangelo" to Sir John Bowring, who at the time was the future governor of Hong Kong, whose signature appears at the bottom of the sheet.

While the sketch is unsigned and has no proof, it is indeed drawn by Michaelangelo, as Christie's said that its research team has confirmed that the Italian artist was behind the small drawing.

(With inputs from agencies)

What is fame? Maybe it is when a seemingly unremarkable sketch you scribbled on the smallest piece of paper is sold for thousands of dollars. This is exactly what happened in the US, where a small yellowed piece of paper on which the famed Renaissance genius Michelangelo had scribbled a square sold for a whopping $201,600.

What is fame? Maybe it is when a seemingly unremarkable sketch you scribbled on the smallest piece of paper is sold for thousands of dollars. This is exactly what happened in the US, where a small yellowed piece of paper on which the famed Renaissance genius Michelangelo had scribbled a square sold for a whopping $201,600. This, as per a statement released by auction house Christie's on Wednesday (Apr 17), was 33 times its estimated value. Its discovery As per AFP, the scribble was found stuck to the back of the frame of another Michelangelo painting. The second painting had been in a private collection for decades, the auction house said in a media statement. Also read | Brazil woman wheels in corpse of an elderly man into bank to 'sign' for a loan It was accompanied by a letter from Michelangelo's last direct descendant and was initially expected to fetch somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000. However, Christie's in New York said that the piece, when it went under the hammer, ended up selling for "33.6 times its low estimate." The auction house did not disclose any details of the buyer. What is the sketch? The small work, AFP reports, depicts a block of marble. Written on the paper is the word "simile," which in English translates to "similar". This is believed to have been drawn while the Renaissance genius Michelangelo was working on his famed work the Sistine Chapel ceiling, a Christie's specialist told AFP some time back. Also read | Ancient humans lived in THIS vast lava tube in Saudi Arabia 7,000 years ago It is accompanied by a letter written by the artist's descendant, Cosimo Buonarroti. Written in 1836, in the letter, he offers the piece by his "illustrious forefather Michelangelo" to Sir John Bowring, who at the time was the future governor of Hong Kong, whose signature appears at the bottom of the sheet. While the sketch is unsigned and has no proof, it is indeed drawn by Michaelangelo, as Christie's said that its research team has confirmed that the Italian artist was behind the small drawing. (With inputs from agencies)

Tiny scribble, whopping price: Michelangelo's simple doodle sold for THIS much

An Australian museum is being forced to open the doors of its women-only exhibition on misogyny to men after a disgruntled man complained that it was "discriminatory" to his gender.

<h2>Open exhibition to people who do not identify as ladies</h2>

The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania has now been ordered to open up the exhibition to "persons who do not identify as ladies" within 28 days.

This ruling was passed by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Tuesday (Apr 9).

<h2>The women's only exhibition&nbsp;</h2>

Artist and museum curator Kirsha Kaechele has come up with an experimental artwork exhibition that as per CNN is being billed by the museum as a "tremendously lavish space" where women can indulge in "decadent nibbles, fancy tipples, and other ladylike pleasures — hosted and entertained by the fabulous butler."

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Last year, in April, Jason Lau, a New South Wales man visiting the museum, was barred from entering the women only exhibit.

Lau, who paid the $35 AUD or $23 USD museum entry fee, as per the tribunal documents, believed he was subjected to direct gender discrimination.

"He felt strongly enough about this to file a complaint with Equal Opportunities Tasmania," read the notes.

However, the curator Kaechele, during the court proceedings, said that denying men entry to the "mysterious" exhibition was part of the art and its allure. She said that it was to give men a taste of the discrimination and exclusion women have faced throughout history.

She added that she believed women "deserve both equal rights and special privileges in the form of unequal rights," as restitution for historical injustices, "for a minimum of 300 years."

<h2>Intentional exclusion</h2>

The tribunal acknowledged that it recognises that the art exhibition had "a pointedly participatory component that is intentionally discriminatory, for a good faith artistic purpose that many might not only appreciate but sympathise with or endorse."

However, it said that it was against Australia's 1998 anti-discrimination act.

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The act "does not permit discrimination for good faith artistic purpose per se," said the Tribunal.

In her statement to the tribunal, Kaechele said, "We are so deeply embedded in the dominion of man that we do not even see the myriad ways in which we adhere to and multiply his reign."

The Ladies Lounge was needed as "a peaceful space women can retreat to; a haven in which to think clearly, and relish the pure company of women — to escape the invisible story woven through history," she added.

Rejecting the tribunal's requirement of opening exhibition to men, she said, "that's not happening". The museum, too, has reacted to the verdict by posting an explicit response on Instagram.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Australian museum is being forced to open the doors of its women-only exhibition on misogyny to men after a disgruntled man complained that it was "discriminatory" to his gender.

An Australian museum is being forced to open the doors of its women-only exhibition on misogyny to men after a disgruntled man complained that it was "discriminatory" to his gender. Open exhibition to people who do not identify as ladies The Museum of Old and New Art (MONA) in Tasmania has now been ordered to open up the exhibition to "persons who do not identify as ladies" within 28 days. This ruling was passed by the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal on Tuesday (Apr 9). The women's only exhibition Artist and museum curator Kirsha Kaechele has come up with an experimental artwork exhibition that as per CNN is being billed by the museum as a "tremendously lavish space" where women can indulge in "decadent nibbles, fancy tipples, and other ladylike pleasures — hosted and entertained by the fabulous butler." Also read | 'Dogfather' of 300+ pups retires after bringing independence to visually challenged people all over Britain Last year, in April, Jason Lau, a New South Wales man visiting the museum, was barred from entering the women only exhibit. Lau, who paid the $35 AUD or $23 USD museum entry fee, as per the tribunal documents, believed he was subjected to direct gender discrimination. "He felt strongly enough about this to file a complaint with Equal Opportunities Tasmania," read the notes. However, the curator Kaechele, during the court proceedings, said that denying men entry to the "mysterious" exhibition was part of the art and its allure. She said that it was to give men a taste of the discrimination and exclusion women have faced throughout history. She added that she believed women "deserve both equal rights and special privileges in the form of unequal rights," as restitution for historical injustices, "for a minimum of 300 years." Intentional exclusion The tribunal acknowledged that it recognises that the art exhibition had "a pointedly participatory component that is intentionally discriminatory, for a good faith artistic purpose that many might not only appreciate but sympathise with or endorse." However, it said that it was against Australia's 1998 anti-discrimination act. Also read | Mythology meets Astronomy: Ancient Egyptians believed Milky Way galaxy was a celestial goddess, claims study The act "does not permit discrimination for good faith artistic purpose per se," said the Tribunal. In her statement to the tribunal, Kaechele said, "We are so deeply embedded in the dominion of man that we do not even see the myriad ways in which we adhere to and multiply his reign." The Ladies Lounge was needed as "a peaceful space women can retreat to; a haven in which to think clearly, and relish the pure company of women — to escape the invisible story woven through history," she added. Rejecting the tribunal's requirement of opening exhibition to men, she said, "that's not happening". The museum, too, has reacted to the verdict by posting an explicit response on Instagram. (With inputs from agencies)

Irony or misogyny: Exhibition showcasing discrimination against women, 'discriminates' against men

Centuries-old artefacts which were looted following the Battle of Okinawa during World War II have been recovered and returned to Japan, said the FBI. The 22 historic artefacts were discovered in an attic by a family in Massachusetts, United States among their late father’s personal belongings.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Substantial piece of Okinawan history’</h2>

The Boston division of the FBI said that they recovered 22 artefacts which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries which had been lost for almost 80 years&nbsp;and represent a substantial piece of Okinawan history.&nbsp;

The recovery followed a lengthy investigation which began in January 2023 after the FBI received a call from a family which said that they found what appeared to be&nbsp;valuable Asian art in their late father’s personal effects, said the US federal law enforcement agency in a statement.&nbsp;

The 22 artefacts also included a hand-drawn map of Okinawa from the 19th century, and various pieces of pottery and ceramics, according to officials.&nbsp;

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The image shows a&nbsp;hand-drawn map of Okinawa dating back to the 19th century. (Photo credit: FBI)

