1) Denver University Showcases Middle Eastern Artists

The Center for Visual Art at the Metropolitan State University of Denver is currently hosting an exhibition of art by artists from the Middle East, including a number who now reside in the U.S. and Canada. Though the show had been planned well before the U.S. presidential election, current events have made it quite timely, as noted by curator Cecily Cullen. While discussions of North American relations to the Middle East are always important, the show may prove a valuable tool for opening up even more pertinent topics now.

2) Egyptian Surrealist Group Gets First Major Exhibition

The Egyptian surrealist group Art et Liberté is having its first full retrospective exhibition at the Reina Sofía in Madrid. The art group was inspired by the surrealist and anti-fascist art movements of the 1930’s and 40’s in Europe, and evolved into a unique part of contemporary Egyptian history. Curators Till Fellrath and Sam Bardaouil hope that the exhibition will shed light on a group that has been overlooked and forgotten, as well as further educate viewers on the idea that surrealism was an international, widespread movement.

3) Boston Students Thwart Art Thief

Boston University student Mackenzie Thompson is being praised for his role in thwarting an art theft from a gallery in Shelton, Connecticut. The incident reportedly took place at the Gallery D’Orsay, shortly after the Super Bowl took place. After hearing glass breaking, Thompson and two other students say they saw a man emerge from the gallery holding a number of paintings, chased him down, and alerted police.

4) .ART Domain Facing Controversy

The e-flux endorsed .ART domain, which is owned and operated by U.K. Creative Ideas Limited, is off to a rocky start. Last week e-flux sent out communications advising its followers that they would soon be able to purchase domain names ending in .ART, a possible boon for working artists hoping to improve their online presence. According to reports many potential users were unable to access the site, and the initial release drew complaints and frustration. This was on top of the realization that the registration of a .ART domain would at that time cost $300 up front, a price that excludes numerous working artists who could benefit from the exposure. An online presence is important so why not create your own art website?