Global contemporary art events and news observed from New York City. Suggestion? Email us.

The Guardian Examines Magritte’s Comic Timing

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015

The Guardian has published an article examining the comic sensibilities of René Magritte, and his deliberately succinct style of painting that some liken to its own brand of a visual punchline.  “Magritte always claimed he was against interpretation,” says Professor Elsa Adamowicz. “His images suggest narratives or meaning, but that meaning is suspended, as in our dreams.” (more…)

Researchers and Museums Lead Hunt for Hidden Magritte

Sunday, December 29th, 2013

The Wall Street Journal reports on a lost painting by Magritte, which researchers claim was cut up into separate pieces and painted over.  While the practice is relatively common, the work in question, The Enchanted Pose, was exhibited on its own in 1927 before being reused.  Several parts of the piece have already been located, and museums around the world are searching for other missing pieces. (more…)

Missing Magritte Found In Segments Beneath Two Other Works

Monday, October 7th, 2013

The Enchanted Pose, a Magritte painting long thought to have been lost or destroyed, has been discovered in segments below the surfaces of two other Magritte works.  Using X-Ray imaging, researchers discovered the painting while working on the Museum of Modern Art’s current exhibition The Mystery of the Ordinary, 1926-1938, focusing on the artist’s work.  “It’s very exciting. Here is this Magritte that’s been believed to be missing, that was clearly a large and important work for him at one point in time.”  says MoMA curator Anne Umland. (more…)