“When taken together, they really represent a substantial piece of Okinawan history,” said Geoffrey Kelly, special agent and art theft coordinator at FBI Boston.&nbsp;

The family, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that their father was a World War II veteran but never served in the Pacific Theater.&nbsp;

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The family had alerted the authorities after checking the FBI’s National Stolen Art File and found that at least four of the scrolls discovered had been listed in their database about 20 years ago. The US federal law enforcement agency was able to authenticate the artwork.&nbsp;

The World War II Battle of Okinawa was fought between the US and Japanese forces on the island which was said to be the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. During the battle, many important documents and treasures of the Ryukyu Kingdom were taken, according to officials.&nbsp;

A typewritten letter, which was found with the artefacts helped confirm they were looted during the last days of World War II.&nbsp;

<h2>About the 22 artefacts</h2>

The artefacts included six painted scrolls – three of which were one piece that appeared to have been divided into three pieces – and revealed “portraits of Okinawan royalty in vivid reds, golds, and blue accents,” said the FBI.&nbsp;

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Kelly noted that these artefacts were important since they depict Okinawan royalty and are a piece of their cultural identity.&nbsp;

“A nation’s cultural identity is really summed up in the artefacts and the history. This is what makes a culture. And without it, you’re taking away their history. And the surest way to eliminate a culture is to eliminate their past,” said the art crime coordinator for FBI Boston.&nbsp;

The official handover of the artefacts took place on Friday (Mar 15) and was confirmed by Governor of Okinawa Prefecture Denny Tamaki.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Centuries-old artefacts which were looted following the Battle of Okinawa during World War II have been recovered and returned to Japan, said the FBI. The 22 historic artefacts were discovered in an attic by a family in Massachusetts, United States among their late father’s personal belongings.

Centuries-old artefacts which were looted following the Battle of Okinawa during World War II have been recovered and returned to Japan, said the FBI. The 22 historic artefacts were discovered in an attic by a family in Massachusetts, United States among their late father’s personal belongings. ‘Substantial piece of Okinawan history’ The Boston division of the FBI said that they recovered 22 artefacts which date back to the 18th and 19th centuries which had been lost for almost 80 years and represent a substantial piece of Okinawan history. The recovery followed a lengthy investigation which began in January 2023 after the FBI received a call from a family which said that they found what appeared to be valuable Asian art in their late father’s personal effects, said the US federal law enforcement agency in a statement. The 22 artefacts also included a hand-drawn map of Okinawa from the 19th century, and various pieces of pottery and ceramics, according to officials. The image shows a hand-drawn map of Okinawa dating back to the 19th century. (Photo credit: FBI) “When taken together, they really represent a substantial piece of Okinawan history,” said Geoffrey Kelly, special agent and art theft coordinator at FBI Boston. The family, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed that their father was a World War II veteran but never served in the Pacific Theater. Also Read | Writing by hand, not typing, linked to better learning and memory: Study The family had alerted the authorities after checking the FBI’s National Stolen Art File and found that at least four of the scrolls discovered had been listed in their database about 20 years ago. The US federal law enforcement agency was able to authenticate the artwork. The World War II Battle of Okinawa was fought between the US and Japanese forces on the island which was said to be the largest of the Ryukyu Islands. During the battle, many important documents and treasures of the Ryukyu Kingdom were taken, according to officials. A typewritten letter, which was found with the artefacts helped confirm they were looted during the last days of World War II. About the 22 artefacts The artefacts included six painted scrolls – three of which were one piece that appeared to have been divided into three pieces – and revealed “portraits of Okinawan royalty in vivid reds, golds, and blue accents,” said the FBI. Also Read | Stargazers rejoice! Oregon Outback named as world’s largest dark sky sanctuary Kelly noted that these artefacts were important since they depict Okinawan royalty and are a piece of their cultural identity. “A nation’s cultural identity is really summed up in the artefacts and the history. This is what makes a culture. And without it, you’re taking away their history. And the surest way to eliminate a culture is to eliminate their past,” said the art crime coordinator for FBI Boston. The official handover of the artefacts took place on Friday (Mar 15) and was confirmed by Governor of Okinawa Prefecture Denny Tamaki. (With inputs from agencies)

FBI returns 22 historic artefacts to Japan looted after Battle of Okinawa found in Massachusetts home

A well-overdue retrospective for 'the world's most famous unknown artist'. Watch the video to know more.

Decoding seven decades of Yoko Ono's art

An artist in Syria tells tales of resistance and heartbreak through his paintings, as he fondly remembers his besieged homeland.

A Palestinian painter’s tale through his art

It is often thought that&nbsp;artistic expression developed as humans evolved into their modern form, that is, Homo Sapiens. But this assumption has had faced challenges in recent years. The 'Unicorn cave' or "Einhornhöhle" in central Germany has been a place where animal bones from pre-historic times have been found. Some of them were used as tool.

Just a few years ago, a discovery gave strength to argument that artistic expression was present in human species that existed before Homo Sapiens. These species are considered 'less evolved' than Homo Sapiens. A bone was found in the unicorn cave which had carving resembling an undulating cheveron pattern. This made scientists think that this was a symbolic, ceremonial tool rather than practical one.

Watch | Climate activists hurl soup at the 'Mona Lisa' painting in Paris

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As reported by LiveScience, scientists revealed a suprising fact when they performed carbon dating to find age of the ornate bone. It was found that the object is at least 50,000 years old.

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"The engraved bone from Einhornhöhle is at least 50,000 years old and thus ranges among the oldest known symbolic objects," said Dirk Leder, an archaeologist with the Lower Saxony state government, as reported by LiveScience.

50,000 years ago, the Unicorn Cave was occupied by the Neanderthals.

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So do we need to start searching for 'art' made by Neanderthal humans? There are certainly hints that humans may have developed artistic expression much before than was initially thought by the scientific community.

If this gets subastantially established it opens a new vista for study of human evolution and argument that for artistic expression you do not need advance (from evolutionary point of view) skills like speech, language and more.

(With inputs from agencies)

It is often thought that artistic expression developed as humans evolved into their modern form, that is, Homo Sapiens. But this assumption has had faced challenges in recent years.

It is often thought that artistic expression developed as humans evolved into their modern form, that is, Homo Sapiens. But this assumption has had faced challenges in recent years. The 'Unicorn cave' or "Einhornhöhle" in central Germany has been a place where animal bones from pre-historic times have been found. Some of them were used as tool. Just a few years ago, a discovery gave strength to argument that artistic expression was present in human species that existed before Homo Sapiens. These species are considered 'less evolved' than Homo Sapiens. A bone was found in the unicorn cave which had carving resembling an undulating cheveron pattern. This made scientists think that this was a symbolic, ceremonial tool rather than practical one. Watch | Climate activists hurl soup at the 'Mona Lisa' painting in Paris × As reported by LiveScience, scientists revealed a suprising fact when they performed carbon dating to find age of the ornate bone. It was found that the object is at least 50,000 years old. Also Read | Your Dog may live longer if they have these physical traits: UK Study "The engraved bone from Einhornhöhle is at least 50,000 years old and thus ranges among the oldest known symbolic objects," said Dirk Leder, an archaeologist with the Lower Saxony state government, as reported by LiveScience. 50,000 years ago, the Unicorn Cave was occupied by the Neanderthals. Also Read | Largest-ever X-ray map of the universe has been released So do we need to start searching for 'art' made by Neanderthal humans? There are certainly hints that humans may have developed artistic expression much before than was initially thought by the scientific community. If this gets subastantially established it opens a new vista for study of human evolution and argument that for artistic expression you do not need advance (from evolutionary point of view) skills like speech, language and more. (With inputs from agencies)

Artistic expression in humans may have evolved much earlier than initially thought

Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion,&nbsp;is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci.

Rybolovlev, known for his wealth in potash fertiliser and ownership of AS Monaco, is suing Sotheby's in New York, claiming the auction house inflated the estimated values of artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Amedeo Modigliani, and René Magritte.

