SURPRISE! THE EASTER ISLAND HEADS HAVE BODIES
The famed Easter Island heads have been hiding a secret all these years: they have bodies buried deep underneath the earth. While archaeologists have known about the bodies for years, the excavation didn’t begin until 2012, and their existence is still a little-known fact. See images from the excavation of the ancient statues on Easter Island: Amazing Images of Easter Island Statues With Bodies.
PRICELESS SCULPTURE SHATTERED IN THE NAME OF SELFIES
A priceless Italian sculpture was broken last weekend when a pair of tourists knocked a portion of it to the ground while attempting to take a selfie. The unfortunate incident took place in the city of Cremona, and involved Statue of the Two Hercules (circa 1700), a marble statue of the city’s coat of arms held by two figures of Hercules. Read the full details: Selfie-Taker Smashes Priceless Historic Italian Statue of Hercules.
SEE THE VENICE BIENNALE IN PICTURES
The jet-setting international art elite decamped to Venice this week for the opening of the 56th biennale, and as VIPs are wont to do, they documented it all on Instagram for the folks at home. Take a look at the fabulous art, parties, and people: Get a Sneak Peek Inside the 56th Venice Biennale on Instagram and The Most Outlandish Things Seen at the 56th Venice Biennale So Far.
SOTHEBY’S KICKS OFF SPRING AUCTION SEASON WITH A $368 MILLION SALE
New York’s spring auction season is officially in full swing thanks to a $368 million sale of Impressionist and modern works at Sotheby’s. Bolstered by the sales of a $66.3 million van Gogh and a $54 million Monet, it was the house’s second highest sale total ever. What else was sold and who bought it? See Mysterious Asian Buyer Causes Sensation at Sotheby’s $368 Million Impressionist Sale.
TWO DEAD AFTER TEXAS “DRAW THE PROPHET” CONTEST
A tasteless contest and art exhibit organized by the anti-Muslim group American Freedom Defense Initiative ended in tragedy when two gunmen shot a security guard and were then shot and killed by police outside the event in Garland, Texas. The contest featured a $10,000 grand prize for the best depiction of the Prophet Muhammad, an act that, in most Islamic cultures, is forbidden. For the full report, read: Two Dead After Gunmen Open Fire at Texas “Draw The Prophet” Contest.
NEWS TO KNOW:
Playing Politics: JJ Charlesworth on Why Art World Hypocrisy Stars at the 56th Venice Biennale
Whitney Museum Hangs Jackson Pollock Painting the Wrong Way
Botched Repair Ruins Priceless Roman Mosaics in Turkey
See 25 Images of The Glamorous Metropolitan Museum Costume Institute Gala 2015
Sarah Lucas Shocks and Delights in Venice with Genitalia-Filled Pavilion