Hello Green Level! Welcome to this week’s edition of the Gators Guide, where we give you all the art news from around the globe. This week, read up about Artemisia Gentileschi, reminisce about the art auction at our school, and decide if we should remove the Mona Lisa from The Louvre.

Recently, painter Artemisia Gentileschi’s work sold for 6.1 million dollars. This set a new record in art auctions! You can read more about the sale here. Gentileschi was a baroque painter and one of the few women in art to truly get recognized for their work. Her art was unique as it came from a female eye- she often painted biblical scenes that looked unlike anything else at the time. Artemisa came from a family of artists, and the line continued past her–you can read more about her life and works here, here, and here. 

Speaking of auctions, our school had its first Arts Extravaganza on Friday the 15th. The night was a full success. The atmosphere was beautiful and soft, just like the coffee house vibe Mr. Mapp aspired to reach. He succeeded, and students, faculty, and family all browsed the artwork, enjoyed the hot chocolate and Starbucks, ate far too many cookies, played video games, and had a generally wonderful time. With live performances from chorus students and demonstrations by some of the artists, everyone found ways to enjoy themselves and the art of Green Level.

Finally, one New York Times writer insists that it’s time to remove the Mona Lisa from viewing. The Mona Lisa, present at the Louvre, has become one of the best-known pieces of art in history. Yet journalist Jason Farago believes that the “Kim Kardashian of 16th-century Italian portraiture” has lived its life in the spotlight. The majority of visitors only come to see the painting, and most of them leave unhappy due to the crowds around the painting, which is stored in its room. The author explains the situation. “Now, you must line up in a hideous, T.S.A.-style snake of retractable barriers that ends at about 12 feet from the Leonardo — which, for a painting that’s just two and a half feet tall, is too far for looking and way too far for a good selfie.” Instead of appreciating all the art of the museum, visitors stand for hours to only snap a photo with the painting. When the story was published, artists and art appreciators argued that the painting was so historic for reasons. It’s a beautiful painting, but Farago still disagrees that it deserves this fame. Read the article that sparked this debate here, and then cast your vote on if we should take down the painting! 

That’s all for this week’s art news. See you next week, Gators!