The legal battle stems from Rybolovlev's discovery that art broker Yves Bouvier, who assisted in acquiring the artworks, allegedly deceived him by purchasing the works at a lower price and charging him a significantly higher amount, leading to claims of fraudulent practices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/investors-sue-sothebys-justin-bieber-hilton-among-others-as-nft-prices-crash-626542">Also read |&nbsp;Investors sue Sotheby's, Justin Bieber, Hilton among others as NFT prices crash</a>

<h2>Legal saga spans multiple jurisdictions</h2>

Rybolovlev initiated legal action against Bouvier in various countries, accusing the art adviser of misleading him over the value of 38 artworks.&nbsp;Last month, Rybolovlev and Bouvier settled the claims out of court, leaving Sotheby's in the spotlight.

The case, scheduled in Manhattan federal court, alleges that Sotheby's "aided and abetted Bouvier in committing fraud and breaching his fiduciary duties." Sotheby's denies the accusations, asserting adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices.

US district court judge Jesse Furman ruled that Sotheby's must face fraud-related claims on the sales of four works: Salvator Mundi, Tête, Wasserschlangen II, and Le Domaine d’Arnheim, paving the way for a trial beginning this week.

Also watch |&nbsp;Sotheby's to auction rare Baghdadi astrolabe

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Sotheby's spokesperson has denied&nbsp;any knowledge of alleged misconduct, insisting on adherence to legal requirements and financial obligations during the artwork transactions, according to The Guardian.

Rybolovlev sold Salvator Mundi for $450m in 2017, making it the most expensive painting ever sold. The painting, now owned by Mohammed bin Salman, has faced authenticity concerns, delaying its planned showcase in a Louvre gallery in Abu Dhabi.

(With inputs from agencies)

Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion, is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci.

Dmitry Rybolovlev, the 180th richest person globally, with an estimated fortune of $11.4 billion, is set to accuse Sotheby's of aiding art dealer Yves Bouvier in a scheme that allegedly misled him into overpaying for artworks, including the renowned Salvator Mundi by Leonardo da Vinci. Rybolovlev, known for his wealth in potash fertiliser and ownership of AS Monaco, is suing Sotheby's in New York, claiming the auction house inflated the estimated values of artworks, including pieces by Gustav Klimt, Amedeo Modigliani, and René Magritte. The legal battle stems from Rybolovlev's discovery that art broker Yves Bouvier, who assisted in acquiring the artworks, allegedly deceived him by purchasing the works at a lower price and charging him a significantly higher amount, leading to claims of fraudulent practices. Also read | Investors sue Sotheby's, Justin Bieber, Hilton among others as NFT prices crash Legal saga spans multiple jurisdictions Rybolovlev initiated legal action against Bouvier in various countries, accusing the art adviser of misleading him over the value of 38 artworks. Last month, Rybolovlev and Bouvier settled the claims out of court, leaving Sotheby's in the spotlight. The case, scheduled in Manhattan federal court, alleges that Sotheby's "aided and abetted Bouvier in committing fraud and breaching his fiduciary duties." Sotheby's denies the accusations, asserting adherence to legal requirements and industry best practices. US district court judge Jesse Furman ruled that Sotheby's must face fraud-related claims on the sales of four works: Salvator Mundi, Tête, Wasserschlangen II, and Le Domaine d’Arnheim, paving the way for a trial beginning this week. Also watch | Sotheby's to auction rare Baghdadi astrolabe Sotheby's spokesperson has denied any knowledge of alleged misconduct, insisting on adherence to legal requirements and financial obligations during the artwork transactions, according to The Guardian. Rybolovlev sold Salvator Mundi for $450m in 2017, making it the most expensive painting ever sold. The painting, now owned by Mohammed bin Salman, has faced authenticity concerns, delaying its planned showcase in a Louvre gallery in Abu Dhabi. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian billionaire accuses Sotheby’s of art fraud collusion in high-stakes legal battle

While Dhaka’s cycle rickshaws are head-turners with their kitschy hand-painted art, their creators are in danger of fading away in a changing Bangladesh.

Dhaka’s cycle rickshaw art: A disappearing legacy

Artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci are known for their artworks that have stood the test of time and even now, after centuries, continue to fascinate people. They've been scrutinised by hundreds of thousands of people, yet even today, they sometimes throw a doozy: reveal new secrets.

This is exactly what happened with an enormous masterpiece called "The Night Watch". Painted in the 17th-century by artist Rembrandt, it features Dutch civilian soldiers gathered in a darkened room, preparing to march out to defend their city. However, a new research recently uncovered a secret that the painting was hiding for more than 380 years.

<h2>Secrets galore</h2>

Rembrandt is known as a master of light and shadow, and for years, the art community knew that the darks of the painting hid details and the guardsmen's bodies. However, as it turns out that is not the only thing the masterpiece was hiding.

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As per CNN, recently, conservators used X-ray to peer below the paint and varnish of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch". This was the first evaluation of the painting to combine X-rays, spectroscopy of a paint sample and 3D digital reconstructions, in its almost 400-year history.&nbsp;

It revealed something really unexpected: lead.

They found that under the paint there was a whole layer of lead, and this finding has been detailed in journal Science Advances.

<h2>What is lead doing under the painting?</h2>

This is a never-before-seen detail when it comes to Rembrandt's art. He and his contemporaries are known to use a layer of glue to stiffen the canvas before proceeding to the 'ground layer' — a base coat of the underlying pigment.

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However, this one doesn't have that signature glue layer. Instead, it has lead. Apparently, artists sometimes used a lead-saturated layer to better protect the canvas.

The researchers speculate that upon the painting's completion in 1642, it hung in Amsterdam’s Kloveniersdoelen — a musketeers’ shooting range, where it would have been vulnerable to damage from moisture.

(With inputs from agencies)

Artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci are known for their artworks that have stood the test of time and even now, after centuries, continue to fascinate people.

Artists like Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci are known for their artworks that have stood the test of time and even now, after centuries, continue to fascinate people. They've been scrutinised by hundreds of thousands of people, yet even today, they sometimes throw a doozy: reveal new secrets. This is exactly what happened with an enormous masterpiece called "The Night Watch". Painted in the 17th-century by artist Rembrandt, it features Dutch civilian soldiers gathered in a darkened room, preparing to march out to defend their city. However, a new research recently uncovered a secret that the painting was hiding for more than 380 years. Secrets galore Rembrandt is known as a master of light and shadow, and for years, the art community knew that the darks of the painting hid details and the guardsmen's bodies. However, as it turns out that is not the only thing the masterpiece was hiding. Also read | Humans can't resist puppy eyes, so much so that we have impacted their eye colour As per CNN, recently, conservators used X-ray to peer below the paint and varnish of Rembrandt's "The Night Watch". This was the first evaluation of the painting to combine X-rays, spectroscopy of a paint sample and 3D digital reconstructions, in its almost 400-year history. It revealed something really unexpected: lead. They found that under the paint there was a whole layer of lead, and this finding has been detailed in journal Science Advances. What is lead doing under the painting? This is a never-before-seen detail when it comes to Rembrandt's art. He and his contemporaries are known to use a layer of glue to stiffen the canvas before proceeding to the 'ground layer' — a base coat of the underlying pigment. Also read | WION Explains | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues 'beyond the grave'. Here's all you need to know However, this one doesn't have that signature glue layer. Instead, it has lead. Apparently, artists sometimes used a lead-saturated layer to better protect the canvas. The researchers speculate that upon the painting's completion in 1642, it hung in Amsterdam’s Kloveniersdoelen — a musketeers’ shooting range, where it would have been vulnerable to damage from moisture. (With inputs from agencies)

400 years after it was painted, 17th-century art reveals THIS secret

The Red Fort in Delhi hosted the inaugural India Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB). "The invisible edges between reality and fiction, memory and design, and past and present" are acknowledged here. The public can access IAADB, which is organized by the Ministry of Culture, from December 9 to December 15. In addition to an art mart, the event will feature speeches by architects and designers from India and beyond, panel discussions, and workshops.

PM Modi inaugurates the first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023

Conservators working with the English Heritage charity have uncovered a fascinating revelation about a 17th-century portrait in their collection. The painting, depicting Diana Cecil, a prominent figure from the Jacobean era, was discovered to have undergone what is popularly referred to in this century as the "Kylie Jenner treatment," media reports said.&nbsp;

This involved alterations to enhance the subject's lips and modify their hairline, similar to the cosmetic preferences associated with the famous influencer, Kylie Jenner.

