Technology!
Whoa! Here’s a 360-degree look around a reproduction of the Lascaux cave paintings in France. It also features a pretty nice voiceover. [The New York Times]
From Gideon Lewis-Kraus’s article about Google’s artificial-intelligence programs: “Once you’ve built a robust pattern-matching apparatus for one purpose, it can be tweaked in the service of others. One [Google] Translate engineer took a network he put together to judge artwork and used it to drive an autonomous radio-controlled car.” Which begs the question: are art critics good drivers? [The New York Times]
“A neuroscientist’s lessons on why abstract art makes our brains hurt so good.” [Salon]
“Artist Liu Bolin live streams Beijing smog to raise awareness.” [Reuters]
Very Thoughtful Gifts
The art historian William B. Jordan has given a Velázquez to the Prado. [Artforum]
Sly Stallone is “flattered” by the rumor that he could be NEA head in the Trump administration, but he said that he is not interested. [BBC News]
The Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas, has purchased itself its first George Bellows painting. [Star-Telegram]
Ai Weiwei
The Chinese artist is planning a trip to Syria. [Los Angeles Times]
Manuscripts
As prices for manuscripts rise, forgeries are becoming a concern. [The New York Times]
Bonus Time
Jim Nutt at Cabinet in London. [Contemporary Art Daily]