Hew Locke’s Everlasting Movement
**Weekly Newsletter Highlights**
Welcome to the latest edition of our weekly newsletter, a space where we’ll embark on a journey through the vibrant world of art, news, and culture. Let’s dive into a treasure trove of stories, reflections, and opportunities that paint a picture of creativity and exploration.
**Remembering an Unexpected Icon**
This week, we commemorate the life and legacy of Cecilia Giménez, the Spanish artist who inadvertently transformed her botched restoration of a church fresco into a worldwide phenomenon, affectionately dubbed “Beast Jesus.” Her accidental masterpiece is a testament to how unexpected events can redefine our impact and art’s transformative power.
**Public Domain Day Celebrations**
The new year brings a host of artistic treasures into the public domain. Celebrating this milestone, works by Piet Mondrian and the debut of Betty Boop are among the numerous artworks, films, literature, and music pieces now freely accessible to the public. This opening enriches our cultural tapestry, allowing a fresh wave of reinterpretation and inspiration.
**Art that Resonates with History**
In the realm of exhibitions, Hew Locke’s “Passages” stirs the soul, inviting viewers to grapple with the ghosts of history. Locke’s suspended sculptures highlight the intersections of past and present, prompting reflections on movement and transition. Meanwhile, Fred Wilson’s monochromatic works confront us with the lingering shadows of colonial legacy, challenging perceptions and fostering dialogue.
**Opportunities and Insights**
For those artists and curators seeking new avenues, our monthly list of residencies and fellowships is ripe with potential. Additionally, we celebrate the best cultural acquisitions of 2025, including a Jacob Lawrence painting and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural marvels, pivotal additions to global museum collections.
**Cultural Reflections and New Year Resolve**
Hyperallergic’s most-read stories of 2025 covered a spectrum of topics, from museum heists to political discourse, all providing a lens through which art reflects and reshapes societal narratives. As we enter a new year, these stories remind us of art’s enduring power to challenge the status quo.
**Celebrating Art Deco and Creative Spaces**
To kick off 2026, indulge in our Art Deco-themed crossword, celebrating this centennial movement’s enduring glamor. Plus, explore unique perspectives in “A View From the Easel,” a series spotlighting intimate spaces where creativity thrives.
As we close this edition, we extend gratitude for joining us on this artistic voyage. May creativity fuel your endeavors, and may you find beauty in the unexpected.
— Valentina Di Liscia, Senior Editor