London, Athens could share Parthenon Marbles in deal

LONDON—The chair of the British Museum said Thursday that the UK and Greece are working on a deal that would see his institution’s Parthenon Marbles displayed in both London and Athens.

George Osborne said talks with the Greek government had been “constructive.”

“I think there is a way forward where these sculptures...could be seen both in London and in Athens, and that will be a win-win for Greece and for us,” he told the BBC.

The antiquities, also known as the Elgin Marbles, mostly consist of the remnants of a frieze that ran around the outer walls of the Parthenon temple on the Acropolis in Athens.

Carved in the 5th century BC, they were taken in the early 19th century by British diplomat Lord Elgin and ended up in the British Museum, which for decades rebuffed Greek demands for their return.

Athens argues the sculptures were taken illegally when Greece was under Ottoman Turkish occupation and should be returned for permanent display beside the other surviving Parthenon sculptures that are in the Greek capital’s Acropolis Museum.

The British Museum insists it will not break up its collection, but there has been a change of tone recently as museums around the world seek to address concerns about the way ancient artifacts were acquired during periods of imperial domination and colonial expansion.

The museum has said it wants a “Parthenon partnership” with Greece.

Osborne, a former UK Treasury chief, said he was “reasonably optimistic” about striking a deal, but cautioned that “it may well not come to anything.”

“It’s a very hard problem to solve but I think there is a way forward,” he said.

In December, Pope Francis said he would send back to Greece three smaller fragments of sculptures from the Parthenon that the Vatican Museums have held for two centuries. AP

“I think the collection of art is also a very emotional response,” she said. “What we collect reflects who we are or what resonates with us at the time.”

Meanwhile, the incomparable feeling that art evokes remains hard to describe for Villanueva. What began 19 years ago as an attempt to fill out their apartment with art pieces after his wife “gave away to the movers [his] second-hand IKEA furniture” has become what he describes as a “passion and a lifelong journey.” Villanueva understands that motivation for art collection may vary. Some might be in it for prestige, others for investment. Whatever the case may be, he said that it’s important to buy art that makes the buyer happy.

“Don’t buy art just because other people are buying it. Just because you may like the artist or because that artist is very in demand, doesn’t mean you have to buy any of his or her artwork,” he said. “But then, at times, you will find something that grabs you, something that speaks to you. If it doesn’t break your bank, just go for it.”

“Just do it,” Jimenez-Ong added, alluding to the tagline of a global sports apparel brand. “What’s the worst that can happen [if you start collecting art]? You support Filipino artists, you support the Philippine economy, you have something that resonates with you hung on your wall. It’s win, win, win.” ■

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Assess your situation and subsequent move. Don’t share too much information until you have sorted out the pros, cons and possibility of putting your plans in motion. Reevaluate your relationships and consider who is an excellent candidate to work alongside. ★★★

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Stubbornness and hesitation will be your downfalls. Verify information and head for the finish line. Your vision, hands-on help and openness will win favors and encourage someone with something to contribute to support your effort. ★★★★

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do what you do best, and don’t let jealousy or emotional manipulation point you in the wrong direction. Take a moment to evaluate how you can help others and still reach the goals you set for yourself. Keep sensitive issues to yourself. ★★

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Don’t take on too much, or you’ll miss out on something special. Coordinate your plans to include people and activities offering a different perspective on life, love and happiness. Take the path that promises the lifestyle you desire. ★★★★★

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Play to win, be the entertainment and let your charm dazzle someone you want to impress. Be open about your intentions. Offer your skills to help round out a group addressing a concern you share. Personal growth and romance are apparent. ★★★

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Traveling or attending a conference will encourage you to try something you’ve been afraid to pursue. Don’t let fear of failure hold you back. Embrace challenges with open arms, and focus on changes that deliver personal happiness. ★★★

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Time spent with colleagues, clients or classmates will lead to fresh insight and intelligent solutions. Start a discussion addressing expectations, and hash out what you are willing to do and how much. ★★★

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Listen to complaints and find solutions. Compromising and finding unique ways to get along with others will make your life easier. Get involved in the creative process that goes along with any plans you want to incorporate into your everyday routine. ★★★

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Tell it like it is, or someone will correct you. Look on the bright side, but don’t lose sight of your responsibilities. Use intelligence to create a financially sound plan to attract support and partners.

A DIPTYCH exhibition, Viva España/Long Live América straddles between two different locations in Metropolitan Iloilo chosen for their historical, cultural and political affinities.

Viva España will be presented at Museo Iloilo (built 1971) located in the capital city. It is the first government-sponsored museum outside Metro Manila.

It houses an outstanding collection of Iloilo’s cultural heritage, but what makes Museo Iloilo significant is its around 300 pieces of religious artefacts and figures from home altars of old, prominent and devout Catholic families in the province.

The Ilonggos’ generous donations of Catholic material culture firmly and eloquently attest to the influence of 400 years of Spanish rule in the Philippines on the Visayan region and its people.

On October 5, 1889, Maria Christina, then Queen Regent of Spain, raised the status of the town to the Royal City of the South due to Iloilo’s economic development during the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1896, the Queen Regent named Iloilo “La Muy Noble Ciudad,” or “The Most Noble City”, in appreciation of the Ilonggos’ allegiance to Spain, and their chivalry to defend the “Queen City of the South” against the surge of the Philippine Revolution.

This section of the diptych is an attempt to “colonize” the space of the museum, retaining some selected pieces from its collection, and intervene in its present narrative.

Viva España/Long Live América is on view until February 28 at Museo Iloilo and Kri8 Art Space.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Consider the past and what you must do to improve your life. A home improvement project or changing your lifestyle or living arrangements will set you on a positive path. Trust and believe in yourself instead of bending to someone’s demand. ★★★★

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Offer hands-on help, but don’t give away money you cannot afford to donate. Reach out to someone you lost touch with and pick up where you left off. Doing so will change how you move forward and where or how you live. ★★★

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Stick to the truth, and ask questions to avoid making mistakes. Get the facts, and make safe decisions that won’t jeopardize your position or longterm goals. Adjust your spending to stay within budget.

BIRTHDAY BABY:

You are expressive, sensitive and bold. You are original and active.