As a seasoned gamer with a soft spot for history and art, I must admit this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. The intersection of these worlds has created quite the spectacle, with events that would make any player’s heart race faster than a boss battle.
2021 saw a flurry of striking, daring events in the art sphere that garnered international interest. Activists advocating for the environment made powerful declarations on iconic sites, while auction houses broke records with their sales, ensuring the cultural milieu remained far from tranquil.
2024 saw significant events in the art world that ignited discussions and curiosity, showcasing both the potent impact of art and its contentious role within society. These instances, ranging from daring tradition-breakers to record-setters and provocative controversies, left an indelible mark on the year’s artistic landscape.
Keep reading to dive deeper into these events.
Stonehenge Vandalized
Just Stop Oil
On June 19, just prior to the summer solstice, activists from Just Stop Oil splattered orange powdery pigment on Stonehenge, a notable historical landmark near Salisbury, Wiltshire. This act of vandalism occurred. The group claimed the paint would dissolve with rain, but professionals are now evaluating any potential harm caused.
The action received strong condemnation, as Prime Minister Rishi Sunak labeled it a “shameful instance of destructive graffiti.” This occurrence is an example within a larger trend by the organization, who are infamous for defacing significant cultural sites to bring attention to global warming concerns.
The King Defaced
Animal Rising
In June, the debut official portrait of King Charles III, created by artist Jonathan Yeo, caused a stir due to its deep red backdrop, which some perceived as symbolizing British imperialism. The commotion intensified when Animal Rising activists vandalized the piece at London’s Philip Mould Gallery on June 19th, depicting a cartoon of Wallace from Wallace & Gromit alongside a message criticizing animal cruelty on farms endorsed by the RSPCA.
Animal Rising claimed that the RSPCA had neglected their duty to protect animals, prompting them to reevaluate King Charles’ association with the group. Philip Mould affirmed the artwork was unscathed and continues to be exhibited under increased security until June 21st. The RSPCA pledged to conduct an investigation but criticized unlawful protest methods. The activists departed calmly, and authorities were alerted.
First Stegosaurus Fossil Auctioned
Matthew Sherman/ Sotheby’s
In July, the first Stegosaurus fossil ever to be auctioned fetched an astounding $44.6 million USD at Sotheby’s New York, shattering its initial estimated value of $6 million USD and setting a new record that surpassed the previous high of $31.8 million USD achieved by “Stan,” the T-Rex fossil, in 2020. Discovered in 2022 in Moffat County, Colorado – a region known for its rich paleontology finds – this remarkable fossil is now famously known as “Apex.
On his 45th birthday, Jason Cooper, the renowned paleontologist who made the discovery of Apex, teamed up with Sotheby’s to chronicle the entire process – from digging it up to displaying it – offering a unique perspective on this significant find. This auction at Sotheby’s represented a groundbreaking milestone in the world of fossil sales.
NYC’s Mascot
The Highline NYC
In July, it was announced that a 16-foot tall sculpture of a pigeon, titled “Dinosaur” by Colombian artist Iván Argote, would be displayed on the High Line in Manhattan. This work of art puts pigeons, often seen as less impressive than birds such as eagles, into the spotlight. During October, this playful yet thought-provoking creation stood proudly at Tenth Avenue and 30th Street.
Argote portrays the common pigeon, New York City’s unspoken emblem, as a representation of resilience and shared human traits. According to him, these birds symbolize both marginalization and connection, frequently establishing relationships with people living on the streets. “Pigeons perform actions that are remarkably human, such as using public transportation,” he muses, emphasizing their striking similarities to city life.
Banksy’s London Zoo
Banksy
During August, Banksy wrapped up his week-long “London Zoo” collection with two final pieces: a wild cat on a Cricklewood billboard and a transformed London police box into a piranha tank situated in the financial district. All through that week, he revealed various animal outlines throughout the city, such as a goat in Richmond, elephants in Chelsea, monkeys on a Brick Lane overpass, a wolf in Peckham, and pelicans in Walthamstow.
People came up with various interpretations, ranging from societal blame-shifting to ecological messages, but Banksy’s official team explained that the artwork was primarily intended to stimulate happiness and inspire creativity. These pieces transformed ordinary urban landscapes into whimsical images, such as monkeys playfully swinging across an overpass or a cat sneaking through greenery.
Blockchain Billionaire Eats the Banana
Han Haidan
Maurizio Cattelan’s artwork titled “Comedian,” a banana taped to a wall, was sold for a staggering $6.2 million USD at Sotheby’s in November, marking a significant cultural event. First displayed at Art Basel Miami Beach in 2019 with an estimated value of between $120,000 and $150,000 USD, the new owner, crypto tycoon Justin Sun, generated buzz by promising to eat the banana after the purchase.
Enhancing the excitement, Sotheby’s executive Michael Bouhanna created a meme coin based on the artwork, sparking interest from two bidders who subsequently invested in the digital currency. The banana, originally bought for $0.35 from a New York City fruit stand, has since emerged as a symbol of the art world’s absurdity, the role of cryptocurrency in modern art, and economic inequality.
A Botched Warhol Robbery
Anthony Devlin/Getty Images
In November, a pair of screenprints from Andy Warhol’s “Reigning Queens” collection were unsuccessfully stolen during a burglary at MPV Gallery in Oisterwijk, Netherlands. During this attempted heist, the robbers detonated the gallery doors and made off with portraits of Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Margrethe II. However, these artworks proved too large to fit in their escape vehicle, causing them to be abandoned on the street. The prints of Queen Mother Ntfombi of Eswatini and Dutch Princess Beatrix were carelessly left behind.
The police later found the escape car and took one individual into custody.
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2024-12-23 18:27