➡️ Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/bdej3evm A new piece of art by one of Italy's most famous artists was burned by a thief in Naples. This made the people of Naples angry, so city leaders said they would replace the job with a new one. Someone set fire to a big version of Michelangelo Pistoletto's "Ragged Venus" before dawn on Wednesday. The piece had just been put in a square in front of the town hall two weeks ago. The piece, which is made of cheap materials, is one of the most important by the artist, who was the leader of the Italian "Arte Povera" movement. The work, which was almost 7 meters tall and looked like a big neoclassical figure of Venus leaning against a pile of old clothes, caught fire quickly. The art supplies fed the fire, which got so hot that the figure of Venus made of expanded polyethylene melted. Once the fire was out, all that was left was the huge metal frame of the art and piles of ash. Antonio De Iesu, who is in charge of police for the city council, said, "We missed the chance to show that we are a European city. It did a lot of harm to Naples's image." The work was shown for the first time on June 28 in a piazza that had been under building for about 20 years between the port and the city center. It is part of a project paid for by City Hall to bring attention to less-known parts of downtown. Even though people were upset, Mr. Pistoletto said on Wednesday that the attack "horrified" and "shocked" him. He said that his work puts together two things that seem to be at odds with each other—classical beauty and old clothes—to create balance and a fresh start. This piece was first made by Mr. Pistoletto, who turned 90 last month, in 1967. Since then, it has been shown in a lot of places around the world. The fact that the work in Naples is "monumental" and put in public, in front of the town hall, which the artist called a "point of tension," could help explain why it got both good and bad attention. But the artist said he did not think there would be violence. Danilo Eccher, who runs a show of Mr. Pistoletto's works in Rome that includes a version of "Ragged Venus," said that, as far as he knew, this was the first time that vandals had damaged the piece. Still, most people in Naples treat modern art with respect. Officials at Naples City Hall said late Wednesday that a homeless man in his 30s had been taken into custody on suspicion of starting the fire. The police looked at the footage from the place's surveillance cameras, which led them to "identify the likely culprit and find him in a soup kitchen," as stated in a news release. Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of the town, told reporters at the scene of the fire on Wednesday morning that the installation was "a great symbol of regeneration" and "a new beginning for society." He said that the piece would be put back where it was. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Mk3vnWqYKY

➡️ Read the full article here: https://tinyurl.com/59rcppj9 Jay-Z and Beyoncé stand as a formidable duo within the realm of music and entertainment. Jay-Z, born Shawn Corey Carter, emerges as a luminary figure, a rapper of immense influence, a maestro of songwriting, and a producer of records. His birth took place on December 4, 1969, in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, New York. Eminent for his incisive lyrical prowess, enterprising ventures, and contributions to the hip-hop ethos, Jay-Z's discography boasts numerous triumphs, including iconic tracks such as "Empire State of Mind," "99 Problems," and "Hard Knock Life." Yet, beyond his musical oeuvre, Jay-Z's reputation flourishes in the spheres of business acumen, co-founding Roc-A-Fella Records and Roc Nation, and substantial investments across diverse industries spanning fashion and technology. Beyoncé, known in full as Beyoncé Giselle Knowles-Carter, drew her first breath on September 4, 1981, in the vibrant city of Houston, Texas. Rising to prominence as the lead vocalist of Destiny's Child, a globally acclaimed girl group, Beyoncé transcended to a solo career during the mid-2000s, ascending to heights as one of the planet's most accomplished and influential artists. Revered for her commanding vocal prowess, enthralling stage performances, and an aptitude for blending myriad musical genres, Beyoncé's albums such as "Lemonade" and "Beyoncé" delve into themes of empowerment, feminism, and personal evolution. Amid public fascination, Jay-Z and Beyoncé's personal connection culminated in matrimony through an intimate ceremony in 2008. The couple's union has produced three offspring: Blue Ivy Carter, and twins Sir and Rumi Carter. Beyond their individual achievements, both Jay-Z and Beyoncé employ their platforms to champion causes related to social justice, philanthropy, and cultural representation. Collaboratively, they have embarked on musical endeavors and embarked on joint tours, exemplified by the resounding success of the "On the Run Tour." Their sphere of influence transcends the auditory realm to encompass domains like fashion, cinema, and humanitarian endeavors. The convergence of their creative talents, entrepreneurial ventures, and charitable initiatives firmly establishes them not only as luminaries in the musical realm but also as cultural and entrepreneurial forces. In the realm of art, Jay-Z and Beyoncé have meticulously curated an extraordinary collection, a testament to their deep appreciation for contemporary artistic expressions. Their assemblage stands as a tapestry woven from diverse threads, encompassing a broad spectrum of styles, mediums, and epochs. Jay-Z's intrigue with art became evident in 2008, as he voiced his newfound fascination to the BBC, and his passion further manifested in 2009 through "Off That." With the guidance of art advisor Jeanne Greenberg Rohatyn, his tastes have matured. Their collection mirrors a respect for both established luminaries and budding talents, and sightings of the couple at art fairs, gallery unveilings, and exhibitions worldwide substantiate their commitment. At the core of their collection rest creations by eminent figures, encompassing artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Richard Prince, Damien Hirst, Tim Noble, Sue Webster, George Condo, Laurie Simmons, David Hammons, Ed Ruscha, and more. A particular reverence is reserved for Jean-Michel Basquiat, evident in their acquisition of "Mecca" (1982) at Sotheby's in 2013, an artwork evoking a New York cityscape adorned with the word "Empire" beneath Basquiat's signature crown. Years later, they aligned with a Tiffany & Co. campaign beside Basquiat's "Equals Pi" (1982), cloaked in a resonant turquoise hue. In the context of Art Basel Miami Beach 2012, the couple welcomed a piece by the street artist turned gallery luminary Hebru Brantley into their collection. While modest, this acquisition proved rewarding for both the couple and the artist, evident in the artwork titled "Everybody's Scared," acquired for $20,000. A divergence arose in 2010 when Jay and Beyoncé held contrasting preferences for a Laurie Simmons photograph for their apartment. Jay opted for an image merging a gun with women's legs, a choice Beyoncé opposed due to its implied violence. She swapped it for a feminine portrayal: a photo of a perfume bottle adorned with legs. Their collection distinguishes itself through a diverse embrace of artistic forms. Their acquisitions span painting, sculpture, photography, and mixed media, mirroring their curiosity and openness to various creative channels. Beyond aesthetics, their collection reverberates with social and political commentary. Many pieces engage with topics like social justice, racial identity, and thought-provoking politics, revealing the couple's intent to employ their influence to shed light on crucial societal matters. ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3er_5sZuQY