Some things remain unchanged. Some others repeat themselves. That is the case of the Japanese ’70s and ’80s so-called City Pop movement, and what we study now as the late classical Heian Period (798-1185 CE). In this earlier period of time, the Japanese borrowed from Chinese traditions, like those in religion and craftsmanship, and blended them…
A certain Austrian pianist, composer and conductor was born on this day in 1756, one Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. That name suffices, though he was really baptised Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart. We tend to slap a few other labels on him, too. Child Prodigy. True Genius. The very first Pop Star the world ever knew.…
Just with the phrase “antique porcelain” I can probably chase away a fair deal of would-be readers. But tarry a moment or two longer and allow me to very briefly explain how those fragile old plates with slick, finely fracturing coats of glaze, fired centuries ago, still bear witness to geographic and scientific exploration, imperial strength…
Express yourself, capture your essence as only you can, then let the world see you. The Saatchi Gallery very recently had the pleasure of announcing its partnership with Huawei Mobile for the upcoming exhibition From Selfie to Self-Expression. Opening to the public from 31st March to 30th May 2017 on an entire floor of the Saatchi Gallery,…
Do you ever just feel like screaming? Giving a good holler to release that inner buildup of steam? Of course, I wish no one any reason to cry out in fear, pain, bad surprise or road rage. But as they, say the struggle is real, and everyone could do with some stress relief in the form…
Wielding knitting needles for the betterment of masculinity? Sounds good to me. Especially in a world that likes to stereotype, finds it easier to assume that dealing in skeins of dyed yarn, doilies, afghan blankets and forever misshapen chunky sweaters is strictly the trade of grannies with inflamed knuckles, nesting expectant mothers and housewives glazing over before their…
I’m sitting at Bar Canton drinking the best coffee cortado in the whole of Spain. The sun is positively chirping. It’s such a beautiful morning and the crowd at the bar is a warm and friendly crew of Spanish working men, all idling over breakfast before they head off to work. It’s about 8 a.m. and…
From one citizen of the world to any of my fellows that might be reading, I feel it, too. As if every day the sun’s been rising lately the globe jolts another few degrees off its already-tilted axis. I say with no inclinations to be controversial that when it begins to feel as if certain homely dramatis…
Last week I received the above message on social media from artist Ed Fornieles. The message went on: “I’m here to chat. Operated by a team of conversationalists, I’m here to respond to your needs, as a friend.” What Fornieles has done is set up a team of ‘chatters’ who message people and talk about…
Over the last sixty years, art has excitedly been moving from the strictly static canvas towards more interactive media which at the present time allow more involvement from spectators in their world of observations. There are many factors that contribute to this change in art that include consumerism, technology, perhaps boredom or frustration, changes in…