"Constructivist" Biederman Dies

Charles Biederman, the constructivist painter and sculptor has died aged 98. In 1948 he published "Art as the Evolution of Visual Knowledge", a milestone of 20th century art theory.
Biederman's unique artistic contribution grew out of a 50 year study of natures structural processes, building on the artists he admired most - Leonardo, Courbet, Monet and Cezanne. An uncompromising artist, he produced rich, lyrical art which is amongst the most visually exciting and intellectually satisfying of our time.

Biederman turned away from painting in favor of 3D work, which he thought better represented nature and the play of light and was more able to return art to what he considered to be its basic fundamentals.

English Museum Visitors Soar

Spectacular visitor increases of 75% to English museums have followed the 2001 scrapping of admission charges - 6 million more people visited In 2004.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said: "Our decision to invest in free admission was a success from day one. Now, three years on, I am delighted that visit numbers continue to grow. This gives the lie to the idea that ordinary people have no appetite for 'serious' culture - sweep away the obstacles and they come in their millions." The Conservatives responded by promising that a future Tory government would allow museums to charge, particularly to foreign tourists.
The National Gallery welcomed 4.9 million visitors last year - up 485,000 - making it the most visited cultural UK institution.
Irish Art

European Masters in Korea

The Seoul Arts Center shows "400 Years of Western Art - From Poussin to Matisse" thanks to loans from major French museums, This is a rare chance for Koreans to see these world famous works.
The 119 paintings by 88 artists showcase the major artistic European styles since the 17th century - highlighted by the paintings of Nicolas Poussin - whilst the 18th century room features the Ingres sensual, "The Spring" and "The Death of Marat" by David. Paintings by Courbet, Gauguin, Monet and Renoir show the diversity and creativity of late 19th and early 20th century European art.
Irish Art