Tucked away in a soulless building in Islington’s Upper Street is the unexceptionally named Business Design Centre – home to the 21st London Art Fair.
Look on it as the Ideal Home Show for the art world.
Not as slick or suave as Frieze, nor as flea market as the Affordable Art Fair.
Of all the art fairs [...]
Publicity surrounding the link to cancer has left US tobacco firms so desperate to recruit new customers they have started giving their products away.
I was “hit up” by one of Chicago’s “cigarette fairies” – a promotional vendor who has routes throughout urban bars and clubs.
“So what brand do you smoke?” she asked. “You seen the [...]
Banksy, the Scarlet Pimpernel of the art world, is in New York. Or was.
Whoever Banksy may be, he’s opened the Village Pet Store and Charcoal Grill in New York’s West Village.
It features animatronics developed by “some Hollywoodish company”. Set in a shopfront Sweeny Todd would own if he were into animals, a rabbit paints [...]
Burmese soldiers gang-raped and mutilated a 15-year-old girl, fryingpanfire sources have said.
Schoolgirl Nhkum Hkawn Din was set upon and killed on her way to delivering rice to her brother, who was working in a paddy field in July.
“We are aware of these reports. We are investigating these reports. No one has been officially arrested,” Burmese [...]
“Bonjour!” A hearty French greeting delivered in a Flemish accent.
With stages like “Le Petit Maison dans la Prairie” and notice boards in French, Flemish and English, you’re a long way from Glastonbury.
Punters, bands, staff and food vendors deftly skip from one tongue to another.
Just the sort of thing to make you feel like an inadequate, [...]
Police in Mexico City are investigating online classified ads posted by people selling their services as assassins for as little as £3,000.
Between listings offering gas fitters and modelling agencies, a post reads: “Gun for Hire – $6,000. Professional. International. Discretion guaranteed”.
Another reads: “former soldier with 10 years experience in the private sector, very professional and [...]
The first impression a foreigner gets upon entry into Gaza via the Erez crossing to the north is the smell of a desolate landscape.
Following that is the stark contrast between the lush greenery and ever-constant agribusiness on the Israeli side and the bombed-out patch of land that greets you upon entry into North Gaza.
You enter [...]
From LS Lowry’s bleak northern landscapes to pieces by Pete Doherty featuring syringes, crack spoons and his own blood, the London Art Fair feels like an upmarket boot sale for 20th Century art.
It’s white paint and money-scented floors can feel intimidating, especially if this is your first jump into the polo-necked world of modern art.
Go [...]
