• Art

    Romanian Art Flourishes on the World Stage as Contemporary Artists Make Their Mark

    The vibrant culture and rich history of Romania was and is expressed through its compelling art, and now the contemporary art scene there is emerging as more robust than ever and capturing the attention of the international art community.

    The creative force of Romanian artists are breaking barriers, and establishing Romania as a significant hub of contemporary creativity. The limitation for them are resources and the opportunities to market their work in other parts of the world. Aripa Arte, an advocate for cultural expression and artistic recognition for Romanian artists, recently announced its support for Romanian contemporary art and artists.

    As the art world values diversity and fresh perspectives, Romanian artists provide a unique voice and vision. “Today’s Romanian artists combine the rich tapestry of Romania’s past – including its folk traditions, historical upheavals, and the transitional post-communist era – with the pulse of the modern global narrative,” said Bogdan Mihai of Bogdan Foto Art, one of the founders and directors of Aripa Arte.

    The recent surge of Romanian artists achieving recognition at prestigious international art fairs, galleries, and exhibitions underscores the importance and relevance of their work. Artists such as Adrian Ghenie, Mircea Cantor, and Ciprian Muresan, are just a few who have showcased their talent on a global scale, bringing Romanian art to a broader audience.

    “Romanian contemporary art is dynamic and thought-provoking. It challenges the viewers to reflect on a range of topics from personal identity to societal change, illustrating that art has no borders,” states John Bishop of John Bishop Fine Art and another founder and director of Aripa Arte. “We are committed to promoting these artists who are not only redefining the landscape of Romanian art but are also contributing significantly to the dialogue about global contemporary art.”

    The Aripa Arte Gala invites art lovers, collectors, and curators to delve into the world of Romanian art and discover the rich narratives and artistic prowess that have placed Romania as a significant contributor in the contemporary art scene. To celebrate this emergence, Aripa Arte will host a charity gala that will include examples of Romanian contemporary art for purchase. The gala will be a testament to the creativity, resilience, and spirit of the Romanian people, offering an unprecedented opportunity to engage with the art that is shaping our time.

    The charity gala is March 1, 2024, from 6:00pm to 9:00pm at the 1218 Heights Blvd. Houston, TexasAripa Arte is based in Houston, Texas. The newly minted 501C-3 non-profit also educates artists in their quest to run successful entrepreneurial art businesses and fund careers.

    About John Bishop Fine Art (https://johnbishopfineart.com)

    John Bishop is a painter and illustrator working in Houston, Texas. Though born in Houston, he has spent most of his life traveling. John obtained his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Texas, and has been exploring photography, creative writing, and fine art ever since college. Though he spent 30 years working as a librarian in Texas, New Mexico, California, Romania, The Emirates, New Zealand, and Russia. John returned to Texas in 2016 where he works full-time on his art business, as well as Executive Director of an arts non-profit organization.

    About Bogdan Mihai (https:// BogdanFotoArt.com)

    Bogdan is from Texas by way of Romania. His background in Romanian television, where he engaged in voice-overs, reporting, editing, and producing, provides a rich foundation for his visual storytelling. Bogdan’s commitment to freelancing and dedication to fine art since 2015 reflect a passion for artistic expression. Bogdan Mihai’s global footprint in gallery exhibitions and art fairs demonstrates the international recognition of his work. Exhibitions in Romania, Argentina, Switzerland, Hungary, Mexico, and the USA underscore the universal appeal of his art. Furthermore, his commitment to supporting other artists through a nonprofit initiative is commendable and aligns with the spirit of fostering a vibrant artistic community. This philanthropic effort not only enhances his impact as an artist but also contributes to the broader cultural landscape. Mihai’s unique blend of journalistic, abstract, sensitive, nostalgic, and energetic artwork, coupled with his global presence and commitment to supporting fellow artists, positions him as a dynamic and influential figure in the contemporary art scene.

    Caption: Ingrid Pescaru: Is currently enrolled in the Master’s painting program at the Art University in Bucharest, though she has been painting all her life.

  • Art,  New York,  San Diego

    Don’t Miss Out On Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet Valentine’s Experience!

