Art Institute of Chicago to Repatriate 12th-Century Thai Temple Artifact
The Art Institute of Chicago has returned a 12th-century rectangular column fragment to the Phanom Rung temple in Thailand after new research revealed its true origin. This red sandstone fragment depicts the Hindu deity Krishna and is a valuable artefact from one of Thailand’s most significant archaeological sites. The museum’s collaboration with the Thai government in facilitating the return of this object serves as a model for ethical collecting practices and strengthens cultural respect and collaboration between the two countries. Additionally, the Art Institute of Chicago is currently involved in a dispute over the restitution of an Egon Schiele drawing to the heirs of Austrian Jewish collector Fritz Grünbaum.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.