Exploring Joiri Minaya’s “Venus Flytrap”: An Artistic Examination

Artist Film: An Exploration of “Venus Flytrap” by Joiri Minaya New York-based artist Joiri Minaya’s “Venus Flytrap” was a site-specific performance series and installation at Philadelphia’s Bartram’s Garden, North America’s oldest surviving botanical garden, curated by Dessane Lopez Cassell. This project explored themes of freedom, extraction, and ecology. The performance evolved from elegant poses to a vibrant, carnival-like expression, concluding […]

Enormous 27-Foot Buddha Statue Set to be Erected on NYC’s High Line

This spring, a colossal sandstone Buddha will emerge over Manhattan on the High Line Plinth. Crafted by Vietnamese-American artist Tuan Andrew Nguyen, the grand sculpture is named The Light That Shines Through the Universe. The installation will be on display until fall 2027, providing a space for reflection in one of New York City’s most bustling public parks. Nguyen’s artwork […]

An Artist’s Perspective from the Easel

Welcome to the 319th installment of A View From the Easel, a series in which artists reflect on their workspace. This week, artists yearn for higher ceilings and find inspiration in the solitude of their studio. — ### XiaoXiao Wu, San Gabriel, California **How long have you been working in this space?** Five years. **Describe an average day in your […]

A Request for Museum Leaders’ Attention

## Why Museums Should Recognize Unions ### Amanda Tobin Ripley’s Call to Museums Museums are being urged to change their approach towards unionization. Amanda Tobin Ripley, both a researcher and an active participant in museum union activities, has highlighted the challenges workers face when museums resist union efforts. **Key Points:** – **Union Recognition:** Ripley emphasizes the importance of voluntary recognition […]

Museum Leaders Should Recognize Their Employee Unions Immediately

**The Transformational Unionization Wave in U.S. Museums: Major Victories and Challenges Ahead** In recent years, museums across the United States have witnessed a significant shift in labor dynamics as employees rally for unionization, marking a transformative era for the industry. Major victories, such as the successful efforts at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), where workers overwhelmingly voted […]

French Gallerist Convicted for Cyberbullying Brigitte Macron

A Parisian court has convicted 10 individuals, including art dealer Bertrand Scholler, for cyberbullying Brigitte Macron, France’s First Lady, over a conspiracy theory that she was born male. Scholler, owner of the gallery 55 Bellechasse, and others faced charges for social media posts supporting the claim that Macron was born as Jean-Michel Trogneux, which is her brother’s name. The court […]

Exploring Low-Residency and Full-Residency MFA Programs at Maine College of Art & Design

The Maine College of Art & Design (MECA&D) is accepting applications for their Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art (MFA) program, inviting candidates to apply by January 18 to be considered for a full-tuition scholarship. This program promotes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to transcend traditional academic boundaries and challenge their intellectual curiosity. MECA&D offers both Full and Low […]

14-Year-Old Art Sensation to Launch Debut Solo Exhibit in Spring

Last year, 14-year-old artist Andres Valencia was exceptionally active—more than the typical teenager. In April 2025, this young talent published his very own art book with a Big Five publisher, and just a few months later, he unveiled a limited-edition print series in collaboration with the esteemed Mourlot Editions. While this is already an impressive feat, this March, Valencia is […]