Diana Cecil, born in 1596 and recognised as a beauty of her time, belonged to a powerful noble family with close ties to Elizabeth I's court.

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The portrait is set to be displayed at Kenwood, a neoclassical villa in London. It underwent meticulous conservation efforts that unveiled the authentic features of Cecil.

Reports suggest that an artist in a later period, between the 17th and 19th centuries, had made significant adjustments to her portrait, to uplift her appearance.&nbsp;

Now, the restoration process involved the removal of an aging layer of varnish, exposing the fact that Cecil's lips were overpainted to give the illusion of fullness, and her hair was reworked to create a smaller forehead.

<h2>What is making conservators curious?&nbsp;&nbsp;</h2>

The choice to modify these features, as English Heritage noted, is intriguing. It is because the changes done in the painting seem to be going beyond just repairing the damages caused by rolling it widthways.

In the process of removing the varnish, another captivating discovery was made within the painting. It is the portrait's date which was revealed as 1634, along with the signature of the original artist, Cornelius Johnson. This revelation added an extra layer of historical context to the tale of Diana Cecil's transformed portrait.

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English Heritage's curator at Kenwood Louise Cooling said,"As a modern society with access to digital beauty filters and AI technology, we might think we know better than most eras the temptation to ‘perfect’ our appearance, but the conservation work to Diana Cecil has shown that this is not a new phenomenon.”

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“Arbitrary and ever-changing beauty standards do seem to echo through the ages, although in this case Diana had no say in the ‘improvements’ made to her portrait centuries after it was painted.”

Alice Tate-Harte, collections conservator (fine art) at English Heritage, said, “As a paintings conservator I am often amazed by the vivid and rich colours that reveal themselves as I remove old, yellowing varnish from portraits, but finding out Diana’s features had been changed so much was certainly a surprise."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Conservators working with the English Heritage charity have uncovered a fascinating revelation about a 17th-century portrait in their collection. The painting, depicting Diana Cecil, a prominent figure from the Jacobean era, was discovered to have undergone what is popularly referred to in this century as the "Kylie Jenner treatment," media reports said.

Conservators working with the English Heritage charity have uncovered a fascinating revelation about a 17th-century portrait in their collection. The painting, depicting Diana Cecil, a prominent figure from the Jacobean era, was discovered to have undergone what is popularly referred to in this century as the "Kylie Jenner treatment," media reports said. This involved alterations to enhance the subject's lips and modify their hairline, similar to the cosmetic preferences associated with the famous influencer, Kylie Jenner. Diana Cecil, born in 1596 and recognised as a beauty of her time, belonged to a powerful noble family with close ties to Elizabeth I's court. Also Read | Japanese sea worms detach rear end to swim in search of romance, reveals study The portrait is set to be displayed at Kenwood, a neoclassical villa in London. It underwent meticulous conservation efforts that unveiled the authentic features of Cecil. Reports suggest that an artist in a later period, between the 17th and 19th centuries, had made significant adjustments to her portrait, to uplift her appearance. Now, the restoration process involved the removal of an aging layer of varnish, exposing the fact that Cecil's lips were overpainted to give the illusion of fullness, and her hair was reworked to create a smaller forehead. What is making conservators curious? The choice to modify these features, as English Heritage noted, is intriguing. It is because the changes done in the painting seem to be going beyond just repairing the damages caused by rolling it widthways. In the process of removing the varnish, another captivating discovery was made within the painting. It is the portrait's date which was revealed as 1634, along with the signature of the original artist, Cornelius Johnson. This revelation added an extra layer of historical context to the tale of Diana Cecil's transformed portrait. Also Read | Scientists say killing 'zombie' cells can reverse brain ageing caused by Covid English Heritage's curator at Kenwood Louise Cooling said,"As a modern society with access to digital beauty filters and AI technology, we might think we know better than most eras the temptation to ‘perfect’ our appearance, but the conservation work to Diana Cecil has shown that this is not a new phenomenon.” Watch | Oscar Pistorius set to be released in January after being sentenced to 13 years in prison | WION × “Arbitrary and ever-changing beauty standards do seem to echo through the ages, although in this case Diana had no say in the ‘improvements’ made to her portrait centuries after it was painted.” Alice Tate-Harte, collections conservator (fine art) at English Heritage, said, “As a paintings conservator I am often amazed by the vivid and rich colours that reveal themselves as I remove old, yellowing varnish from portraits, but finding out Diana’s features had been changed so much was certainly a surprise." (With inputs from agencies)

Fuller lips, reworked hair... 17th-century portrait reveals 'Kylie Jenner treatment'

A remarkable discovery has taken place in Kolkata, as a 44-foot-long Japanese-style handscroll, painted by the renowned Indian blind artist, Benodebehari Mukherjee nearly a century ago, has resurfaced and made its debut in the city of his birth.

Mukherjee, born in 1904, was blind in one eye and severely myopic in the other, eventually losing his sight completely at the age of 53.

Despite this, he left an indelible mark as a painter, sculptor, and muralist, and became a defining figure in 20th Century Indian modern art, reported the BBC.

<h2>Everything about the scroll</h2>

This captivating handscroll, measuring a mere six inches in width, bears the title "Scenes from Santiniketan" and is the longest scroll ever created by the artist.

In July, it will embark on a journey to Santiniketan, the prestigious university town founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore a century ago, where Mukherjee himself had studied and later taught.

The scroll, which changed hands multiple times before finding its way to Kolkata, is now proudly on display, offering a glimpse into Mukherjee's artistic vision and the landscapes of Santiniketan.

At the age of 20, Mukherjee skillfully crafted this captivating scroll using ink and watercolours on meticulously layered sheets of paper.

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The scroll's initial frame features a figure sitting under a tree, believed to represent the artist himself, taking viewers on a journey through the enchanting Santiniketan.

As one moves from right to left along the scroll, a captivating voyage unfolds, depicting a passage through time and space. Mukherjee's masterful brushstrokes transport the viewer into a forest of sal trees, with the colors transitioning from black ink to touches of green that mirror the changing seasons.

The scroll comes alive with 22 human figures, 22 cattle, three chickens, one dog, and one bird. Mukherjee skillfully utilises stretches of emptiness to depict the vastness of land and sky.

Within the scroll, one can sense the artist's solitude and a subtle expression of isolation, depicting a state of his life without self-pity or bitterness, as noted by leading art historian Siva Kumar.&nbsp;

Prior to this astounding discovery, Mukherjee's longest-known work was a depiction of the khoai, a laterite soil terrain near Santiniketan, measuring just over 10 feet in length.

Notably, Mukherjee's teacher at Santiniketan was the esteemed artist Nandalal Bose, who headed the art school known as Kala Bhavan. Bose had initially expressed concern about Mukherjee's visual impairment to Tagore, but the poet and philosopher replied, "Is he sincere? Is he interested? Then let him be."

Mukherjee's fascination with the scroll format may have been influenced by Tagore and Bose, who had returned from their visit to Japan with prints of handscrolls. The scroll format offered unique possibilities, allowing the passage of&nbsp;time to be depicted in a fluid and dynamic manner.

Also watch |&nbsp;Parliamentary committee meeting on Uniform Civil Code sparks debate in India

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<h2>Where did the scroll disappear?</h2>

After being acquired by Rakesh Sahni, the owner of Gallery Rasa in Kolkata, the handscroll finally resurfaced in 2017 from a collector. However, due to the unforeseen challenges posed by the pandemic, its public exhibition was delayed by three years.

Alongside the unveiling of this remarkable handscroll, the Kolkata exhibition also features reproductions of Mukherjee's other notable scrolls, including "The Khoai," "Village Scenes," and "Scenes in Jungle." Notably, "Scenes in Jungle" is painted on the semi-circular pith of a banana tree and is currently housed in the prestigious Victoria &amp; Albert Museum in London.

&nbsp;

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A remarkable discovery has taken place in Kolkata, as a 44-foot-long Japanese-style handscroll, painted by the renowned Indian blind artist, Benodebehari Mukherjee nearly a century ago, has resurfaced and made its debut in the city of his birth.

