Art Fairs Today

I love art fairs. Just this past weekend there was a major art fair in Hong Kong-- It was the 2010 International Art Fair or Art HK 10. This is the 3rd year for the Hong Kong Art Fair. This 4-day event was expected to bring in hoards of art collectors, gallery directors, curators, educators and art lovers.

The Hong Kong International Art Fair reminds me of the first world’s fairs. The Great Exhibition of Works of the Industry of all Nations was the beginning of world’s fairs. This international fair was held in 1851 London. The purpose of this fair was to provide a place to exhibit the glass works of the industry from all nations. Of course, these international expositions were also important for national pride. This exhibition attracted about 6 million visitors.

The purpose of the Hong Kong art fair was to provide a spot light for contemporary and modern art in Asia. Representatives from 155 galleries from 29 countries were present. From the reviews I have had an opportunity to review so far, Art HK 10 was a success. I not sure of the attendance but I’m sure it was impressive. This fair certainly continues to put Hong Kong on the cultural art map.

You can find art books, art exhibition catalogs and magazine back issues at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

The Paris Heist

I just read about the robbery at the Musee d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris and was fascinated that this could happen in this day and age.

It was reported that a broken alarm system was the culprit that assisted thieves in stealing not only a priceless Picasso and Matisse and other works of art totaling 5 in all.

I wonder what they will do with the stolen work. It is estimated that the lone thief got away with over a 100 million dollars worth of paintings.

It’s troubling to contemplate that there are individuals that have the nerve to pull off a major theft of art work. It is also just as disturbing to imagine there is an underground market for this bounty. In the past art thieves have not been successful in getting buyers for their heist. Authorities do believe that it will be difficult to sell these very high profile pieces.

Who are these individuals that would want and buy stolen art work? How sad to want something so bad that you would consider doing something illegal. Not only is it illegal but these greedy and selfish individuals who participate in the thefts end up depriving many others from having the experience to view great art work in a public setting. Art works in museums are for the masses.

You can find art books and art auction catalogs at Nella’s Books and Collectibles.

www.nellasbooksandcollectibles.ecrater.com

A New Raphael

I recently read where a painting just discovered is thought to be an original Raphael painting. This would certainly be an enormous find and create a lot of excitement in the art world.

This painting in question had been stored in the Italian ducal palace since the 1970’s. It was discovered while taking inventory. It was first thought to be a copy but because it was enclosed in a gilded 17th century frame it is speculated that this may have been done by Raphael. It will have to go through a series of examinations by art historians.

What amazes me is that when all the analytical and chemical testing has been completed, it will still not be conclusive that this is an original work of art by the great Renaissance master. Art critics and historians will have to study the painting to come to some final decision.

The question might be why so much attention is being paid to this possible new discovery. Raphael is considered to be one of the three major figures of the High Renaissance School. Along with Leonardo and Michelangelo, Raphael who began painting at a very young age stands out as the master.

It seems that we are often rediscovering work by famous artists. Some one takes a closer look at a piece of art work and sees something others have missed over the years. It would be an important find if this work is determined to be an original of the man many believe to be the master of the Renaissance.


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