Art... has represented the United States in its embassies and consulates around the world by putting our "best foot forward" in the spirit of creativity and cooperation among nations and showcasing some of America's most respected contemporary artists.

I would be hard pressed to think of anyone in the visual arts who has done more to make public the centuries old discrimination of race and gender, the oppressive effects of power, the intricacies of domesticity and our general sense of place as human beings than Carrie Mae Weems.

Art long outlives the institutions and ideologies it is made to service.

The rise of feminism corresponds roughly with the expansion of the artworld to include women's production. This is a history that began predominantly in impelling women's art as an expression of the identification of women apart from men.

Art is more accessible than ever before in history. What's best is that everyone can now buy real art made by recognized contemporary masters for modest prices.