ArtsThe dark side of the US's most divisive painterBeloved by many, despised by others, Thomas Kinkade's quaint rustic scenes and his wholesome image belied a tortured story that contrasts with his "sugary" artworks.The hidden messages in a 21st-century masterpieceSchool of Beauty, School of Culture is among the exhibits in a major new London retrospective of the US artist Kerry James Marshall. But there is more to it than first meets the eye.18 of the best books of 2025 so farFrom an "epic" coming-of-age story to "delicious" dark academia – this is the very best fiction of the year, as chosen by BBC journalists.FeatureHow a 'shocking' musical escaped UK censorshipHair was infamous for its nude scene, but other aspects were just as radical. In 1968, its director told the BBC how it would have fallen foul of an outdated censorship law.See more Arts in MotionIn a pioneering new collaboration, the BBC – in partnership with Rolex – celebrates excellence in arts and culture. See moreAround the worldWhy Mr Darcy isn't the romantic hero he seemsMostly miserable and even "unforgivably cruel", Jane Austen's famous romantic hero is not what he seems, writes the author Sebastian Faulks, in an exclusive extract.Japan's tomb of buried photos revealing its secretsThe Japanese photographer who buried hundreds of photos and the journey to revive his legacy.Michelangelo to Banksy: The art that was erasedPrefiguring Banksy's latest mural depicting a judge attacking a protester, are centuries of art history where works have been censored or edited.WatchWashi: The Japanese paper crafted to last 1,000 yearsAncient documents made with washi, the hand-crafted Japanese paper, are proof of its remarkable longevity.24 Sep 2025TravelWhy we're still talking about Maud WagnerHow America's first professional female tattooist broke through into an art form historically dominated by men.4 Mar 2025Time FrameOtherworldly scenes of a remote Arctic cityPhotographer Elena Chernyshova explores what it’s like to live in a city 400km north of the Arctic Circle.9 Nov 2023Art & DesignJoseph Boulogne: The musical genius you've never heard ofA soldier, athlete, musical genius and revolutionary, Joseph Boulogne was the crème de la crème of 18th-century French society.17 Aug 2022Music'The male nude is still a taboo'Can the male body be eroticised like women’s? London-based photographer Yushi Li explores the subject.6 Jul 2022PhotographyArt historyThe real meaning of Van Gogh's Sunflowers They helped to make Vincent van Gogh among the most famous and influential painters in the history of art. Why did sunflowers obsess him and so many other artists before and since?Six art history rules hidden in this Taylor and Travis photoThe Soviet artwork that spied on the USThe radical manifesto hidden in a masterpiece'Smoke and mirrors': Who was the real Andy Warhol?Take me to the operaSir Bryn Terfel: 'Singing is the air that we breathe'Welsh bass baritone Sir Bryn Terfel is one of the most distinguished opera singers of our age.See moreClassical musicHow the Psycho music score changed film foreverAlfred Hitchcock's grisly horror might not have become a classic without composer Bernard Herrmann's disturbing score.Does Notre-Dame still sound the same?Performers and visitors to the famous gothic cathedral in the midst of the River Seine may find some subtle differences to the way sound bounces around its walls.How music saved a cellist's life in AuschwitzAfter being sent to the Nazi death camp in 1943, Anita Lasker survived by playing in its women's orchestra. In 1996, she spoke to the BBC about her ordeal.The most misunderstood Oscar winner everMiloš Forman's best picture-winning Amadeus is often accused of historical inaccuracies – but the film's critics could be missing the point.A look back at operatic legend Maria Callas' lifeGreek-American soprano Maria Callas, hailed as one of the greatest singers in operatic history, remains an icon for young performers today.How opera is aiming for net zeroMany opera companies are working towards full sustainability, and Glyndebourne is among those aiming to be a force for good.More stories10 hrs agoArt meets archaeology in new exhibitionArtist and archaeologist Dr Rose Ferraby's exhibition aims to show Wiltshire's influence on art.10 hrs ago19 hrs agoBritish Textile Biennial opens to the publicThis year's exhibition shows works from international artists across multiple venues in Lancashire.19 hrs ago19 hrs agoTheatre's front-of-house staff get their own showThey get the chance to fill a gap in the schedule after success on TikTok.19 hrs ago2 days agoLive performances return to revamped opera houseThe curtains are being drawn on the first season of performances in more than four years.2 days ago2 days agoBus shelter art celebrates nature and heritageFour artists transform bus stops with vibrant paintings of landmarks, animals and canal boats. 2 days ago2 days agoArtwork offers vibrant welcome at city stationThe colourful installation, by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Ilori, brightens Station Square in MK.2 days ago2 days agoNeon goose mural marks university's 60th yearArtist David Speed spends 60 hours at the university to find out what students wanted him to create.2 days ago3 days ago'I'd date him': Rylan loves his new portraitThe artist sees Rylan's beautiful heart.3 days ago3 days agoLes Misérables lyricist felt lack of credit, archive revealsHerbert Kretzmer said his version was "virtually a new, rewritten show" compared with the French original.3 days ago...