    DON’T MISS OUT ON OUR VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE, SAVE UP TO 17%

    Immerse you and your date in a romantic evening under Van Gogh’s Starry Night, and let your love blossom as you wander through Monet’s gardens. This Valentine’s Experience includes two combo tickets for Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet, along with two Life In Letters VR tickets.

    Time is running out, book your tickets today!

    Available Timeslots:

    💛 February 14, 2024  | $131.98

    💛 February 16, 2024  | $151.98

    💛 February 17, 2024  | $151.98

    SAVE UP TO 17% WITH A VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE

    VALENTINE’S EXPERIENCE DETAILS

    COMBO TICKETS

    Immerse yourselves in the world of art and romance as you enjoy back-to-back showings of Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh.

    VR EXPERIENCE

    Dive deeper into Vincent’s world and follow along on his journey of self-discovery through the exclusive VR add-on.

  • Art

    National Museum of Mexican Art Names José Ochoa President and CEO


    The National Museum of Mexican Art (NMMA) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new President and CEO, José Ochoa, effective today. He succeeds Museum founder, President and CEO Carlos Tortolero, who retired on December 31, 2023, after more than 40 years of leadership. Tortolero will continue in a consultative role until March 31, 2024.

    Ochoa joins the Museum from the ChiArts Foundation of the Chicago High School for the Arts, where he served as President. Previously, he served as founding Executive and Artistic Director of ChiArts.

    Prior to these roles, Ochoa was Superintendent of Cultural Arts for Nashville, Tenn., supervising the dance, music, theater, and visual arts departments, two museums, and the special events department.

    “This is the honor of a lifetime and a full-circle moment in my life, to return to my roots but with a wealth of knowledge and experience to lead this marvelous institution into its next chapter,” Ochoa said.

    “The Board sought a visionary leader who could build on the Museum’s achievements,” said Carlos R. Cardenas, Chair of NMMA’s Board of Trustees and Senior Vice President Group Manager, Wintrust Commercial Bank. “We focused on candidates with strong educator backgrounds, robust career credentials in the arts, sound financial acumen in running organizations, a history of effective fundraising, experience driving growth and operational excellence, a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, a deep appreciation for Mexican culture and art, and the ability to use the arts as facilitators for dialogue on contemporary issues that matter to our communities, as well as a passion for making the arts accessible to all people. José Ochoa embodies many of these key pillars, which led the Board to identify José as an ideal leader to continue solidifying the NMMA as the premier institution of Mexican art, culture and history, and reinforcing its role as one of America’s Cultural Treasures.”

    “On behalf of the Board, I would like to acknowledge Carlos Tortolero’s dynamic leadership and stewardship in furthering the Museum’s impact well beyond the footprint of a typical museum or community organization,” Cardenas said. “Thanks to Carlos, José inherits a strong legacy and sound footing upon which he can advance the mission of the Museum and foster continued excellence and influence. Today, the National Museum of Mexican Art stands out as the most prominent first-voice institution for Mexican art and culture in the United States. The NMMA is also a national leader and mentor for culturally and ethnically focused institutions and serves as a lighthouse on social justice issues affecting Mexicans, Mexican-Americans, and Latinos at the local, national, and international levels. This is the foundation Carlos leaves behind, which we are entrusted to build upon.”

    A champion for art and culture, Ochoa will elevate the Museum’s national presence and reputation in his new role, creatively enhance programming, and increase impact in Chicago and beyond.

    “José’s energy and empathy, his success in engaging young people and in creating opportunities all combine to make him the perfect person to lead the Museum at this exciting time in its journey,” said Carlos Tortolero.

    Ochoa holds a bachelor of music performance degree from the University of North Carolina School of the Arts and a master of arts degree in interdisciplinary studies – dance, music and theater from West Texas A&M University.

    About the National Museum of Mexican Art
    Located in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, the National Museum of Mexican Art is one of the country’s most prominent Latino cultural organizations and the only nationally accredited museum dedicated to Mexican art and culture. In 2020, the Museum earned the honor of being named one of America’s Cultural Treasures by the Ford Foundation. Its Permanent Collection consists of more than 20,000 artworks. The Museum has presented over 150 exhibitions, provides arts education to 52,000 students each year and serves over 150,000 annual visitors from 60 countries. The Education Department is nationally recognized, and the Performing Arts Department presents events at the Museum and Millennium Park, as well as nationally and internationally. Admission to the Museum is always free. www.nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org.

