Police in Connecticut have searched the home of a 79-year-old gangster in connection with a stash of stolen paintings.

It is astounding to think no art gallery in Australasia has ever generated a comprehensive exhibition of work from South America until now.

Much exciting contemporary art aims not to promote meaning or message but rather to engage the eye with new visual experience.

Fifteen seconds: according to a number of surveys, that's the amount of time the "average" viewer spends looking at a painting and accompanying text.

COMMENT: Four hundred years after the writer's death it's time to acknowledge Shakespeare has less to offer the modern world.

This week marks 400 years since the death of our national poet. And yet his characters, the worlds he created, the thoughts he expressed are for all people and all time.

Taking dance to provinces and to the young is company focus.

One of the most popular exhibitions at the Mairangi Arts Centre, on Auckland's North Shore, is now on.

Animated artistry narrows gap between art and science, writes Nick Atkinson.

Listing racist remarks and restrictive stereotypes may seem simplistic at first, but this is mere preparation for some smart theatrics.

Geraldine Brophy's robust, stripped down treatment of HMS Pinafore suggests their inimitable brand of musical mirth could easily win over a new generation.

To celebrate its silver jubilee, Tim Bray Productions is bringing back favourite shows from its repertoire and The Lighthouse Keeper's Lunch is first.

Stage show brings 80's movie Flashdance to life, writes Dionne Christian.

Auckland artist Flox speaks to Dionne Christian about her children's book collaboration.

Auckland's 'Off Broadway' institution puts on a bumper weekend, writes William Dart.

Ghislaine Kenyon tells Craig Sisterson about why she felt compelled to write a book about Sir Quentin Blake, the most renowned illustrator of our time.

This third annual season of New Original Dance, showcases the choreographies of four nascent dance makers on a cast of five dancers.

Big things are set to roar in to the spotlight on stage at the Bruce Mason Centre, writes Dionne Christian.

Artist Willard Wigan has created a microscopic sculpture of William Shakespeare, which is smaller than a full stop in a newspaper, to mark the 400th anniversary of his death.

On April 23, Auckland will be the first city in the world to mark 400 years since the death of playwright William Shakespeare.

I'm tempted to borrow a phrase from French composer Francoise Sagan and greet Nicola Benedetti and Leonard Elschenbroich with a cheery "Aimez-vous Brahms?" as the couple are about to play Sagan's Double Concerto.

Works of two established artists and a newcomer grace Auckland venues this month.

Leaning back in one of the armchairs, Canton speaks of "racial hierarchies" and "exoticism" and whether we're all "a little bit racist".

Kiddie kitsch and darker psychological themes fill Jessie McCall's latest offering, writes Bernadette Rae.

A rare Goldie portrait with the potential to sell for more than a million dollars is likely to break records as the most expensive NZ painting sold at auction.

Artists take centre stage in Sydney's 20th Biennale, finds Eli Orzessek.

There are three strikingly inter-cultural exhibitions in Auckland; two of them at Te Uru Waitakere Art Gallery.

Today, NZ Opera turns up the roller door at its Onehunga Technical Centre for an open day everyone is invited to.

A quirky new study in the European Journal of Finance has found narcissism is positively associated with the market performance of artworks, contradicting previous research.

Kerrin Tilley paints using a special mouthpiece, along with his tongue and teeth to guide and control the brush.