Museum technician accidentally disposes of artwork

A new technician at the LAM Museum in the Netherlands mistakenly threw away “All The Good Times We Spent Together,” an artwork by French artist Alexandre Lavet resembling two empty crushed beer cans.

The museum, known for placing art in unexpected spots to surprise viewers, had displayed the piece in an elevator, where it was mistaken for discarded cans. Fortunately, a curator found the artwork in a bin before it was permanently removed. The museum holds no grudge against the technician, acknowledging he was only doing his job.

Sietske van Zanten, the museum’s director, said: “Our art encourages visitors to see everyday objects in a new light. By displaying artworks in unexpected places, we amplify this experience and keep visitors on their toes.”

Transformer trucks turn into mobile banquet halls

In rural China, tra­nsformer trucks that unfold into banquet halls have gained popularity for hosting events like weddings and festivals. These trucks, which transform in six minutes and accommodate up to 200 guests, feature air conditioning, screens and karaoke equipment. However, they lack kitchens. Renting one costs around 8,000 yuan ($1,150) for two days.

Originally seen in Inner Mongolia, these mobile venues have spread across northern provinces, despite their high purchase price of up to 1 million yuan ($141,000).

Man breaks into homes to do housework

Damian Wojnilowicz was sentenced to 22 months in prison after breaking into two homes in Newport, Wales, and performing chores such as hanging laundry, cleaning floors and taking out the trash. The man even left a note that read “Don’t worry, be happy, eat up and scratch!” for one of the victims.

Though Wojnilowicz didn’t steal anything significant, his actions made residents uneasy. One homeowner was so disturbed by the incident that she temporarily moved in with friends.

Wojnilowicz’s lawyer explained he was homeless and intended no harm, yet the court deemed him a “significant risk to the public.”

Baker creates miniature aristocratic dress cakes

Vietnamese cake artist, Nguyen Vu Hoang Anh, has gained viral attention for his intricate cakes shaped like miniature aristocratic dresses. Known for his expertise with fondant flowers, the 34-year-old took on dress-shaped cakes as a personal challenge, inspired by Baroque-era gowns.

Each cake, crafted with layers of sponge and buttercream, is meticulously shaped by hand to mimic fabric pleats, hems and tiny accessories, taking 3-5 days to complete. These edible masterpieces are priced between 3.5 million and 5 million VND ($140-$200), reflecting the detailed craftsmanship involved. n

Published in Dawn, Young World, November 2nd, 2024