A remarkable discovery has taken place in Kolkata, as a 44-foot-long Japanese-style handscroll, painted by the renowned Indian blind artist, Benodebehari Mukherjee nearly a century ago, has resurfaced and made its debut in the city of his birth. Mukherjee, born in 1904, was blind in one eye and severely myopic in the other, eventually losing his sight completely at the age of 53. Despite this, he left an indelible mark as a painter, sculptor, and muralist, and became a defining figure in 20th Century Indian modern art, reported the BBC. Everything about the scroll This captivating handscroll, measuring a mere six inches in width, bears the title "Scenes from Santiniketan" and is the longest scroll ever created by the artist. In July, it will embark on a journey to Santiniketan, the prestigious university town founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore a century ago, where Mukherjee himself had studied and later taught. The scroll, which changed hands multiple times before finding its way to Kolkata, is now proudly on display, offering a glimpse into Mukherjee's artistic vision and the landscapes of Santiniketan. At the age of 20, Mukherjee skillfully crafted this captivating scroll using ink and watercolours on meticulously layered sheets of paper. Also read | More lifting-power for Indian rockets, ISRO test fires India's most powerful rocket engine The scroll's initial frame features a figure sitting under a tree, believed to represent the artist himself, taking viewers on a journey through the enchanting Santiniketan. As one moves from right to left along the scroll, a captivating voyage unfolds, depicting a passage through time and space. Mukherjee's masterful brushstrokes transport the viewer into a forest of sal trees, with the colors transitioning from black ink to touches of green that mirror the changing seasons. The scroll comes alive with 22 human figures, 22 cattle, three chickens, one dog, and one bird. Mukherjee skillfully utilises stretches of emptiness to depict the vastness of land and sky. Within the scroll, one can sense the artist's solitude and a subtle expression of isolation, depicting a state of his life without self-pity or bitterness, as noted by leading art historian Siva Kumar. Prior to this astounding discovery, Mukherjee's longest-known work was a depiction of the khoai, a laterite soil terrain near Santiniketan, measuring just over 10 feet in length. Notably, Mukherjee's teacher at Santiniketan was the esteemed artist Nandalal Bose, who headed the art school known as Kala Bhavan. Bose had initially expressed concern about Mukherjee's visual impairment to Tagore, but the poet and philosopher replied, "Is he sincere? Is he interested? Then let him be." Mukherjee's fascination with the scroll format may have been influenced by Tagore and Bose, who had returned from their visit to Japan with prints of handscrolls. The scroll format offered unique possibilities, allowing the passage of time to be depicted in a fluid and dynamic manner. Also watch | Parliamentary committee meeting on Uniform Civil Code sparks debate in India Where did the scroll disappear? After being acquired by Rakesh Sahni, the owner of Gallery Rasa in Kolkata, the handscroll finally resurfaced in 2017 from a collector. However, due to the unforeseen challenges posed by the pandemic, its public exhibition was delayed by three years. Alongside the unveiling of this remarkable handscroll, the Kolkata exhibition also features reproductions of Mukherjee's other notable scrolls, including "The Khoai," "Village Scenes," and "Scenes in Jungle." Notably, "Scenes in Jungle" is painted on the semi-circular pith of a banana tree and is currently housed in the prestigious Victoria & Albert Museum in London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Lost for a century: Blind Indian painter's scroll resurfaces after 100 years

Glastonbury 2023 has officially started. As part of the early festivitiez on June 21, thousands of music fans were welcomed to Worthy Farm by a large fireworks display and burning of the Phoenix ceremony.

World's biggest open-air arts and music festival officially begins amid downpour

A sculpture known as "the Impossible Statue" is currently on display at a Swedish museum thanks to the training of artificial intelligence (AI) by a historical dream team of five famous sculptors, including Michelangelo, Rodin, and Takamura.

"This is a true statue created by five different masters that would never have been able to collaborate in real life," said Pauliina Lunde, a spokeswoman for Swedish machine engineering group Sandvik that used three AI software programmes to create the artwork.

The stainless steel statue challenges conventional ideas about creativity and art by showing an androgynous person with a swath of cloth covering the lower half of the torso while holding a bronze globe in the other.

The monument, which is 150 centimetres (4 feet 11 inches) tall and weighs 500 kilogrammes, is on display in Stockholm's National Museum of Science and Technology.

Also watch |&nbsp;AI designs a sculpture marrying Michelangelo, Rodin and Takamura

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<h2>Who were the sculptors?</h2>

Five renowned sculptors—Michelangelo (Italy, 1475–1564), Auguste Rodin (France, 1840–1917), Kathe Kollwitz (Germany, 1867–1945), Kotaro Takamura (Japan, 1883–1956), and Augusta Savage (US, 1892–1962)—who each made their imprint on their era—were chosen with the intention of combining their respective styles.

"Something about it makes me feel like this is not made by human being," Julia Olderius, in charge of concept development at the museum, told AFP.

Visitors will notice the strong Michelangelo-inspired physique and Takamura-inspired globe-holding hand.

A large number of pictures of the five artists' sculptures were fed to the AI by Sandvik's engineers in order to train it.

The programme then put out numerous 2D renderings that it thought captured the main ideas of each of the artists.

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"In the end we had 2D images of the sculpture in which we could see the different masters reflected. Then we put these 2D images into 3D modeling," Olderius said.

"I don't think you can define what art is. It's up to every human being to see, 'this is art, this is not art'. And it's up to the audience to decide," Olderius said.

Olderius expressed optimism despite the controversy surrounding AI's potential impact on the art field.

"I don't think you have to be afraid of what AI is doing with creativity or concepts or art and design," she said.

“I just think you have to adapt to a new future where technology is a part of how we create concepts and art.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A sculpture known as "the Impossible Statue" is currently on display at a Swedish museum thanks to the training of artificial intelligence (AI) by a historical dream team of five famous sculptors, including Michelangelo, Rodin, and Takamura.

A sculpture known as "the Impossible Statue" is currently on display at a Swedish museum thanks to the training of artificial intelligence (AI) by a historical dream team of five famous sculptors, including Michelangelo, Rodin, and Takamura. "This is a true statue created by five different masters that would never have been able to collaborate in real life," said Pauliina Lunde, a spokeswoman for Swedish machine engineering group Sandvik that used three AI software programmes to create the artwork. The stainless steel statue challenges conventional ideas about creativity and art by showing an androgynous person with a swath of cloth covering the lower half of the torso while holding a bronze globe in the other. The monument, which is 150 centimetres (4 feet 11 inches) tall and weighs 500 kilogrammes, is on display in Stockholm's National Museum of Science and Technology. Also watch | AI designs a sculpture marrying Michelangelo, Rodin and Takamura Who were the sculptors? Five renowned sculptors—Michelangelo (Italy, 1475–1564), Auguste Rodin (France, 1840–1917), Kathe Kollwitz (Germany, 1867–1945), Kotaro Takamura (Japan, 1883–1956), and Augusta Savage (US, 1892–1962)—who each made their imprint on their era—were chosen with the intention of combining their respective styles. "Something about it makes me feel like this is not made by human being," Julia Olderius, in charge of concept development at the museum, told AFP. Visitors will notice the strong Michelangelo-inspired physique and Takamura-inspired globe-holding hand. A large number of pictures of the five artists' sculptures were fed to the AI by Sandvik's engineers in order to train it. The programme then put out numerous 2D renderings that it thought captured the main ideas of each of the artists. Also read | Groundbreaking AI tool predicts patients' chances of death. Can it replace doctors? "In the end we had 2D images of the sculpture in which we could see the different masters reflected. Then we put these 2D images into 3D modeling," Olderius said. "I don't think you can define what art is. It's up to every human being to see, 'this is art, this is not art'. And it's up to the audience to decide," Olderius said. Olderius expressed optimism despite the controversy surrounding AI's potential impact on the art field. "I don't think you have to be afraid of what AI is doing with creativity or concepts or art and design," she said. “I just think you have to adapt to a new future where technology is a part of how we create concepts and art.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Swedish museum displays first-ever Al sculpture influenced by Michelangelo

In Pics | Artists flee Sudan as army, paramilitary clash despite truce

A new immersive miniature art exhibition is making its debut in NYC. The 'Small is Beautiful'-exhibition is a traveling art show.

