The Paradox of Colonialism: A Tale of Orientalism and Palestinian Oppression
The 20th century left an indelible mark on history, offering profound lessons on the complexities of colonialism. One of its paradoxes lies in the shift of perspective, where the imperialistic logic, acceptable when applied abroad, turned devastating when reversed in Europe. To fully understand this paradox, we must delve into the intricacies of colonial thought, …
Breaking Free from Binary Thinking: Navigating Complexity in a Nuanced World
In a world inundated with information, the ability to think critically and rationally is crucial. However, as we navigate the vast landscape of ideas and opinions, it becomes apparent that binary thinking often dominates our discussions. Whether it’s politics, social issues, or scientific debates, the tendency to reduce complex topics to simplistic dualities has become …
Hollywood’s Portrayal of America’s Underdog Narrative
Americans have a penchant for underdog stories, a narrative that Hollywood has mastered over the years. Superhero movies, a staple of American cinema, consistently depict the United States as a force for good. However, it’s crucial to scrutinize this cinematic portrayal against the backdrop of the country’s complex geopolitical history. While Hollywood has painted the …
A Letter to Palestine: We have Failed you!
Dear Palestine, At times, it pains me to think that in your world, we might seem like mere shadows. My heart aches as I acknowledge the profound failures of humanity, the wounds inflicted upon you that may be too deep for forgiveness. They’ve seized your land, torn apart your people, and subjected you to air, …
UNMUTE GAZA: A Creative Movement Bringing Gaza’s Photojournalists to the Streets
UNMUTE GAZA has transcended borders, seizing the Guggenheim in New York, adorning buildings in Mumbai, and streets throughout Spain—its impact spanning 21 countries and 31 cities and counting. In its latest move, the project collaborates with renowned American artist Shepard Fairey, adding his creative prowess to an international roster of visual artists, who are creating …
DO YOU REALIZE? A Mural on Climate Change By Kevin Ledo
Canadian Artist Kevin Ledo worked with the ladies of Girls Inc. in Lynn, Massachusetts to bring awareness to the pressing problem of climate change. In his mural, below the question, DO YOU REALIZE? Kevin painted a portrait of a young climate activist named, DeeDee. The overwhelming consensus among publishing scientists that climate change is a …
The Silence of the Street Art Community is Disappointing
As we are witnessing a genocide unfolding before our eyes in Gaza, hundreds of thousands of people around the world have come together to march and protest in solidarity with the Palestinians and demand a ceasefire. However, I can’t help but feel disappointment with the street art community that is, for the most part, silent, …
One Barcelonian Shot: Slim Safont
“Look. If you had one shot or one opportunity. Would you capture it or just let it slip?” In 2002, Slim Shady aka Eminem’s alter-ego, violently shared his angst which moved a chord in each and every one of us, rap aficionado or not. To one Barcelonian, that song was a life changer. Overheard over …
Pathways to EXHALE
The stages of grief. The stages of loss. Grief over losing a connection – connection with another, connection with life, connection with nature – along pathways that lead us into cycles of growth, bloom, and decay. An ode to nature and an ode to life through nature. SNIK, at their best again. Under the simple …
Martin Ron Mural to Celebrate the 10th Year Anniversary of Kirk Gallery’s ‘Out in the Open’ Series
The series has been off to a flying start with the mighty Martin Ron and his assistant Matt Gorrick working on the 600 m2 ‘Olivia and her Heart of Gold’. The creation of this spectacular piece saw the pair work from early morning to late into the night for 16 days. The long Scandinavian summer …
NUART ABERDEEN 2023 ROUND UP
It’d been 4 years since my last Nuart Aberdeen experience, and this time I had the luxury of being on the scene prior to the festival starting in full. This year’s festival theme was Rewilding, and as always, the line up of artists and speakers was impressive, as was their commitment to the exploration of …
LANDSCAPE X ARCHITECTURE X ART
From the Louvre, to El Prado or Rijksmuseum, fascinating constructions all over the world have safeguarded and preserved art for our pleasure. Yet inside such imposing art temples, one can often feel small, perchance disconnected. Confined to a closed space, albeit amazing from an architectural standpoint, we reach more often than not, a level of …