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Women artists take center stage at the Art Gallery of Ontario

Women artists take center stage at the Art Gallery of Ontario

From March 27 to July 1, 2024, the Art Gallery of Ontario hosts the exhibition “Making Her Mark: A History of Women Artists in Europe, 1400-1800

Source: Baltimore Museum of Art (BMA) / Art Gallery of Ontario · Image: Judith Leyster. “Self-portrait”. c. 1633. National Gallery of Art: Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Woods Bliss. 1949.6.1

Featuring artists like Artemisia Gentileschi, Sofonisba Anguissola, Rosalba Carriera, Judith Leyster, Luisa Roldán, Rachel Ruysch, and Elisabeth Vigée-LeBrun; “Making Her Mark” includes more than 230 artworks that, according to the Art Gallery of Ontario, “demonstrate the many ways women contributed to the visual arts of Europe.”

“Making Her Mark” was on view at the Baltimore Museum of Art from October 1, 2023, to January 7, 2024. In the exhibition website, the Baltimore Museum indicated that “for centuries, women artists in Europe were considered rare and less talented compared to their male counterparts. Women who achieved professional artistic careers were deemed anomalous or exceptional, while those who engaged in creative pursuits in the home were dismissed as amateurs. ‘Making Her Mark’ aims to correct these commonly held beliefs by examining the different ways in which women contributed to the evolution of art and to the proliferation of cultural trends and commercial successes. Their roles as artists, designers, laborers, and business professionals are given life through a variety of objects and through narratives seldom, if ever, told. In this way, the exhibition not only expands our understanding of women’s contributions but of art history more broadly, encompassing making well beyond the established dominance of painting and sculpture.”

The exhibition explores women’s essential work in the development of new ideas, aesthetics, creative movements, and commerce of the time. By recontextualizing this period in history and offering these women artists the attention they deserve, we hope to inspire our community to reimagine what they have previously held to be true about both art and history, and to contribute to the critical work of rectifying centuries of omissions,” said Asma Naeem, the BMA’s Dorothy Wagner Wallis Director.

Amref Honors Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award at ArtBall 2024

Kehinde Wiley by Brad Ogbonna

Celebrated African-American artist Kehinde Wiley is set to be honored with the prestigious Rees Visionary Award at this year’s ArtBall 2024, hosted by Amref Health Africa (Amref), the leading healthcare organization on the African continent. Known for his groundbreaking portraits that reimagine people of color in the classical style of Old Master paintings, Wiley has captured global attention for his iconic works, including the portrait of former U.S. President Barack Obama displayed at the National Portrait Gallery.

“Amref’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s health infrastructure is crucial and I particularly want to acknowledge their programs in Senegal and Nigeria, two countries that are of significant importance to my journey. I am grateful to be recognized with the Rees Visionary Award for my artistic practice and my founding of Black Rock Global Arts Foundation, which is on a mission to support new artistic creation and to incite change in the global discourse about what Africa means today.” – Kehinde Wiley

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The Rees Visionary Award, named in tribute to Amref’s founder Dr. Thomas Rees, is bestowed upon individuals who have significantly influenced the dialogue surrounding African and Black art. Wiley’s innovative approach to portraiture has not only reshaped artistic conventions but also sparked vital conversations about representation and identity.

Kehinde Wiley, The Three Graces (Coumba, Mariama, Rokhaya), 2023. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

“Amref Health Africa is thrilled to honor Kehinde Wiley at ArtBall 2024. ArtBall was started to not only raise funds for our healthcare work but also to celebrate the greatness of the African continent through art and culture. Every year at the event, we honor an artist with the Rees Visionary Award. The award is named after our late founder, Dr. Thomas Rees, who was a pioneering reconstructive surgeon, pilot, author, musician, and sculptor. This Award is given to artists we feel are not only changing the narrative around African and Black art, but also creating exceptional work that educates, inspires, and emboldens the viewer through these challenging times. This year, we chose to honor Wiley and celebrate “Black Presence”, aligning with his focus on reclaiming the presence of Black people: their royalty, their martyrs, and their everyday lives, in the world of fine art.” – Emily Correale, Director, Amref Health Africa

ArtBall 2024 promises an evening of artistic splendor, featuring a Contemporary African and Black art auction, live entertainment, an open bar, and a delectable fusion of cuisine. Curated by esteemed art connoisseurs Storm Ascher, Natalie Kates, Cierra Britton, Alexandra Giniger, and Nadia Nascimento, the event will showcase works generously donated by acclaimed artists.