The biggest miniature exhibition in New York City

A small glass sculpture by renowned artist Jeff Koons was accidentally knocked over by a collector attending a contemporary art fair, shattering it into pieces. The artwork, which is a part of Jeff Koons' well-known "balloon dog" series, was worth $42,000. Several collectors believed the incident—which happened at a VIP preview at Art Wynwood in Miami—was performance art or a planned stunt.

The artwork was shown alone on an acrylic base with Koons's last name.

"I saw this woman was there, and she was tapping (the sculpture), and then the thing fell over and shattered into thousands of pieces," artist Stephen Gamson told a Fox News affiliate in Miami.

Gamson told the media that he believed the woman touched the artwork to determine whether it was a real balloon.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;

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OH DAMN! 😱😱😱😱😱 
А balloon sculpture of famous artist Jeff Koons in the shape of a dog crashed at the Art Wynwood Fair in Miami. It was valued at $42,000, the Daily Mail. 
🔉 
It is specified that one of the collectors decided to check whether the work by Koons really lived up… <a href="https://t.co/J8QwVtQt2K">https://t.co/J8QwVtQt2K</a> <a href="https://t.co/yJXi6sWuFq">pic.twitter.com/yJXi6sWuFq</a>
— TheRealBiffBifford 🇺🇸 (@TBifford) <a href="https://twitter.com/TBifford/status/1627157780531646465?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While gallery staff picked up the glass pieces, a bystander recorded the incident on camera.

A person can be heard saying, "I can't believe somebody would knock that over," in the video.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-woman-asks-chatgpt-to-write-an-email-to-airline-after-flight-delay-wows-netizens-563679">Woman asks ChatGPT to write email to airline after flight delay, result wows netizens</a>

The woman did not intend to shatter the Koons sculpture, according to Benedicte Caluch, an art advisor with Bel-Air Fine Art, which sponsored the artwork, who also informed the Miami Herald that insurance would cover the damage.

American painter and sculptor Koons, who was not present, finds inspiration in commonplace items like balloon animals. Even though they have sold at auction for as much as $91 million, his pieces question ideas about what constitutes fine art.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A small glass sculpture by renowned artist Jeff Koons was accidentally knocked over by a collector attending a contemporary art fair, shattering it into pieces. The artwork, which is a part of Jeff Koons' well-known "balloon dog" series, was worth $42,000.

A small glass sculpture by renowned artist Jeff Koons was accidentally knocked over by a collector attending a contemporary art fair, shattering it into pieces. The artwork, which is a part of Jeff Koons' well-known "balloon dog" series, was worth $42,000. Several collectors believed the incident—which happened at a VIP preview at Art Wynwood in Miami—was performance art or a planned stunt. The artwork was shown alone on an acrylic base with Koons's last name. "I saw this woman was there, and she was tapping (the sculpture), and then the thing fell over and shattered into thousands of pieces," artist Stephen Gamson told a Fox News affiliate in Miami. Gamson told the media that he believed the woman touched the artwork to determine whether it was a real balloon. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. OH DAMN! 😱😱😱😱😱 А balloon sculpture of famous artist Jeff Koons in the shape of a dog crashed at the Art Wynwood Fair in Miami. It was valued at $42,000, the Daily Mail. 🔉 It is specified that one of the collectors decided to check whether the work by Koons really lived up… https://t.co/J8QwVtQt2K pic.twitter.com/yJXi6sWuFq — TheRealBiffBifford 🇺🇸 (@TBifford) February 19, 2023 × While gallery staff picked up the glass pieces, a bystander recorded the incident on camera. A person can be heard saying, "I can't believe somebody would knock that over," in the video. ALSO READ | Woman asks ChatGPT to write email to airline after flight delay, result wows netizens The woman did not intend to shatter the Koons sculpture, according to Benedicte Caluch, an art advisor with Bel-Air Fine Art, which sponsored the artwork, who also informed the Miami Herald that insurance would cover the damage. American painter and sculptor Koons, who was not present, finds inspiration in commonplace items like balloon animals. Even though they have sold at auction for as much as $91 million, his pieces question ideas about what constitutes fine art. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

WATCH: US art fair visitor accidentally shatters glass sculpture by Jeff Koons

Remember, Oscar Wilde's famous quote 'Life imitates art far more than art imitates life'. Life is indeed a reflection of art, a conscious ongoing work to find expression through varied art forms. And what is life anyway? Where do we find it? Maybe while driving cars on roads, walking on pathways, sitting across a lake or sipping tea on a stall amid a bustling city. And what connects them? Perhaps, love which binds them all, dwelling amid humanity in myriad ways, simply unacknowledged. And what does a city full of life and love create? Turn the dusty pages of history, and every time what will emerge is Art.

India's capital, Delhi, has been a safe haven for artists for ages. What the city has produced through time is a plethora of poetry, paintings, books, dance and music. The city dwellers have been always seen dancing and swinging to the musical tunes of the artists.

Is the darkness engulfing the spotlight?

Sadly, the reality seems to have altered its way for the buskers of the city who struggle to showcase their art forms and are held responsible for creating menace in public places.

Buskers, who sing their original songs and dance in their own ways on streets accumulating love and applause from onlookers, have been victims of harassment and misconduct more often. A recent video of a busker being harassed by a police officer and being asked to empty the space went viral after it was shared by Bollywood actor Rajesh Tailang. The video not only brought the law enforcer's unruly behaviour in limelight but also highlighted the blurred laws regarding busking in India, home to the world's biggest entertainment industries.

ALSO READ| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-no-sing-a-song-for-delhi-cops-police-shoo-away-a-musician-in-connaught-place-550114">WATCH| No sing a song for Delhi cops! Police shoo away a musician in Connaught Place</a>

When WION reached out to viral busker artist Anshul Riaji, who goes by the name 'Fakira', to understand how the event unfolded in F-block of Delhi's Connaught Place, he narrated, "As you can see in the video, I was singing and the audience had gathered to listen to me. I close my eyes when I perform, and I did not listen to the cop when he called me and didn't see him approaching me. And suddenly, he stopped me from playing the guitar, forcibly closed my guitar bag and asked me to leave. This is so inhuman. His words are still pinching me."

He lamented how the incident will remain etched in his heart like a scar throughout his life.

Humanity, respect, corner – is that too much to ask for??&nbsp;

This is not the first time such incidents of indecent and cruel behaviour against buskers have come in limelight. Another busker Varun Dagar had earlier shared videos of physical assault by police personnel in Delhi's Connaught Place. The video caught attention on social media and went viral as people called out the police officials to behave properly with the artists.

Talking to WION about how the video helped them survive in a better condition, Varun said, "When the incident happened and the video went viral, things changed. Before that, the police used to confiscate our personal belongings. However, after the viral video, they stopped such cruel acts. If my video had not gone viral, Anshul would have met a similar fate that day. However, at least our personal stuff is safe now. "

"Still, it feels oddly humiliating when the police suddenly interrupt us in between our act. The faces are known to us, as they keep coming regularly. A lot of times, I was taken to the police station for performing on the streets. They even call us "beggars" who are simply trying to beg and make easy money by dancing and singing. This is because of a lack of education and understanding among people about what we are doing," Varun sighed hopelessly.

He again dares to speak, "I have been harassed multiple times, mishandled. I have been hurt. I have cried. Not everything can be shared...I fear what if they don't allow me to perform if I reveal it all?"

Such mistreatment of buskers has stoked people to raise a crucial question, 'What do they seek from the city?' The viral busker Anshul says nothing but maybe a silent corner in Delhi's Connaught Place to perform and let the world see the art that hides within the soul.

WATCH| WION Fineprint | British artist burns paintings on camera

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The road ahead..... darker or brighter?

It is not just police officials who misbehave and demean such artists. Buskers have faced harassment at the hand of people themselves, who mock them, throw insulting words and laugh at their art. The number of such miscreants has indeed been very less compared to those people who have supported and revelled in the rhythm of buskers.

