Les Rencontres de Bamako announces prize laureates for 2017
Africa’s leading event for photography has awarded its 2017 prizes. Athi-Patra Ruga was awarded the Seydou Keïta prize. His work “explores the relationship between fashion, performance and contemporary art”. Athi-Patra Ruga is represented by galleries In Situ Fabienne Leclerc and Whatiftheworld, and will receive a cash prize of €5,000. The photographer Julien Creuzet was the recipient of the €3,000 Prix de l’Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie, whilst Fethi Sahraoui — whose work was on show as part of The Biennial of Photography in the Contemporary Arab World — was awarded the Léon l’Africain prize. Gabrielle Goliath won the French Institute prize. Last but not least, Moïse Togo received the Bakary Diallo prize.
Jewish Museum curator Jens Hoffmann suspended amid claims of sexual harassment
Following a streak of high-profile terminations in the art world in recent months, Jewish Museum curator Jens Hoffmann was suspended after being accused of sexual harassment by a number of members of staff.
The Honolulu Biennial has also announced that it has parted ways with Hoffmann, who had been appointed curator for the 2019 edition. More via ARTnews.
Jens Hoffmann.
The MET stands by Balthus artwork after petition asking for its removal
Almost 9,000 people have signed a petition asking for the removal of the 1938 Balthus painting Thérèse Dreaming from the MET. Started by New York City entrepreneur Mia Merrill, the petition alleges that the work “romanticizes the sexualization of a child”.
The institution has resolutely refused to remove the work. More via The New York Times.
Balthus, Thérèse Dreaming.
Hong Kong collector George Wong has passed away
The entrepreneur — whose collection boasted 10,000 artworks of mainly contemporary Chinese art and Western classical works, including the largest collection of Salvador Dalí’s works outside of Spain, as well as paintings by Vincent Van Gogh — passed away on December 2, aged 65.
In 2014, Wong launched the Hong Kong-based gallery Parkview, showcasing the works of Gutai Zao Wou-Ki and Mao Lizi among others. Read more via ArtAsiaPacific.
Parkview Museum.