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Scheduled for May 4th, 2024, in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, ArtBall will serve as a platform to recognize Wiley’s profound contributions to the art world and his dedication to amplifying marginalized voices through his craft.

Kehinde Wiley, Portrait of Yadiel Arrozaceno Dorticós, 2023. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Sean Kelly, New York

Kehinde Wiley


Born in Los Angeles in 1977, Kehinde Wiley is an American artist renowned for his captivating portraits that juxtapose people of color within the grandeur of classical European art. His works challenge conventional narratives, offering a fresh perspective on the representation of Black and Brown individuals. Notably, Wiley made history in 2018 as the first African-American artist commissioned to paint an official U.S. Presidential portrait, chosen by President Barack Obama for the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery.

In addition to his artistic achievements, Wiley is the founder of Black Rock Senegal, an artist-in-residence program based in Dakar, Senegal, which invites creatives from around the globe to collaborate and innovate. Recognized for his cultural contributions, Wiley has received numerous accolades, including the U.S. Department of State’s Medal of Arts and France’s Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters. He currently resides and works in Beijing, Dakar, and New York City.

Kehinde Wiley, Portrait of Mame Kéwé Aminata Lô, 2021. © Kehinde Wiley. Courtesy of Galerie Templon, Paris

Amref Health Africa


Amref Health Africa (Amref) is committed to empowering African communities by delivering accessible, sustainable, and culturally sensitive healthcare solutions. With a predominantly African staff, Amref works tirelessly to enhance healthcare access, promote preventive care, and foster community ownership over health outcomes. Over the past year alone, Amref has reached over 31 million individuals across the continent.


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Virtual Worlds of Meihe Wu: The Power of Storytelling Through Conceptual 3D Visualization

Meihe Wu

We employ conceptual visualization and 3D art to craft fresh environments and narratives, conveying stories and shaping worldviews through our work. Meihe Wu, a seasoned 3D artist, possesses expertise across various intersecting fields such as 3D character art, graphic design, digital sculpting, and video editing. Currently, she concentrates on skin library shader development for the Octane Render Library and contributes her 3D skills to a film slated for release at the end of 2024.

Through the evolution of 3D artistry, audiences experience a profound transformation in the way they perceive and interact with virtual worlds. From inspiring landscapes to vivid characters, 3D art evokes a sense of wonder, enabling viewers to explore new realms and narratives in ways previously unimaginable.

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The immersive nature of 3D creations transcends traditional storytelling, allowing individuals to engage with rich, multidimensional experiences that resonate on a deeper level. As a skilled 3D artist, Meihe not only possesses proficiency in software like Maya and Zbrush but also has a keen understanding of character rendering.

The Bugs and The Slugs | Meihe Wu

In 2022, she contributed to the creation of the film “The Bugs and The Slugs,” which garnered acclaim at the Slamdance Film Festival Premiere. In her role as a 3D artist, Meihe played a crucial part in bringing the film’s vision to life. The narrative revolves around a human boy’s journey of self-discovery on an alien planet, where his romance with a troll is discovered; he must earn his place in the village or he will be roasted alive. Meihe interpreted the story as a tale of understanding and love.

Her focus was on depicting the lifestyle of the alien inhabitants through her work on the special effects, particularly in designing the extraterrestrial houses. Despite tight deadlines, Meihe efficiently collaborated with the team, providing valuable feedback and collecting thematic references to enhance the project’s visual impact. From concept design to modeling, texturing, and rendering, Meihe’s dedication ensured the project was completed within approximately a month.

