July 30, 2021 • View in browser

This week, the US is expected to return a stunning 17,000 stolen artifacts to Iraq, including the 3,500-year-old “Gilgamesh Dream Tablet.” In other fascinating reads, Billy Anania breaks down how the watermelon became a symbol of resistance for Palestinians, and danilo machado looks at Rindon Johnson's winding works at the SculptureCenter. Happy weekend,

— Elisa Wouk Almino, Senior Editor

How Watermelon Became a Symbol of Palestinian Resistance

A new tradition is emerging online, uniting Palestinians worldwide and drawing influence from the 20th-century motif. | Billy Anania

SPONSORED

Busch-Reisinger Museum’s New Instagram Account Redefines the Boundaries of Its Collection

@busch_hall provides a virtual space to reimagine German art and identity through the lens of Harvard’s Busch-Reisinger Museum, which has been reinventing itself since 1903. Learn more.

LATEST NEWS

The "Gilgamesh Dream Tablet", previously held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC

The “Gilgamesh Dream Tablet” is among the 17,000 stolen artifacts expected to return to Iraq this week.

Two rediscovered Fragonard paintings have been acquired by the French state and will enter the holdings of the Musée Fabre.

ART & FILM

Rindon Johnson Ruminates on the Expansiveness of Identity

Johnson’s winding works prompt as many questions as they provide answers, percolating with repetition, address, and alternates. | danilo machado

Funny, Generous, and Honest: MFA Work From UC Riverside and USC Roski

A roundup of work by graduating MFA students this summer. | Matt Stromberg

Are Hybrid Film Festivals Actually Accessible?

If hybrid festivals continue the way they do, the in-person experience will be held at a premium while the online content is given to the masses. | Grace Han

MOST POPULAR

The Era of the Visionary Museum Director Is Over ... or It Should Be

Murals Watch Over Jerusalem Neighborhood, a Silent Protest Against Displacement

A Dazzling Corrective to the White-washing of Ancient Rome

Japan’s Offbeat Olympics Opening Ceremony

How Many Latinx Women Artists Have Had Solo Shows At MoMA PS1?

Join Our Community

Become a Hyperallergic Member and join over 5,000 readers committed to sustaining independent arts journalism.

FROM THE ARCHIVE

Weaving Together the Story of a Forgotten Pop Artist and Her Rugs

In the annals of overlooked artists, Dorothy Grebenak is an extreme case. | Glenn Adamson

IN OUR STORE

"Slant" Tea Towel x Sam Francis

This bold and energetic linen tea towel features “Slant” by California-born Abstract Expressionist painter Sam Francis.
For more items inspired by one of the 20th century’s leading interpreters of light and color, check out our Sam Francis collection!