Putting art reproductions in their place
Letters: We place a much higher value on things that are rare or unique, provided they speak to us in some significant way
sculpture
From Byzantine bannings to the Jeff Koons attack: the lamest art vandalism ever
The recent lacklustre spray-paint job on a Jeff Koons is nothing new in art … rubbish vandals have always been with us
Ai Weiwei, Modern Toss, The Turner Prize: this week’s new exhibitions
From Ai Weiwei’s show at Blenheim Palace to The Turner Prize in London, Skye Sherwin and Robert Clark find out what’s happening in art around the country
What is art for? Alain de Botton’s animated guide – video
In this exclusive video for the Guardian, philosopher Alain de Botton gives his top five reasons why art is such a vital force for humanity. Are we wrong to like pretty pictures? Why is some art painful to look at? Can art heal your feelings of urban alienation? Relax, watch and find out
Subversive design, radical Germans, and cultured holidays – the week in art
The V&A celebrates design as a form of protest, Isa Genzken brings her radical vision to Edinburgh, and we showcase the best exhibitions to catch on your summer travels – all in your weekly art newsletter
Secret oasis: the artist who’s hidden a swimming pool in the desert
Alfredo Barsuglia has put a swimming pool deep in the Mojave desert, which you need a treasure map to find. It’s a perfect parody of our world of instant gratification