  • Art

    KINETIC POINTILLISM BECOMES INTERNATIONAL MOVEMENT. New Director of International Affairs Begins Work, Sets Record

    The Kinetic Pointillism School, the world’s first art movement creatively driven by high school students at inception, has a new Director of International Affairs for 2024.  This marks the first international expansion for the Kinetic Pointillism School, which already has a number of practitioners in the United States.

    Lighthouse, by Rob OttesenGanesh Shenoy, an artist living in Qatar and known for setting world records with his miniature paintings, has become the first Director of International Affairs for the art movement and has already set a world record with his first news article, having it published by eighty publishers on the same day.

    According to Rob Ottesen, the founder of the movement, “Ganesh discovered kinetic pointillism from one of our news articles and used it in his own paintings.  Now, he’s joined our school not only as a painter, but as our Director of International Affairs.  By reaching a record 80 publishers in one day, we’re confident he’s off  to a great start.”

    The Kinetic Pointillism School became an art movement when students at Clark Advanced Learning Center in Stuart, Florida began painting in the style, which then spread to other high schools on Florida’s Treasure Coast.  Many adult painters have since joined the movement.

     

     

  • Art,  San Diego

    For the First Time in San Diego! Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience Set to Open at the Wyland Center At Del Mar Fairgrounds Starting February 6, 2024

    Beyond Monet Will Be Featured Alongside Blockbuster Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience

    Tickets On-Sale Now

    Producer Paquin Entertainment Group that Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience will open alongside Beyond Van Gogh beginning February 6 at the Wyland Center at Del Mar Fairgrounds. Tickets for either show and combination tickets for both shows are on sale at www.beyondmonet.com and www.beyondvangogh.com.

    Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience is full of infinite potential for wonder and sheds new light on what the world thought it knew about Claude Monet. The experience showcases more than 400 of Monet’s most iconic works of impressionism, including the Water Lilies series, Impression: Sunrise, and Poppies.

    Blockbuster Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, which has sold over seven million tickets worldwide, will continue to be available at select dates and times. Tickets and the complete schedule are available at www.beyondvangogh.com.

    “Claude Monet and Vincent Van Gogh showed a world filled with brightness, joy, color and emotion. While Van Gogh was seeking to create an art for the future, Monet wanted to submerge the audience in a shoreless landscape, making the work of these larger-than-life artists resonate even more with immersive experiences,” says Fanny Curtat, Art Historian Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh. “To set foot in Beyond Van Gogh and Beyond Monet is to partake in the stunning vision of the world they created.”

    Beyond Monet: The Immersive Experience gives guests a glimpse into the emotions and perspectives of the leading figure of Impressionism: Claude Monet. After entering the Garden Gallery, the Prism transports visitors into the biggest feature area of the exhibit. Taking inspiration from Musée de l’Orangerie in Paris, the designated home of Monet’s masterpieces, guests can freely roam the Infinity Room to absorb the artist’s bright and colorful paintings. Monet’s stunning imagery encompasses every surface of the room, transporting guests inside the paintings themselves. It is a haven for awakening the senses as the ebb and flow of the artwork is accompanied by the rhythm of an original score.

    “Through cutting edge technology, both Beyond Monet and Beyond Van Gogh are redefining what art means to people,” says Paquin Entertainment Group’s President of Exhibitions and Theatrical, Justin Paquin. “It has elevated artwork to the next level, allowing us to form new relationships with notable masterpieces that were just not possible in previous years.”

    For tickets and schedules visit www.beyondmonet.com and www.beyondvangogh.com.

    About Paquin Entertainment Group:

    Paquin Entertainment Group is a full-service arts and entertainment company. Established in 1985, it has evolved into a multi-faceted powerhouse representing world renowned artists, one of a kind immersive experiences, exciting theatrical productions, and global brands. Paquin Entertainment Group’s diverse portfolio includes Paquin Artists Agency, Paquin Exhibitions & Theatrical, and Paquin Strategic Partnerships. With offices throughout North America, Paquin Entertainment Group continues to expand globally, serving as a catalyst for connection, innovation and inspiration through music, arts, and culture. www.paquinentertainment.com