The newest exhibition, "Slash", at the Museum of Arts and Design (formerly American Craft Museum) features the full spectrum of approaches when it comes to paper cutting. Although paper cutting is not a cutting edge area of art, this show explores different approaches to this ancient art. Some specific works include Jane Scott's "Wall" and Mia Pearlman's "Inrush". Scott's evokes an urban, industrial feel while Pearlman's is like a gigantic white wave of paper cascading from the ceiling. Other themes from the show include slavery, colonialism, and Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but the environmental impact of using paper was somewhat glossed over. Coffee Filters, graphite, rice starch, and silk flowers are some of the alternative materials used. Even though this type of exhibition is to be expected from the Museum of Arts and Design, the new innovations of the artists really make it a standout show. Join discussion...

The Art Institute of Chicago has recently opened a new modern wing, designed by Renzo Piano. The style of architecture is in itself a form of art, adding 264,000 square feet of floor space to the already spacious museum. The third floor contains many spotlights to better accent the pre-1945 modernist art. There are a myriad of famous names, including Joan Miró, Matisse, and Picasso. The suite of galleries on the second floor is devoted to art since the 1960's, showing an infusion of Pop art and surrealism. This expansion has really made the Art Institute a destination spot for art aficionados, with a larger modern collection then the Met. It gives an expansive survey in modern art styles, and incorporates famous names and up and comers in the new collections. Join discussion...

The economic crisis has definitely permeated the art world. Prices are a tenth of what they were, a Giacometti sculpture is estimated to go for 16 million, while 6 months ago it would have fetched 80 million. Sotheby's and Christie's are attempting to provide cash incentives, but buyers are not willing. This drop occurred around November this year and has continued to tank. Buyers are sticking with Impressionist and modern art because it is so much less volatile then up and comers. This is a good time to invest if you've got some dough, and pick up a rare Degas or Bacon self-portrait. The art market is beginning to feel the pinch of the economic crisis Join discussion...

Although the area of New York known as Chelsea has been snubbed as an art scene in the past, this month it encompasses almost every style of art imaginable. Sa Suk-Won stands out with his regressive Chinese art influences utilized in his chalkboard like paintings. Van de Weghe fine arts gallery boasts a showing of Frank Stella's 60's and 70's canvases. Young artist Paula Wilson debuts with a wide variety of mediums including painting, drawing, relief, and mini mosaics. An established artist, Lisa Sanditz, shows off her city scapes at CRG. The rules in Chelsea are no rules at all, with this months wide showing of different styles, techniques, and medium. Join discussion...

Although Picasso always brings hype to exhibitions in which his work is featured, this particular show at the Grand Palais in Paris lacks real soul. The show of Picasso's work alongside old masters' has attracted lots of crowds and attention, just because of the famous name. The actual work of Picasso that was shown in fact appeared to be a sad attempt to redo grander achievements by other artists. His sometimes cartoonish images do not do justice to the original masterpieces that inspired his work. Several other shows are taking place at this time at nearby museums such as the Louvre or at Orsay, but this one in particular attracts throngs of visitors. The entire exhibition lacks true spirit and is solely intended to bring in money in this time of financial chaos. Join discussion...

The Institute of Contemporary Art displayed the coverage of the first debate between John McCain and Barack Obama last month in Boston. This was no ordinary showing however, because the debate had been manipulated and crafted by Sosolimited, 3 media artists who "remixed" the debate by adding scrolling columns of data, such as how many times a certain word had been spoken by a candidate. This remix is titled "ReConstitution 2008". To add an air of fun, the audience's reactions are also featured patterns and shapes, along with animated caricatures of the candidates to draw attention to body language. Sometimes the candidates heads even turn to sky bubbles and move around the screen.....This fast, instantaneous software is truly cutting edge graphic art! Join discussion...

Your Gallery and StuArt are two new global galleries existing online. When users submit their work, it can be easily viewed. This project was funded by Charles Saatchi, a well known British art collector. Even though these websites have been up for only short periods of time, they both have reached over 20 million hits so far. Artists such as Michael Jorda of Valencia, Spain can post their video creations online, enabling them to reach out to the masses. Coming soon to these websites will be versions translated in Spanish to open the forum up to even greater numbers. It is a great service in getting your art out there, a huge resource for all artists. Join discussion...

Opening February 20th at the Philadelphia Museum of art is a fascinating exhibition of Frida Kahlo's masterpieces. It is being held in honor of the 100 year anniversary of her birth, and features over 40 works throughout her artistic career. These paintings show her love for self-examination, and illustrate the pain she experienced in her life. The show also displays over 100 photographs with Frida and her life-long lover, Diego Rivera. Some of the pictures show her with other notable artistic figures of the day such as Gisele Freund, and Tina Modotti. Many of the photographs Frida added captions to, or kissed leaving a lipstick mark. Everything in this show promises to be extremely thought-provoking. Join discussion...

Sotheby's New York is preparing for a true extravaganza on February 14th to benefit product RED. Product Red benefits AIDS relief in Africa, was created by Bono, and up till now has raised 46 million dollars commercially. Bono has hopes of raising this amount all over again through this art auction. The auction includes paintings by many esteemed artist such as Takashi Murakami, Damien Hirst, and Jasper Johns, all with a theme of red or love. With all these high profile artist behind him, Bono has a definite chance of reaching his goal. Everyone should be proud of this event, and that art can do so much, even save lives. Join discussion...

When commemorating the 50 year anniversary of Sputnik 1's launch into space, we cannot forget the canine factor in the endeavor. This week in Moscow, a grand bronze statue of the mutt Laika who braved the journey to space will be presented. Also at the museum of Jurassic Technology there has been a display of the "muttniks", painted in glowing oils. This museum was founded in 1989 by David Wilson and he commented,“The Russian people don’t need to be told how wonderful these animals were,” he said, “but we think it’s wonderful for them to understand they’re not alone in thinking so.” We should always recall our 5 magnificent mutts, Laika,Belka, Strelka,Zvezdochka, and Ugolyok when thinking of space travel Join discussion...