Culture

Toy Story's villain bear turned into a merchandising phenomenon in China. How a Pixar antagonist became a national favourite, and what it says about the market.

By Maria Bregman, writer and film critic The International Film Festival and Awards (SIFFA) of 2024 promises a remarkable week for cinema enthusiasts, showcasing an eclectic selection of films and performances. From historic epics to contemporary thought-provoking narratives, SIFFA captivates audiences with its dedication to celebrating global cinema. With screenings across various iconic venues in…

By Leo Nankin The Barbican Centre has long been synonymous with pioneering performances and cultural trailblazing, bringing the most transformative productions to London's stage. This season, audiences are drawn to the magnetic allure of Ruth Negga, who has been nothing short of revelatory in her latest role. The production not only captivates with Negga’s nuanced…

By Maria Bregman The Nobel Prize in Literature. For more than a century, the Nobel Prize in Literature has been the closest thing the literary world has to a divine judgment. Handed down from the Olympian heights of the Swedish Academy, its verdicts were often baffling, occasionally infuriating, but always final. The prize’s immense power…

By Yulia Tulegenova As London pulses with excitement for the London Frieze Week, Gabriel Fine Arts unveils a provocative exhibition, “The World As My Kingdom,” which runs from 8th to 12th October 2024 at the Gallery Marquess in Mayfair. This carefully curated show takes visitors on a visual journey, dissecting the many layers of power…

Few couples in Hollywood can boast the legacy, charisma, and star power of Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones. As this legendary pair celebrates their milestone birthdays on 25th September - with Douglas turning 80 and Zeta-Jones marking her 55th - the entertainment world reflects on their storied careers, enduring partnership, and influence across generations of…

In today’s interconnected world, art communication has evolved into a vital component of the art market's infrastructure. Art is no longer just a medium of passive appreciation or collection; it has become a dynamic platform for exchanging ideas, emotions, and cultural values. Art communication plays an integral role in fostering understanding, building reputations, and ensuring…

The face of Kirill Richter is on posters across London. It looks out from the wall of the Coliseum, heralding the premiere of his orchestral fantasy, Sands of Time. This is not the face you expect to see advertising a symphony. It is too young, too contemporary. It is the face of a composer for whom…

By Anna Zhila, art critic and artist Art critic and artist Anna Zhila leverages her distinct educational foundation from the Tretyakov Art Gallery, Gnesin Music Academy, and Moscow Conservatory to provide insightful analysis at the convergence of visual art, music, and heritage. Known for championing her native Sergiev Posad as an “alternative centre of power,”…

The 1994 film The Crow left an indelible mark on popular culture, creating a gothic legend that fused raw emotion, tragedy, and an iconic visual aesthetic. Directed by Alex Proyas and starring Brandon Lee, who tragically lost his life during the film’s production, The Crow became more than a movie - it evolved into a…

In a dazzling addition to London’s vibrant public art scene, Yayoi Kusama, the globally celebrated Japanese artist, has unveiled her largest permanent public sculpture, Infinite Accumulation. This towering installation, located at Liverpool Street Station, marks Kusama's first permanent public artwork in the UK and stands as a testament to her innovative spirit and enduring influence…

31.07.2024 By Yulia Tulegenova, art researcher Reimagining a beloved childhood story is a subtle act of cultural archaeology. In her 2023 series, The Stolen Sun, Maria Akopova does not merely illustrate Korney Chukovsky’s classic tale; she excavates it, unearthing its timeless heart and encasing it in the intricate, gear-driven shell of steampunk. What Maria Akopova has…

By Anna Zhila There is a particular kind of paralysis that strikes in the late evening. You are bathed in the cool, blue light of a screen, scrolling through an infinite, frictionless menu of stories. The sheer volume of choice is its own kind of tyranny. What the algorithm offers is a mirror of your…

08.07.24 By Anna Zhila, music and arts expert, Gnessins Academy of Music. Today we get to know Anna Grigoryan's latest music album. Her latest single, "Zombie", demonstrates an amazing ability to combine different musical styles into a cohesive and exciting sound.  Anna Grigoryan is not just a musician; she is a sonic architect. Her music…

London, UK - On the evening of July 6th, 2024, the elegant St Peter’s in Hammersmith was filled with the enchanting sounds of a violin concert organized by the esteemed Maxence Bretel. The event, which featured a variety of performers, was a resounding success, captivating a diverse audience of classical music aficionados. The highlight of…