AKAA 2025, the Parisian arts fair honouring African artists and art

A stunning portrait by Pablo Picasso of his muse Dora Maar has made headlines after selling for €32 million at an auction in Paris. This sale is significant not only for its impressive price but also because it marks a rare opportunity for the public to view a piece that has been privately held for over 80 years. The painting's vibrant colors and historical context highlight Picasso's artistic genius and the deep connection he shared with Maar, making this auction a noteworthy event in the art world.

A stunning 1943 portrait by Picasso, featuring his muse Dora Maar, is making waves as it heads to auction in Paris after being hidden from the public for over 80 years. This vibrant piece, titled 'Bust of a Woman with a Flowered Hat,' not only showcases Picasso's artistic brilliance but also tells a story of love and creativity during a pivotal time in their relationship. Its return to the spotlight is significant for art enthusiasts and collectors alike, marking a rare opportunity to own a piece of history.

A recent video has surfaced showing the alleged thieves escaping from the Louvre after stealing €88 million worth of France's crown jewels. The footage captures two individuals using a mechanical ladder in broad daylight, looking around nervously as they make their getaway. This incident highlights significant security lapses at one of the world's most famous museums, as the Louvre's director acknowledged that staff failed to detect the thieves due to limited camera coverage. The ongoing investigation raises concerns about the safety of cultural treasures and the effectiveness of museum security.

A powerful tornado struck Val-d’Oise in northern France, causing significant destruction and leaving over 100,000 homes without power. The town of Ermont was particularly hard hit, with toppled construction cranes and damaged buildings. Tragically, one person lost their life, and four others sustained critical injuries. This event highlights the increasing severity of weather patterns and the urgent need for communities to prepare for such natural disasters.

Scientists in Paris have made exciting discoveries about snake bites by studying the speed at which different snakes strike their prey. This research not only sheds light on the fascinating mechanics of these strikes but also has important implications for understanding snake behavior and improving medical responses to snake bites. By revealing the secrets behind these rapid attacks, the study enhances our knowledge of wildlife and could lead to better safety measures for those living in snake-prone areas.

Böcker, a family-run German company, has cleverly turned a recent Paris robbery at the Louvre into a marketing opportunity. After their furniture lift was used in the heist, they launched a tongue-in-cheek ad campaign with the tagline 'When you need to move fast.' This not only highlights their product but also capitalizes on the publicity surrounding the event, showcasing their ability to adapt and innovate in challenging situations.

Naomi Beckwith, the Deputy Director and Chief Curator of the Guggenheim in New York, is currently in Paris for her new exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo, titled 'Echo Delay Reverb – American Art – Francophone Thought.' In an interview with France 24, she described the exhibition as a love letter to France, highlighting how the innovative ideas from 1960s France influenced American art. This exhibition is significant as it bridges cultural dialogues and showcases the interconnectedness of art and thought across borders.

The article discusses the complex relationship between Britain and African nations regarding LGBTQ rights, highlighting the historical context of anti-sodomy laws that were imposed during colonial times. It points out the irony of Britain now urging these nations to repeal such laws, while many Africans still hold negative views towards homosexuality. This matters because it reflects ongoing tensions between cultural sovereignty and external pressures for human rights, raising questions about the effectiveness of such advocacy.

A shooting incident in Saskatoon's River Heights neighborhood has left two men hospitalized with serious injuries. The victims were discovered near a 7/11 and Vern's Pizza on Warman Road, and police are actively investigating the situation as the suspect(s) fled the scene. This event raises concerns about safety in the community and highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence.

The Trump administration has instructed Colorado to cease importing wolves from Canada, mandating that any wolves brought into the state for population restoration must originate from Northern Rockies states. This decision is significant as it could hinder efforts to revive the grey wolf population in Colorado, which is crucial for maintaining ecological balance. The move has sparked concerns among conservationists who argue that limiting the source of wolves could slow down recovery efforts.

Senate Democrats are raising concerns that the National Park Service is being misused for influence peddling by accepting donations linked to Donald Trump's ballroom. This situation has sparked a call for transparency, as five senators demand answers about whether a trust meant to preserve the White House grounds is facilitating corruption. The matter is particularly pressing given the recent suspension of trade negotiations with Canada, confirmed by the US Secretary of State, which adds to the scrutiny surrounding Trump's dealings.

Lithuania has taken significant measures by closing its major airports and border crossings with Belarus after a series of helium weather balloons drifted into its airspace, marking the third such incident this month. This situation highlights ongoing concerns about airspace security in Europe, as similar incursions have caused disruptions across the continent. The decision to shut down airports in Vilnius and Kaunas underscores the seriousness of the threat and the need for vigilance in protecting national airspace.

Ontario has decided to pause its anti-tariff advertisement that drew the ire of President Trump. Premier Doug Ford announced that this move aims to facilitate the resumption of trade talks with the United States. This decision highlights the delicate balance of maintaining local interests while navigating international relations, especially in the context of ongoing trade discussions.

Zhi Dong Zhang, infamously known as Brother Wang, has been captured after a daring attempt to escape house arrest while trying to flee to Russia with forged documents. This significant arrest highlights ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime, showcasing law enforcement's commitment to bringing criminals to justice.