"Before 8:30 at night, we are likely to encounter people who tease us and mistreat us, for our art. They lack an understanding of what we are creating They try to demotivate us and start dancing in the middle of our performance. It is important that we relay the message that buskers are not beggars and that people give whatever they want purely out of love and not as a beg," Varun says, as he wonders if eyes that gawk at him as if he is a beggar would ever change their viewpoint.

Speaking to WION about the plight of street artists, actor Adil Hussain said, "In India, the culture of busking is looked down upon because most of the street performers are from the lower economic run. We are a nation of performers, still, they have been facing mistreatment right from the beginning of independence because the governments never came up with a policy which would enable or make people aware of the art forms present in all the street performances. So, we failed to educate people to respect that kind of art."

"Anyways, art always gets the backseat in government policies. Only when we have to present something to foreign dignitaries, do we call performers, make them dance and forget them. That's what has been the general practise of consecutive governments since Independence," he adds.

Mistreatment, penury and debarment, artists have been always forced to walk through rough roads and not even cry or wail when pain seems to seep inside their hearts. Who should be held guilty? Why is art still the 'forbidden fruit' of our society? Perhaps, it is the lack of education, which builds the core of a human personality, that has given birth to such closed eyes and closed minds.

"So, there is anyways very low awareness about the importance of art in society and especially in India, though we come with the amazing richness of different and all kinds of art forms since the education system has completely wiped off any artistic practice from the childhood, so people think that is unimportant things that people do," the actor said.

WATCH| Art from marine rubbish – what these artists are making out of ropes, nets, plastic

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Cementing the broken path&nbsp;

The question that honks the minds of art lovers and connoisseurs is how do we stop this misbehaviour? What should be done to make Delhi a better place for buskers?

"Buskers need to define and similarly the art of busking. Busking is all about originality. The art should be licensed but the art must be defined, only those performing original art should be included as buskers," Varun demands.

Talking about the steps needed to improve the life of buskers, Adil emphasises how consumerism has been propagated in society and humans have turned into mere consumers.

"The administration is okay with shopkeepers, hawkers and street sellers selling things on the street, so we are propagating consumerism. Imagine we have been reduced to the mere consumer, which is propagated, but an artistic activity which will console your soul and uplift your spirit is not being given an equal opportunity like the sellers are given," the actor explains.

"I think this should be taken up seriously by the government. So, the government should come up with a policy that buskers and artists and street performers should be treated with the utmost respect and should be given space to perform. They should be licensed but the procedure of license should be simple and not a complicated one," he further adds.

Whether buskers will get a defined license in future or not remain unknown, but what we can understand is that this is the society we live in and so do they, if not encourage them, we can allow them to breathe the way they want. 
&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Remember, Oscar Wilde's famous quote 'Life imitates art far more than art imitates life'. Life is indeed a reflection of art, a conscious ongoing work to find expression through varied art forms.

Remember, Oscar Wilde's famous quote 'Life imitates art far more than art imitates life'. Life is indeed a reflection of art, a conscious ongoing work to find expression through varied art forms. And what is life anyway? Where do we find it? Maybe while driving cars on roads, walking on pathways, sitting across a lake or sipping tea on a stall amid a bustling city. And what connects them? Perhaps, love which binds them all, dwelling amid humanity in myriad ways, simply unacknowledged. And what does a city full of life and love create? Turn the dusty pages of history, and every time what will emerge is Art. India's capital, Delhi, has been a safe haven for artists for ages. What the city has produced through time is a plethora of poetry, paintings, books, dance and music. The city dwellers have been always seen dancing and swinging to the musical tunes of the artists. Is the darkness engulfing the spotlight? Sadly, the reality seems to have altered its way for the buskers of the city who struggle to showcase their art forms and are held responsible for creating menace in public places. Buskers, who sing their original songs and dance in their own ways on streets accumulating love and applause from onlookers, have been victims of harassment and misconduct more often. A recent video of a busker being harassed by a police officer and being asked to empty the space went viral after it was shared by Bollywood actor Rajesh Tailang. The video not only brought the law enforcer's unruly behaviour in limelight but also highlighted the blurred laws regarding busking in India, home to the world's biggest entertainment industries. ALSO READ| WATCH| No sing a song for Delhi cops! Police shoo away a musician in Connaught Place When WION reached out to viral busker artist Anshul Riaji, who goes by the name 'Fakira', to understand how the event unfolded in F-block of Delhi's Connaught Place, he narrated, "As you can see in the video, I was singing and the audience had gathered to listen to me. I close my eyes when I perform, and I did not listen to the cop when he called me and didn't see him approaching me. And suddenly, he stopped me from playing the guitar, forcibly closed my guitar bag and asked me to leave. This is so inhuman. His words are still pinching me." He lamented how the incident will remain etched in his heart like a scar throughout his life. Humanity, respect, corner – is that too much to ask for?? This is not the first time such incidents of indecent and cruel behaviour against buskers have come in limelight. Another busker Varun Dagar had earlier shared videos of physical assault by police personnel in Delhi's Connaught Place. The video caught attention on social media and went viral as people called out the police officials to behave properly with the artists. Talking to WION about how the video helped them survive in a better condition, Varun said, "When the incident happened and the video went viral, things changed. Before that, the police used to confiscate our personal belongings. However, after the viral video, they stopped such cruel acts. If my video had not gone viral, Anshul would have met a similar fate that day. However, at least our personal stuff is safe now. " "Still, it feels oddly humiliating when the police suddenly interrupt us in between our act. The faces are known to us, as they keep coming regularly. A lot of times, I was taken to the police station for performing on the streets. They even call us "beggars" who are simply trying to beg and make easy money by dancing and singing. This is because of a lack of education and understanding among people about what we are doing," Varun sighed hopelessly. He again dares to speak, "I have been harassed multiple times, mishandled. I have been hurt. I have cried. Not everything can be shared...I fear what if they don't allow me to perform if I reveal it all?" Such mistreatment of buskers has stoked people to raise a crucial question, 'What do they seek from the city?' The viral busker Anshul says nothing but maybe a silent corner in Delhi's Connaught Place to perform and let the world see the art that hides within the soul. WATCH| WION Fineprint | British artist burns paintings on camera The road ahead..... darker or brighter? It is not just police officials who misbehave and demean such artists. Buskers have faced harassment at the hand of people themselves, who mock them, throw insulting words and laugh at their art. The number of such miscreants has indeed been very less compared to those people who have supported and revelled in the rhythm of buskers. "Before 8:30 at night, we are likely to encounter people who tease us and mistreat us, for our art. They lack an understanding of what we are creating They try to demotivate us and start dancing in the middle of our performance. It is important that we relay the message that buskers are not beggars and that people give whatever they want purely out of love and not as a beg," Varun says, as he wonders if eyes that gawk at him as if he is a beggar would ever change their viewpoint. Speaking to WION about the plight of street artists, actor Adil Hussain said, "In India, the culture of busking is looked down upon because most of the street performers are from the lower economic run. We are a nation of performers, still, they have been facing mistreatment right from the beginning of independence because the governments never came up with a policy which would enable or make people aware of the art forms present in all the street performances. So, we failed to educate people to respect that kind of art." "Anyways, art always gets the backseat in government policies. Only when we have to present something to foreign dignitaries, do we call performers, make them dance and forget them. That's what has been the general practise of consecutive governments since Independence," he adds. Mistreatment, penury and debarment, artists have been always forced to walk through rough roads and not even cry or wail when pain seems to seep inside their hearts. Who should be held guilty? Why is art still the 'forbidden fruit' of our society? Perhaps, it is the lack of education, which builds the core of a human personality, that has given birth to such closed eyes and closed minds. "So, there is anyways very low awareness about the importance of art in society and especially in India, though we come with the amazing richness of different and all kinds of art forms since the education system has completely wiped off any artistic practice from the childhood, so people think that is unimportant things that people do," the actor said. WATCH| Art from marine rubbish – what these artists are making out of ropes, nets, plastic Cementing the broken path The question that honks the minds of art lovers and connoisseurs is how do we stop this misbehaviour? What should be done to make Delhi a better place for buskers? "Buskers need to define and similarly the art of busking. Busking is all about originality. The art should be licensed but the art must be defined, only those performing original art should be included as buskers," Varun demands. Talking about the steps needed to improve the life of buskers, Adil emphasises how consumerism has been propagated in society and humans have turned into mere consumers. "The administration is okay with shopkeepers, hawkers and street sellers selling things on the street, so we are propagating consumerism. Imagine we have been reduced to the mere consumer, which is propagated, but an artistic activity which will console your soul and uplift your spirit is not being given an equal opportunity like the sellers are given," the actor explains. "I think this should be taken up seriously by the government. So, the government should come up with a policy that buskers and artists and street performers should be treated with the utmost respect and should be given space to perform. They should be licensed but the procedure of license should be simple and not a complicated one," he further adds. Whether buskers will get a defined license in future or not remain unknown, but what we can understand is that this is the society we live in and so do they, if not encourage them, we can allow them to breathe the way they want. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

City, life and love| Can Delhi, the capital of art fiestas, lend its corners to its buskers?

