A proposed statue in Auckland has reignited arguments over wartime atrocities, with Japan warning it could damage diplomatic ties.

The sculpture, representing ‘comfort women’, has been donated to the Korean cultural garden and is awaiting approval from local authorities. However, Japan’s ambassador described it as a “needlessly stirring up” historical chapter.

Meanwhile, in Milan, artist Maurizio Cattelan invites breakfast-goers to barter objects, turning everyday exchanges into symbolic acts of resistance or commerce.

The Colosseum gets a facelift with travertine marble, Dior sets sights on LA for its Cruise 2027 collection, and the Victoria and Albert Museum launches an initiative exploring the provenance of looted artworks.

In New York, Nailya Allakhverdiyeva reflects on her controversial decision to remain in Russia despite ongoing political pressures at PERMM, a museum she helped establish beyond Moscow’s cultural sphere.