Arts14 of the best books of 2026 so farFrom a dizzyingly brilliant heist to a devastating tale of generational loss, here are the year's most acclaimed works of fiction so far.In pictures: The dotty world of Japanese artist Yayoi KusamaKusama was known for creating extraordinary immersive worlds that delighted millions of visitors.Power, posturing, penis size: What the Bayeux Tapestry reveals about the Middle AgesIn the 11th-Century masterpiece's tale of a contested throne, virility is equated to power – and the largest and proudest appendage. It tells a story that feels familiar today.Arts in MotionRolex and the ArtsThrough its Perpetual Arts Initiative, Rolex supports world-leading cultural institutions and exceptional artists, in the spirit of celebrating excellence and promoting the transmission of knowledge to new generations.See moreArt historyThe five details that unlock the genius of Van Gogh's original 'starry night' Vincent van Gogh transformed an ordinary city square into something special with his first "starry night" painting in 1888. Here's how he did it, and what it means.The 1920s paintings that changed how the world saw Canada The image that fuelled the American RevolutionWhat this Frida Kahlo painting tells us about her most intimate vulnerabilitiesAround the world10 remarkable artists' homes that are also museumsFrom Dalí's surreal home to Derek Jarman's seaside cottage and Frida Kahlo's Casa Azul, these homes and gardens are shrines to their extraordinary owners.'Sex, strategy and power': How women shape the plot of Homer's OdysseyThe protagonist of the epic poem is a heroic male – but the story is shaped by the stratagems and seductions of the women, nymphs and goddesses he meets along the way.Europe's secret dyeing formulaIn Central Europe, a rare, centuries-old practice has influenced the language, dress and culture of several nations.The servant who foretold King Henry VIII's death - and paid the ultimate price Elizabeth Barton became a celebrated visionary, but when she defied the monarch, she met a grisly end. Was she a charlatan or a heroine of the Tudor world?WatchJapan's ancient philosophy that helps us accept our flawsCan embracing imperfection bring greater peace? Japan's ancient tradition of kintsugi suggests it can.See moreClassical musicThe music that keeps animals calmYou can find many different playlists for dogs and cats online. However, not all styles of music are effective.How the Psycho music score changed film foreverAlfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.Yannick Nézet-Séguin: Mozart reveals everythingThe music director of the Met Opera shares how a commitment to authenticity shape his approach to conducting.Sinfonía por el Perú: Changing lives through musicWhat if a single note could change a life? That's exactly what's happening at Sinfonía por el Perú.Steven Isserlis: 'I want to be a voice in their heads'In an intimate portrait, acclaimed cellist Steven Isserlis opens up about why he loves teaching young musicians.Yannick Nézet-Séguin: From child prodigy to modern maestroThe renowned conductor and music director of the Met Opera reveals how a calling became his lifelong journey.More Arts stories11 mins agoHow fashion returned to Scotland's former national costume museumThe striking outfits are on display at Shambellie House - which closed as a costume museum in 2013.11 mins ago2 hrs agoMerry midwives' final curtain after 40 yearsA group of nurses have raised around £150,000 for local organisations through their performances.2 hrs ago3 hrs agoPeople invited to partake in architect exhibitionThe Association of Jersey Architect said all entries would be exhibited at Capital House, St Helier.3 hrs ago24 hrs agoGadd's debt to Edinburgh: 'You arrive with an idea and leave with a career'The Baby Reindeer star says the festivals are essential for new talent, and that he owes his success to the Fringe.24 hrs ago1 day agoArtist granted prestigious visa for paintings of York1 day ago1 day agoArtists sought to create village landmarkTorridge District Council is looking for artists to make original artwork for and about Westward Ho!1 day ago2 days agoCapitol Plaza wins community asset statusThe former Scarborough cinema is formally recognised as plans for a theatre revival progress.2 days ago2 days agoWill pigeon mural get its wings back?Two years after a cafe's pigeon mural was controversially replaced, its owner plans a new design.2 days ago2 days ago'Dragon' offers street artist advice - and a jobNathan Murdoch is offered a job painting one of the Dragon's offices in London.2 days ago2 days agoCall for £1.5m to finish city regeneration schemeThe contractor is asking for an extra £1.5m to cover extra costs in order to finish the project.2 days ago3 days agoJapanese polka dot artist Yayoi Kusama dies aged 97Her colourful creations drew large crowds and fetched some of the highest ever prices for a female artist.3 days ago3 days agoSusan Sarandon leads tributes to Rocky Horror Picture Show co-star Tim CurryStars of stage and screen grieve the cult British actor, who has died aged 80.3 days ago4 days agoFuneral held for renowned Palestinian artist Sliman MansourThe 79-year-old was best known for paintings depicting the Palestinian landscape and cultural scenes featuring Palestinian symbols of identity.4 days ago4 days agoRupert Grint to return to Harry Potter in Broadway playGrint, now 38, will play his character as an adult in the Harry Potter spin-off play in New York.4 days ago4 days agoChinese artist jailed over satirical Mao sculptures, say rights groupsThe case against Gao Zhen, who was prosecuted under a law banning "slander of heroes", has been seen as an assault on artistic freedom.4 days ago...
