art

Parastoo Ahmadi Released on Bail after her Arrest

Iranian singer Parastoo Ahmadi was released on bail on December 23 by a Tehran court, two weeks after her arrest for performing an online concert without wearing the mandatory veil for women in Iran. According to local media, the young artist appeared at the 38th district court in Tehran with her lawyers. The charges against her were detailed, and ...

Théo Fouchenneret: The Soul of the Piano

On Sunday, December 22, nature wept over Beirut. On the way to Saint-Elie Church in Kantari, our thoughts wandered through the ruins of the capital, those gaping wounds that will bleed and ooze the horrors of war for years to come. Alas. That evening, a fine rain caressed these scars, soft and soothing, like saving kisses from angels during this ...

Tunisia: CinemaTdour, a Mobile Truck Making Cinema Accessible to All

"If you can't go to the cinema, it will come to you" might well describe CinemaTdour, a mobile cinema truck touring Tunisia to make the seventh art accessible to everyone, from rural areas to underserved neighborhoods. Dozens of workers joyfully step down from a large red truck parked in front of their factory in Djemmal, a central-eastern town ...

Arahmaiani: Indonesia’s Frida Kahlo and Freedom Advocate

Indonesian artist Arahmaiani has lived many lives—from an imprisoned anti-dictatorship activist to a hippie, art teacher, and environmentalist. Her experiences have deeply inspired her work, which tests the limits of freedom and challenges societal norms. As a Southeast Asian artist, Arahmaiani spent years as a nomad after her paintings, ...

Stylish Christmas Slippers: The Stars of the Traditional Festive Season

Christmas slippers have become a true symbol of the season, reminding us of a cherished tradition that blends history, legend and modernity. Over time, they have undergone a subtle transformation, fusing ancient customs with contemporary tastes. A Tradition Anchored in History The history of Christmas slippers is deeply rooted in the past. Their ...

Mumbai’s Art Deco Heritage Faces Threats from Urban Modernization

A towering cinema with a roofline reminiscent of an ocean liner stands out in India’s financial capital, Mumbai, a testament to the city’s remarkable Art Deco heritage, which campaigners warn is in urgent need of protection. Just a short walk away lies a state-run insurance office adorned with Egyptian-style carvings, alongside a palm-lined ...

In Sudan, Aspiring Female Filmmakers Capture Resilience Amidst Conflict

Amid over a year and a half of war, aspiring female filmmakers in Sudan are capturing stories of resilience and hope with their smartphones. This initiative is part of a project designed to pave the way for a new generation of filmmakers. The film Ana Hona (“I Am Here”) follows Randa El-Taher and her friend Bekheita Abdallah, who lead the ...

Tilda Swinton to Receive Honorary Golden Bear at Berlinale

The Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) will honor Scottish actress Tilda Swinton with the Honorary Golden Bear for lifetime achievement at its 2025 edition, organizers announced Friday. The award recognizes the actress’ extraordinary versatility and her immense influence on modern cinema. Berlinale director Tricia Tuttle praised ...

Ringo Starr and Paul McCartney Spark Beatles Nostalgia

Ringo Starr made a surprise appearance at the final show of Paul McCartney’s Got Back tour in London on Thursday, delighting fans with an impromptu reunion of two of the surviving members of The Beatles. Starr, the 84-year-old drummer, joined McCartney onstage at the O2 Arena for a set that included some of the Fab Four's most iconic ...

Michel Tirabosco by Zahi Haddad: 'Le Souffle de Ma Vie'

On January 14, 2025, Le Souffle de ma vie will be published by Éditions Favre. Written by Zahi Haddad, a biographer celebrated for exploring themes like inclusion, diversity and authenticity, the book paints a compelling portrait of Tirabosco’s extraordinary journey. Two launch events will take place in Switzerland: January 16 at 6 PM at Payot ...

Notre-Dame de Paris Cathedral: Modern Stained Glass Sparks Controversy

On Wednesday, December 18, the designs for six new stained glass windows for the fire-damaged Notre Dame Cathedral were unveiled for the first time. French contemporary artist Claire Tabouret has been selected to infuse the iconic 12th-century structure with a modern twist as part of its ongoing restoration, following the devastating 2019 ...

The Many Faces of Marisa Paredes, Almodóvar’s Eternal Muse

Born on April 3, 1946, in Madrid, María Luisa Paredes Bartolomé—known to the world as Marisa Paredes—grew up in an era overshadowed by Francisco Franco’s dictatorship. Raised in a humble family as the fourth child of a concierge and a homemaker, her childhood was marked by hardship. “I endured humiliation and abuse. How could I not ...