ArtsWhy David Hockney's 1967 masterpiece is newly poignant after his deathIn the wake of legendary British artist David Hockney's death, aged 88, his famous meditation on presence and absence, A Bigger Splash, takes on a new meaning.'A dark and violent scene': The 1927 painting that foretold Germany's downfallVariety Show by German painter Max Beckmann is an unsettling painting depicting a chaotic cabaret scene – what does it mean, and did it foreshadow the rise of Nazism?10 intimate images of a lost, decadent 1930s ParisMoving "from the slums to the exclusive salons", Brassaï captured the brothels, gay bars and backstreets of Paris's hazy night-time in its radical inter-war years.Arts in MotionRolex and the ArtsThrough its Perpetual Arts Initiative, Rolex supports world-leading cultural institutions and exceptional artists, in the spirit of celebrating excellence and promoting the transmission of knowledge to new generations.See moreArt historyWhistler Mother is a US icon - here's why the artist would've hated its successAt first overlooked, Whistler's 1871 painting of his mother rose to fame over decades to become considered a national masterpiece, a maternal figurehead and a diverse meme.'Hideous': The controversy over Picasso's most shocking paintingThe artworks that inspired eight Met Gala looksWhy this 16th-Century painting isn't what it seemsThese artworks are by women - men got the creditAround the world10 of the best books of 2026 so farFrom a darkly comic tale of revenge to a beautiful contemplation on friendship, here are the year's most acclaimed works of fiction so far.How a little town became Japan's unexpected art havenOnce polluted and suffering from depopulation, Naoshima has become Japan's hottest contemporary art enclave – and there are signs that life there may be finally rebounding.The woman 'who beat Disney by a decade'German director Lotte Reiniger's The Adventures of Prince Achmed was released a century ago in 1926 – and now stands as the world's oldest animated feature filmLord of The Flies' study of hate and division has never been more relevantWilliam Golding's story of boys descending into violence is a 20th-Century classic. Now Adolescence writer Jack Thorne is behind a new TV version speaking to a rancorous world.WatchThe forbidden erotica of ancient PompeiiA unique collection of erotic art was found perfectly preserved in the ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum.See moreClassical musicThe music that keeps animals calmYou can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.How the Psycho music score changed film foreverAlfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.How music saved a cellist's life in AuschwitzAfter being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women's orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.The most misunderstood Oscar winner everMiloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.A look back at operatic legend Maria Callas' lifeGreek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.More Arts stories2 hrs agoConstable painting on display for first time in 60 yearsThe oil painting, created in 1820, is on loan to Salisbury Museum until 2030.2 hrs ago3 hrs agoDrag queen La Voix returns to stage in Annie The MusicalDrag queen La Voix returns to stage in Annie The Musical as Miss Hannigan3 hrs ago3 hrs agoVenue operator invests £25m to reopen hippodromeAcademy Music Group's chief operating officer says it will be a "privilege" to reopen the venue.3 hrs ago1 day agoIn pictures: Recycled art project transforms churchThe Waterfall Garden installation at a New Forest church took volunteers about nine months to create.1 day ago2 days agoDeptford: A colourful high street loved by localsArtist Patricio Forrester says murals bring Deptford High Street "together as a community".2 days ago2 days agoElves, fairies and goblins restored to Elfin OakCarvings of elves, fairies, goblins, witches have been returned to the Elfin Oak in central London.2 days ago2 days agoCornwall's Miracle Theatre company looks on 47 yearsThe Miracle Theatre company started with just three people performing in pubs in Cornwall.2 days ago2 days agoArtist's 'non-violent' take on manspreadingCharlotte Miller says "if you know, you know".2 days ago2 days agoThe dance classes bringing 'joy' to a hospitalThe project is growing and will be available to children and cancer patients.2 days ago2 days ago'Maggi Hambling helped me reveal my true identity'The artist was exhibiting under a fake name until she met her hero Maggi Hambling.2 days ago2 days ago'Intriguing' ballet teaches kids about danceAbout 270 pupils attended a preview of the performance of Black Dog Noir at Jersey Opera House.2 days ago2 days agoNext phase of work begins to rebuild theatreThe rebuild is expected to create jobs and attract around 100,000 visitors annually, the council said.2 days ago3 days ago'David Hockney the person has gone but he will live on'Feted by the art world, David Hockney is already part of the fabric of his home city's identity.3 days ago3 days agoDavid Hockney depicted a 'peaceful, gay paradise' when homosexuality was a crimeThe painter broke social taboos by celebrating same-sex relationships in his art.3 days ago3 days agoKing Charles leads tributes to 'giant of the art world' David HockneyThe artist, who has died at the age of 88, "was one of life's true originals", King Charles says.3 days ago...
