By Anna Zhila There was a time, not so long ago, when the uniform of masculinity was a kind of armour. The sharp-shouldered suit, the stiff collar, the polished leather shoe - these were the components of a sartorial defence system, a way of projecting an image of strength, stability, and a certain kind of…

By Michael Mittelman In a recent act that has stirred significant public debate, members of the European environmental movement Just Stop Oil targeted Stonehenge, one of the United Kingdom's most iconic landmarks. This incident raises important questions about the intersection of environmental activism, cultural heritage, and public protest. On a seemingly ordinary morning, the tranquil…

An Artistic Conflict The interaction between art and politics is seldom more contentious than in the story of Graham Sutherland's portrait of Winston Churchill. Commissioned in 1954 to celebrate Churchill's 80th birthday, the portrait quickly became a symbol of artistic integrity clashing with political power. The Commission: Honour and Expectations A Celebratory Gesture The British…

The world of romantic comedies has been graced with countless memorable films, but few dare to break the mould as boldly as "Anora." This adults-only screwball comedy, featuring a quick-witted stripper as its protagonist, redefines the genre with a refreshing blend of humour, romance, and realism. In this detailed review, we explore how "Anora" manages…

By Anna Zhila It all came down to a few minutes of television. On the first of December 1976, the Sex Pistols were ushered into a London studio as a last-minute replacement for another band. The host, Bill Grundy, was a man steeped in the cosy, self-satisfied traditions of light entertainment. He goaded them, patronised…

Yulia Tulegenova, critic and reviewer in the fields of literature and art https://yuliatulegenova.art A Timeless Fable Reborn In literature, not all stories achieve lasting significance, but some manage to resonate deeply across generations and cultures, embedding themselves into the shared human experience. "The Whispering Reed," penned by the masterful Sergey Belov, is one such narrative…

In the culinary tapestry of Greece, few dishes hold as much reverence and cultural significance as the beloved moussaka. This iconic casserole, a harmonious blend of tender eggplant, fragrant spices, and a luxurious béchamel sauce, has captured the hearts and palates of Greeks and food enthusiasts worldwide. As summer beckons, with its warmth and abundance…

In the vibrant tapestry of New Mexico's art scene, one name shines brightly – Maria Poveka Martinez. This multitalented artist, hailing from the storied lands of Ohkay Owingeh Pueblo, has emerged as a powerful voice for cultural preservation and artistic expression. Through her captivating works and tireless advocacy, Martinez has become an ambassador for her…

By Yulia Tulegenova For two months, the silence was the story. In the vacuum left by an official statement of surgical success and a request for privacy, a strange and feverish madness took hold. The digital world, a place that abhors a void, filled it with a cacophony of speculation, with conspiracy theories that veered…

The British Isles, a tapestry of verdant landscapes and rugged coastlines, have long been a haven for an array of wildlife. It is this rich biodiversity that the British Wildlife Photography Awards (BWPA) 2024 seek to celebrate. With a lens focused on the natural world, the BWPA has announced its latest winners, showcasing the splendour…

By Yulia Tulegenova, art researcher Monumental art is a form of art that transcends the boundaries of space and time. It is a way of expressing the grandeur and glory of human civilization, culture, and history. It is also a way of communicating the emotions and visions of the artist to the audience. Monumental art…

Denis Villeneuve is one of the most acclaimed and visionary directors of our time. He has directed films such as Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Dune, and Dune: Part Two, which have been praised for their stunning visuals, immersive soundscapes, and complex narratives. He is also a passionate advocate for cinema as a unique and powerful…

Sam Smith is not only a Grammy-winning singer, but also a runway model. The British star made a stunning debut on the catwalk for Vivienne Westwood’s Fall/Winter 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week on March 4, 2024. Smith showcased two different looks from the punk-inspired collection, which was designed by Westwood’s husband and creative director,…

By Anna Zhila Nostalgia is a dangerous fuel. It can power a brief, sweet journey into the past, but it can also lead to a creative dead end, a place where familiar stories are endlessly recycled, their original magic diluted with each retelling. The West End is littered with the wreckage of such journeys: musical…

By Yulia Tulegenova, art researcher Christie Macdonald is a young and talented painter who creates stunning and original works of art that challenge the boundaries between reality and fantasy, nature and culture, life and death. Her solo exhibition in France, Beachcombing, is on display at Hasch, a contemporary art gallery in Marseille, and showcases her…