A Propos “S’hole Countries”: African Weavers & the Wonders of Spider Silk

African art has captivated collectors for millennia.  This video offers fascinating behind-the-scenes views of the production and expert weaving of Spider silk by craftsman in Madagascar. Observe the close-up ‘manufacturing” extrusion methods and hand weaving of historical design patterns into sophisticated, invaluable textiles, cherished by museums and private collectors.  The differences between spider and worm … Continue reading →

Sistine Chapel Ted Talk

A worthwhile tour and commentary on the Sistine Chapel….   Continue reading →

A Most Welcome Surprise from Iran

Given the horrific developments in the Middle East these days, I was delighted when a friend forwarded me this article about the treasured modern art collection in the remarkable Museum of Contemporary Art in Iran…. The Hirshhorn’s director, Melissa Chiu described the collection as “ one of the great unseen collections of postwar European and … Continue reading →

Walking on Water: Christo’s Next Installation

It’s hard to believe that ten years have passed since Christo’s installation “The Gates” in Central Park. Many visitors reported remarkable sensations, conversations and emotions while walking through the gate constructs, with their saffron-colored fabric fluttering in the winter breezes. Next year, Christo will offer another sensational installation experience called walking on water in Italy.  … Continue reading →

American College Launches Groundbreaking Middle East Arts Initiative

On its bucolic campus near Boston, the Davis Museum at Wellesley College held a symposium in April titled “Art & Reality, Middle Eastern Art in Context.” Artists, scholars and curators, museum, gallery and auction house leaders, publishers and policy makers traveled to Massachusetts from around the world to dialogue for a day about art in … Continue reading →

Silver Treasures from the Land of Sheba—The Art of Yemeni Jewelry Making

This article was published today in The Arab Weekly in London and Dubai.   Continue reading →

Lebanese Pianist Delights in Prague Airport

I love this idea of pianos appearing in public places around the world!  Of course the quality is far from ideal, but people with talent can provide a bit of spontaneous happy enjoyment for all.  What a wonderful gift–not to underestimated years of disciplined practice– to be able to play for people.  Continue reading →

Saadiyat–The Island of Happiness for Culture Vultures

 When I first launched Curated Eclectica, I chose as my background theme my favorite culture creation project in the world: the Saadiyat Island project–a museum mecca extraordinaire, which the New York Times called “A Cultural Xanadu.”   I first was delighted to discover this project upon visiting a scale model exhibit at the Emirates Palace Hotel in Abu Dhabi and … Continue reading →

An Evening of Yemeni Silver

Silver Treasures in the Land of Sheba Hearing the Queen of Sheba, one conjures the notion of a majestic South Arabian woman of the Sabaean people, who traveled by camel caravan to Jerusalem bearing spices, frankincense and myrrh, jewels and gold, on a mission to test King Solomon’s wisdom.  Her people lived in an area … Continue reading →

Pairing

One evening last month, while it was still light enough to see around 6:30,  I took metro to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and walked around the grounds before meeting a friend inside. I noticed this bronze sculpture titled Don Quixote, by Aurelio Teno, which surely I’ve visited over the years.  This time, as soon as my … Continue reading →