The Guardian reports on a novel protest in Caracas, Venezuela to call attention to mystery of the lost Matisse painting that was replaced with a copy after an exhibition loan:

The women were photographed by the Venezuelan artist Violette Bule in poses reminiscent of the 1925 post-impressionist work that was replaced with a fake over a decade ago.

“My main goal is to have the original returned but I also want to call attention to the irony behind the way the art market works,” said Bule, who masterminded the ensemble. “After this scandal, the Odalisque will surely be worth much more,” she added.

Though the painting is said to have been recovered by FBI agents in Miami, details of the operation or the exact whereabouts of the Odalisque – valued at well over $3m (£2m) – have yet to be revealed. Two weeks ago, the Venezuelan attorney general, Luisa Ortega, declared to the press that her two attempts to contact US officials regarding the painting had gone unanswered. No other announcements have been made since.

Lost Matisse Painting Inspires Topless Protest in Caracas (Guardian)