NY Met Museum to return statues to Cambodia.
Experts say the statues appear to have been looted around 1970, about the time federal prosecutors say another statue, of a mythic warrior figure, was also removed from Koh Ker. That statue was pulled from auction at Sotheby’s last year after Cambodia asked for its return.
Wow. I never expected this. I just saw this exhibit last year!
One thing about exploring the world is that I often am reminded of how the old colonial world order still remains in parts of our society - case in point - many Western museums have artifacts that are gained by wholesale theft, looting and force, usually greased by corruption and broken regulatory systems in the (often impoverished) countries of origins.
It’s starting to change as the developing world comes out of their doldrum and demands their history repatriated.
It’s inconvenient, but if that means I need to plan an overseas trip to see history in its proper place, then I should value that.
I was in Cambodia some years ago at Angkor Wat. To see the immense edifices still standing vs statues whose heads and limbs were lopped off by looters to make their way into auction houses, private collections and Western museums — it was a huge shock.
I only hope the Cambodian govt can be good caretakers of their history.
CRANIO [krey-nee-oh] noun
- Graffiti artist from Sao Paulo known for his signature ‘blue indigenous people’ subjects, often depicting subtle subversive social statements.
- A badass.
- Also.
The Met has a wonderful collection of Silk Road / Ghandaran sculptures that speaks to the cross-currents of intellectual exchange over the last 1000 years. From Hellenistic to Hindu to Buddhist influences, it’s a rich area for study, despite the tragic modern geo-political war games that already has destroyed so many artifacts.
rachelwebber:
ben:
petervidani:
byrn:
Tumblr De Stijl.
La identidad de una empresa especialmente de un servicio de internet, depende bastante del layout de su página web. No tenemos que ver logos o letras para identificar la empresa, sólo colores y la posición en la que se encuentran. Por eso quise combinar el layout de páginas web con el movimiento de arte De Stijl.
Translated:
The identity of a particular company’s internet service, largely depends on the layout of your website. We do not have to do with logos or letters to identify the company, only colors and the position found. So I wanted to combine the layout of web pages with the art movement De Stijl.
I love this so much.
I’m a big Piet Mondrian fan and I think this is wonderful.
if peter and ben think this is cool, then i think this is cool.
I want this framed. Somebody make this happen?
(via rachelwebber)
Zhang Huans 3 Legged Buddha, Storm King.
Fridays I get a chance to take a breathe and be inspired. Today, it’s my friend Dee Adams. The woman is funny and world-travelled and a genius talent. She has an great sense for colors (despite/in spite/etc) from a condition called Synesthesia. On top of that she loves Cajun food and football. C’mon! How can one person be so awesome?
I was reminded of her work when I saw her new illustration in fascodesign. My favorite works of her includes this Obama campaign poster (which I have autographed!), her loft showcasing her interior design work, my iphone’s background, her abstract paintings and of course, her collection of lunch boxes.
Check out her Tumblr and Flickr stream for more awesomeness.
I’m pretty inspired to use my off work hours better, especially focusing on a few things that I can get to create.
Who’s inspiring you, recently?
