Photographer Nona Faustine, Known for Powerful Self-Portraits Addressing Historical Violence, Dies at 48

# Remembering Nona Faustine: A Trailblazing Photographer Who Confronted History with Bold Self-Portraits Nona Faustine, a photographer renowned for her fearless exploration of history, identity, and racial injustice through self-portraits, passed away on March 20, 2024, at the age of 48. Her death was confirmed by Higher Pictures, the New York gallery that represented her. The cause of her passing […]

Catherine Murphy Transforms Everyday Scenes into Mysterious Compositions

# Catherine Murphy: A Visionary of Observational Painting Catherine Murphy is a pioneering presence in contemporary observational painting, transforming the genre between the 1960s and 1980s. In an era when painting’s dominance was being hotly debated, Murphy, alongside artists like Lois Dodd and Sylvia Plimack Mangold, pushed the boundaries of traditional representation. Her work captures everyday experiences with meticulous precision […]

Pompeii Painting Identified as Original Work by Andrea Mantegna

# Lost Mantegna Painting Rediscovered: A Renaissance Treasure Resurfaces A long-lost painting by Renaissance master **Andrea Mantegna**, depicting **Christ’s descent from the cross (“Deposition of Christ”)**, has been identified and restored after centuries in obscurity. Recently rediscovered in a church in **Pompeii**, the artwork has undergone meticulous restoration and is now on display at the **Vatican Museums** for a limited […]

Investigating Artistic Floral Designs That Transform Growth and Exhibition Opportunities

# **Azuma Makoto: Advancing Botanical Art to Remarkable New Heights** Upon arriving in Tokyo in 1997, Azuma Makoto initially aspired to rock music rather than floral design. Yet, a part-time role at a floral shop opened his eyes to the beauty of floral artistry and the profound emotions that plants can evoke. This unanticipated revelation redirected his life’s journey, transforming […]

Glistening Statues Honor the Varied Hues, Patterns, and Shapes of the Natural World

# The Natural and Surreal Craft of Eelco Hilgersom Artist [Eelco Hilgersom](https://eelcohilgersom.com/) has perfected the subtle blend of nature’s organic allure with bold modern sculpture. Drawing on the liveliness, textures, and complex shapes present in the natural environment, Hilgersom transfigures these features into remarkable, surreal masterpieces. Through his captivating **Habitat** series, along with his commissioned pieces for **Tiffany & Co., […]

Books Offered in the MCL: *Born in the Bronx*

# **Books Found in the MCL: *Born in the Bronx*** The Multnomah County Library (MCL) provides a vast selection of books that span various subjects such as music, culture, history, and art. A highlight in their collection is *Born in the Bronx: A Visual Record of the Early Days of Hip Hop*, an impressive volume that documents the beginnings of […]

“Fossil Find Suggests Possible Proof of the Earliest Recognized Modern Bird”

# Discovery of *Vegavis iaai* Fossil in Antarctica: Illuminating Early Avian Evolution The unearthing of a 69-million-year-old *Vegavis iaai* fossil in Antarctica presents revolutionary evidence concerning the earliest known modern bird. This discovery is important not only due to its existence prior to the Chicxulub asteroid impact that eliminated non-avian dinosaurs but also because it provides essential insights into the […]

Trump-Appointed Museum Agency Leader Pledges to Emphasize Patriotism in Mission

# The Future of the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Under New Leadership The recent transformation at the **Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)** has sent shockwaves through the cultural and educational sectors. Following an executive order by former President **Donald Trump**, the IMLS has undergone significant restructuring, raising concerns among advocacy groups, librarians, and museum professionals […]

Astronaut Suni Williams Reveals What She Longed For Most on Earth—And What She Will Miss From the ISS

# Suni Williams on the Trials and Triumphs of Being Stuck in Space Astronauts need extensive training, unmatched resilience, and a sense of adventure to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. However, even the most seasoned astronauts can encounter unexpected challenges during prolonged missions in space. Recently, NASA astronaut Suni Williams came back to Earth after spending several months on the International […]

Switzerland’s Latest Passports Highlight Iconic Graphic Design and Breathtaking Landscapes

# The Revamped Swiss Passport: A Marvel of Aesthetics and Security In 2017, the Geneva-based design firm [RETINAA](https://retinaa.ch/) was given the significant responsibility of reimagining Switzerland’s official passport. While retaining the document’s iconic red shade—a signature characteristic since 1959—the studio incorporated a variety of groundbreaking design features that honor Swiss culture, landscapes, and the country’s entrenched commitment to precision and […]