3D film art | Meihe Wu

When asked why it is necessary to make films using 3D, Meihe mentioned that “Many filmmakers aim for a level of freedom that’s difficult to achieve in the real world. For instance, the dissemination of music—imagine walking on musical staves. The difference between reality and imagination is that now, we can freely depict imaginative concepts.” Consider listening to music: you might only see someone playing the violin, but special effects allow us to express feelings, visualize notes, and convey sensory experiences.

As technology continues to advance, the impact of 3D artistry on our perceptions and emotions will continue to grow, shaping the way we perceive and interact with the world around us. We are eagerly anticipating the release of the film Meihe worked on as a 3D artist, scheduled to premiere on HBO later this year.


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Projection Mapping and Emotional Connections: Xianzhi Fu’s Visual Art Odyssey


Story submitted by HBMKA. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

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30 Years of Artistic Exploration: Michael Gregorjev Murn’s Exhibition at the Iconic Miart Gallery London

Michael Gregorjev Murn

Michael Gregorjev Murn is hosting the MGM Solo Exhibition in the heart of St James’s, London. The landmark event is set to take place between May 11th and June 6th, 2024, at the iconic Miart Gallery London. Directed by Irem Deniz, Miart Gallery is renowned for its commitment to showcasing groundbreaking contemporary art, making it the perfect backdrop.

Marking a significant moment in Michael Gregorjev Murn’s career, the solo exhibition is the premiere exhibition in a series of upcoming global events. More than just another art show, it represents a journey of Michael’s mark in the art world.

The MGM Solo Exhibition has already caught the attention of many international companies, institutions, and individuals, including Murn’s long-time business partner, BTC, d. d., General Partner of MGM Exhibitions (www.btc.si). Such partnerships are essential in creating platforms where artists can share their work with a wider audience, showcasing the potential of art to influence and integrate into various sectors.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Judas Iscariot
Acrylic and colour tape on canvas
80 cm x 80 cm

The exhibition’s spotlight shines not only on Murn’s art but also on a special monograph dedicated to his 30 years of artistic exploration. This carefully crafted monograph brings together over 350 of Murn’s artworks, offering a profound look into his diverse creations.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Anaconda in Golden Amazonia
Gold leaf and acrylic on canvas
104.5 cm x 155 cm

Adding a unique perspective to this monograph, Richard Baker-Howard (critic, gallerist, curator) shares his observations: “Exploring Murn’s artworks is like embarking on an adventurous journey through his emotions and ideas. Each piece tells its own story, inviting us into a world where art meets the essence of life itself.”

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Grapsus Grapsus
Acrylic on canvas
100 cm x 150 cm

As president of AAMI Corporation and director of ART Expo Ljubljana, Murn also contributes significantly to bringing Slovenian art to an international audience. This connection underlines the importance of bridging art with business and highlights Slovenia’s vibrant art scene on a global scale, separate from Murn’s personal artistic journey.

Michael Gregorjev Murn, Collage, 52.5 cm x 73 cm
Huangmei opera / Emperor’s female Son-in-Law
The Great Wall Collection

Attendees of the London exhibition will be treated to an exclusive look at Murn’s thoughtfully curated selection of his finest works. Behind each piece, there is a story, a fragment of Murn’s life, interests, observations, and impressions, inviting viewers to dive into his unique artistic psyche.

This event is more than a solo exhibition; it’s a celebration of art’s power to inspire, connect, and transcend boundaries. It’s an opportunity to witness the merge of creativity and business, located in one of London’s most prestigious districts. Join us at Miart, where art and ambition meet, for an unforgettable experience that will enrich your understanding of contemporary art and its role in shaping our world.


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Story submitted by AAMI Corporation. The World Art News (WAN) is not liable for the content of this publication. All statements and views expressed herein are opinions only. Act at your own risk. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. © The World Art News

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