With his three-storey sculptures made from pots and pans, Subodh Gupta, one of the world's leading contemporary artists, exhibits not in a big museum but at the Le Bon Marche store in Paris.

This glitzy Paris store has three-storey sculptures made from pots & pans

A young Kenyan artist is creating egg-ceptional art using waste eggshells. 22-year-old Mika Obanda is part of an artist collective in Nairobi that's creating egg-citing ways of getting rid of regular waste.

World of Africa: Kenyan creates egg-ceptional art

Robots are helping to keep shadow puppetry alive in Malaysia. Shadow puppet enthusiasts hope that robots will be able to save this ancient art.

WION Dispatch: Robots keep shadow puppetry alive in Malaysia

Abstract art taken to a whole new level — this is 'Frameless,' a new immersive art exhibition in London. Set up in a former cinema, the rooms with their high ceilings and huge volumes seem to swallow visitors.

Tech in Trend: This Immersive exhibition in London is offering a fusion of giant animated art

Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million).

Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of&nbsp;Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/champagne-bottle-adorned-with-nft-artwork-sells-for-a-record-25-million-497354">Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million</a>

The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death.

The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment."

In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter.

Watch |&nbsp;UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art

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Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro.

After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police.

Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned&nbsp;Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard.

Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/art-auction-token-of-francis-bacon-and-lucian-freuds-turbulent-to-be-sold-for-42-million-491114">Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million</a>

Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes.

Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered.

Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association.

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Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.

Brazilian woman Sabine Coll Boghici, 48, was arrested on Wednesday on allegations she was part of a bizarre scheme to defraud her 82-year-old mother, Genevieve Boghici, the wife of the late art collector Jean Boghici, out of money, artwork, and jewelry totaling some 724 million reais ($142.42 million). Her arrest has exposed a disturbing web of fraud that police say lasted years and involved alleged psychics to swindle artwork by some of Brazil's most emblematic painters. Four other people were also arrested and two others, Diana Rosa Aparecida Stanesco Vuletic and Slavko Vuletic, are on the run. Also read | Champagne bottle adorned with NFT artwork sells for a record $2.5 million The scam began in 2020 when Genevieve was approached by a supposed psychic with prophecies of her daughter's imminent death. The victim was then taken to several more psychics who police say used personal information provided by her daughter to scam her distraught mother into transferring money to pay for "spiritual treatment." In the months that followed, police allege the suspects physically threatened Genevieve and that she was kept at home for months by her daughter. Watch | UK Artists use typewriters to make intricate art Sabine and an accomplice posing as a psychic "began to take the artwork from the (mother's) house, claiming that the painting was cursed with something negative, with negative energy that needed to be prayed over," said Rio de Janeiro police officer Gilberto Ribeiro. After almost a year of being mistreated by Sabine and her accomplices, the victim decided to go to the police. Police say 16 paintings were stolen, including works by renowned Brazilian artists like Cicero Dias, Rubens Gerchman, and Alberto Guignard. Three pieces from iconic modernist painter Tarsila do Amaral - O Sono, Sol Poente and Pont Neuf – were also stolen, which together police appraised at a value of 700 million reais ($137.69 million). Also read | Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million Amaral's Sol Poente was among 11 paintings recovered Wednesday in a Rio de Janeiro police raid on one of the psychic's homes. Authorities have also recovered three paintings in Sao Paulo. Two were sold to a museum in Buenos Aires but have not yet been recovered. Police say seven people are suspected of involvement in the years-long crime, facing charges of embezzlement, robbery, extortion, false imprisonment and criminal association. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Brazilian woman swindled mother of more than $100 million in art, police say

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A portrait of Lucian Freud by the famous artist Francis Bacon is set to be auctioned. It is expected to fetch more than £35 million or USD 42 million. An intriguing aspect of the portrait is its 57-year absence from public view since it was first exhibited, reports Guardian.&nbsp;Bacon is best renowned for his passionate, gritty, and gloomy depictions of the human condition.&nbsp;The 1964 painting depicts Freud seated on a hard bench with his arms extended and his fists clenched, his bare chest exposed, and his face monstrous and disfigured.&nbsp;

Bacon's rigorous study of the human anatomy also had an impact on his art, creating paintings that appear to cover anatomical diagrams and overlay portraits. The 1964 painting captures a moment in Bacon and Lucian Freud's friendship.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-the-life-and-art-of-renowned-french-street-artist-misstic-481551">In pics - The life and art of renowned French street artist Miss.Tic</a>

Tom Eddison, Sotheby's Senior Director in Contemporary Art told&nbsp;EuroNews&nbsp;"what we have here is really the two titans of British art in the last 100 years, Bacon and Freud, intertwined into this one canvas".

"Now Bacon and Freud had known each other since about the mid-1940s, through an introduction of Graham Sutherland ... So what we see here, 20 years later, is the culmination of a budding relationship, a friendship, a rivalry in artistic terms."

Watch |&nbsp;Omar Ba is a Senegalese art sensation who explores colonialism, violence &amp; hope

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The piece, which has spent the last 40 years in the same private collection, will be on public exhibition from June 23 through June 29 at Sotheby's galleries in London's New Bond Street.

On June 29, it will be sold at auction as part of the British Art: The Jubilee Season sale. Other pieces in the auction include David Hockney's almost 4-meter wide painting of Woldgate Woods and Banksy's picture of Winston Churchill holding a lime green Mohican, pieces by Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A portrait of Lucian Freud by the famous artist Francis Bacon is set to be auctioned. It is expected to fetch more than £35 million or USD 42 million. An intriguing aspect of the portrait is its 57-year absence from public view since it was first exhibited, reports Guardian.

A portrait of Lucian Freud by the famous artist Francis Bacon is set to be auctioned. It is expected to fetch more than £35 million or USD 42 million. An intriguing aspect of the portrait is its 57-year absence from public view since it was first exhibited, reports Guardian. Bacon is best renowned for his passionate, gritty, and gloomy depictions of the human condition. The 1964 painting depicts Freud seated on a hard bench with his arms extended and his fists clenched, his bare chest exposed, and his face monstrous and disfigured. Bacon's rigorous study of the human anatomy also had an impact on his art, creating paintings that appear to cover anatomical diagrams and overlay portraits. The 1964 painting captures a moment in Bacon and Lucian Freud's friendship. Also read | In pics - The life and art of renowned French street artist Miss.Tic Tom Eddison, Sotheby's Senior Director in Contemporary Art told EuroNews "what we have here is really the two titans of British art in the last 100 years, Bacon and Freud, intertwined into this one canvas". "Now Bacon and Freud had known each other since about the mid-1940s, through an introduction of Graham Sutherland ... So what we see here, 20 years later, is the culmination of a budding relationship, a friendship, a rivalry in artistic terms." Watch | Omar Ba is a Senegalese art sensation who explores colonialism, violence & hope The piece, which has spent the last 40 years in the same private collection, will be on public exhibition from June 23 through June 29 at Sotheby's galleries in London's New Bond Street. On June 29, it will be sold at auction as part of the British Art: The Jubilee Season sale. Other pieces in the auction include David Hockney's almost 4-meter wide painting of Woldgate Woods and Banksy's picture of Winston Churchill holding a lime green Mohican, pieces by Andy Warhol, and Claude Monet. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Art auction: Token of Francis Bacon and Lucian Freud's turbulent friendship to be sold for $42 million

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