ART FLASH | Yesterday & Today | May 17th.

 

Yesterday in Art History

Sandro Botticelli (1445–1510) – Died on May 17, 1510

Renowned for masterpieces like The Birth of Venus and Primavera, Botticelli was a pivotal figure of the Italian Renaissance. His poetic and mythological compositions have left an indelible mark on art history.

Pedro Lira (1845–1912) – Born on May 17, 1845

A seminal Chilean painter and art critic, Lira played a crucial role in shaping Chile's national artistic identity. His works often depicted historical and allegorical themes, and he was instrumental in founding the Chilean National Museum of Fine Arts.

May 17, 1984 – Joan Miró’s “The Birth of the World” enters MoMA’s permanent collection

On this day in 1984, the Museum of Modern Art in New York added several works by Spanish painter Joan Miró to its permanent collection, including his iconic piece The Birth of the World (1925). This groundbreaking work captures an abstract genesis — a visual metaphor for the emergence of life through amorphous forms and vibrant color fields.

Museum of Modern Art in New York

Today in the Art World

"The New Art: American Photography, 1839–1910" at The Met, New York

The Metropolitan Museum of Art unveils a comprehensive exhibition exploring early American photography’s role in shaping national identity. Featuring approximately 250 photographs, the exhibit reveals the medium’s influence in 19th-century visual culture.

Exhibition Info – The Met

"Myths and Machines" – Hauser & Wirth Somerset

Celebrating the inventive partnership of Niki de Saint Phalle and Jean Tinguely, this exhibition showcases kinetic sculptures and multimedia artworks inspired by myth, technology, and playful rebellion.

Hauser & Wirth

"Life Pleasures" – Helen Chadwick at The Hepworth Wakefield

A retrospective of the British artist’s bold, sensuous works, including unconventional materials like chocolate, meat, and flowers. Chadwick’s art explores desire, identity, and transformation.

The Guardian – Exhibition Review