For classical anecdotes, as Mr Spivey recounts, tell of artists actually torturing their models so as to be able to chisel pain with utter veracity.

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Called BMW Guggenheim Lab, the partnership is a six-year-long program designed to help architects, engineers, artists and scientists design new models for urban life worldwide.

FORBES: BMW, Guggenheim to Design Urban Future

Ryan Schinman, founder and chief executive of Platinum Rye Entertainment, the world's largest broker of celebrity talent, models, recording artists, sports figures and other celebrities for ad campaigns and p.r. events, says the stigma that once kept Hollywood's A-list from promoting goods is all but nonexistent today.

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He said that artists would have to find new models of doing business.

FORBES: Kim Dotcom Says The US Government Is Protecting 'An Outdated Monopolistic Business Model'

You can expect several Megabox announcements next year including exclusive deals with artists who are eager to depart from outdated business models.

FORBES: Kim Dotcom Hints That Megaupload Is Coming Back This Year

Her latest book, "After Images, " and exhibitions involve photographs using actors, models and dancers to evoke famous paintings by artists such as Cezanne, Picasso and Balthus.

WSJ: 'Nobody Else Sees the Way I Do'

The 70 giant models of Aardman's famous canine character have been sent out to artists around the world to decorate with their own designs.

BBC: Wallace and Gromit designer dogs unveiled in Bristol