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.

The recent mistaken release of Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, who was jailed for sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl, has ignited nationwide protests. This incident highlights serious flaws in the asylum seeker management system and raises concerns about public safety. The manhunt for Kebatu underscores the urgency of addressing these issues to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Ontario has decided to pause its anti-tariff advertisement campaign following sharp criticism from U.S. President Trump, who called off trade talks. The ad, which features a recording of former President Ronald Reagan, has sparked controversy and highlights the tensions in U.S.-Canada trade relations. This pause reflects the delicate balance both regions must maintain in their economic interactions, especially in light of ongoing trade negotiations.

Pakistan's recent ban on a hard-line Islamist party highlights the ongoing tensions in the country, especially following violent clashes with police that resulted in multiple fatalities. This decision reflects the government's struggle to maintain order and address extremist views, which is crucial for the nation's stability and security.

The US Justice Department is set to send election observers to California and New Jersey following requests from Republicans who are concerned about potential irregularities. This move comes amid a backdrop of heightened political tensions and accusations from Democrats. The presence of federal observers aims to ensure a fair electoral process, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the democratic system.

Keir Starmer expressed his deep disappointment following Labour's unexpected defeat in the Caerphilly by-election, marking the party's first loss in this constituency in a century. This loss is significant as it reflects shifting political dynamics and could impact Labour's strategy moving forward, especially as they prepare for future elections.

Tonight's Premier League match between Leeds and West Ham at Elland Road is generating excitement among fans. Leeds' manager Daniel Farke has praised goalkeeper Karl Darlow for his reliability, while also discussing the recent signing of Lucas Perri. This match is crucial as both teams aim to improve their standings in the league, making it a significant event for supporters and players alike.