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Tschabalala Self Captures the Nuances of Nicki Minaj
One of the most in-demand artists working today, Tschabalala Self has garnered acclaim for challenging traditional representations of Black women through evocative quilt-like portraits painted with various pigments, materials, textiles, and threads that speak to the nuances of being. So she was an ideal candidate to capture the complexities of Nicki Minaj, the world’s undisputed Queen of Rap, who recently graced the cover of Vogue’s December issue to celebrate the release of her highly anticipated album Pink Friday 2.
Self’s portrait, which covers the digital issue and uses photographer Norman Jean Roy’s cover shoot as a starting point, breaks through to Minaj as a person. That’s no easy task given the Harlem-born artist often eschews realism and Minaj is known for incorporating carefully crafted personas into her songs. She spent time meticulously articulating Minaj’s features, rendering not only her steely gaze but her strength and natural beauty. “By working on this project, I realized something I already suspected,” Self tells Vogue. “A portrait is more about capturing someone’s aura as opposed to their appearance.” —Ryan Waddoups
Image courtesy of the British Museum…
The British Museum reveals 1,500 artifacts are damaged or missing from its archives.
The British Museum has revealed approximately 1,500 artifacts are missing or stolen from its Greek and Roman stores, with an additional 350 items damaged, including gold parts that are likely irrecoverable. Another 140 items in the museum’s possession have been damaged by tool marks. Of the missing items, just over 350 have been returned, primarily by rare gem dealer Ittai Gradel, who initially raised concerns about the losses. The museum estimates the thief earned around $125,000 by selling the artifacts online, including on eBay. The British Museum has been providing updates on its investigation since August and plans a $15 million, five-year project to improve its record-keeping. An independent review recommended various security enhancements, though the main recommendations were not disclosed.
Notre Dame’s partial reopening is scheduled for next December, five years after the fire.
Notre Dame’s partial reopening has been scheduled for Dec. 8, 2024, marking five and a half years since the devastating fire that struck the historic monument on Paris’s Île de la Cité. French president Emmanuel Macron confirmed this date during his visit to the site last week. He also announced the creation of a museum in central Paris dedicated to Notre Dame’s history, art, and reconstruction, while unveiling a replica of the cathedral spire created by Viollet-le-Duc in the 1800s. The complete restoration, along with area enhancements, will continue until 2028.
Image courtesy of One High Line…
Bjarke Ingels Group’s twisting One High Line towers are nearing completion in New York.
New images showcase the nearing completion of Bjarke Ingels Group’s One High Line development in New York. Situated near the elevated park in West Chelsea, the twisting towers are a collaboration with developer Witkoff Group and designer Dan Fink. The two condominiums, rising to 400 and 300 feet, are noted for their twisting shape, optimizing views and sun orientation. Clad in glass and travertine stone, they offer luxury residences, a hotel, and various amenities, with the central courtyard expected to be finished by early 2024.
Amazon cuts ties with the Cheech Museum after showing work critical of the company.
Amazon has withdrawn its financial support from the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside, California, due to an artwork it deemed critical of the company’s business practices. The decision came to light through a leaked document outlining Amazon’s 2024 business and PR strategies, which was shared on social media by Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, the chief officer of the California Labor Federation, AFL-CIO. The document stated that Amazon would no longer support organizations that didn’t positively impact its brand and reputation and mentioned the Cheech as an example, citing a 2023 exhibition featuring screenprints by Toni Sanchez critical of Amazon’s warehouses. Amazon had previously donated $5,000 to the Cheech in both 2022 and 2023, but it will cease further donations.
Hajime Sorayama accuses Beyoncé of copying his signature erotic android aesthetic.
Hajime Sorayama is accusing Beyoncé of copying his erotic robot designs for her Renaissance tour. In an Instagram post, the Japanese artist expressed that Beyoncé should have approached him for an official collaboration. He compared Beyoncé’s tour looks to his own designs, mentioning how he collaborated with The Weeknd. Some fans defended Beyoncé, noting that her Renaissance looks were inspired by the film Metropolis and Thierry Mugler. Others questioned why Sorayama raised the issue long after the tour’s visuals were unveiled.
Image courtesy of TSA…
Today’s attractive distractions:
Astronauts recover the first tomato ever grown in space after its disappearance.
The skull of a colossal sea monster has been extracted from the cliffs at Dorset.
National Geographic reveals the most stunning wildlife photos taken this year.
