Arts and Entertainment

Reen Barrera's artistic journey, deeply rooted in his childhood experiences in the Philippines, unveils a poignant exploration of emotion and societal dynamics in his ongoing series of Ohala characters. Reminiscent of the imaginative figures he crafted from repurposed fabric and wood during his "toy-deprived" youth, Barrera's creations now embody a complex narrative, resonating with a blend of personal sentiment and broader reflections on class and social identity. Adorned in an intricate collage of symbols and patterns, the Ohala figures serve as silent communicators, reflecting the artist's belief in the expressive power of nonverbal cues. With a profound attention to detail and a striking mix of mixed media techniques, Barrera's work not only conveys a tale of individual resilience but ...

Gerald Rhemann's breathtaking capture of Comet Leonard's stunning "Disconnection Event" not only mesmerized audiences worldwide but also secured him the prestigious top prize in the esteemed Astronomy Photographer of the Year competition, hosted by the Royal Observatory Greenwich. The event, featuring over 3,000 entries from 67 countries, showcased a diverse array of celestial wonders, including Alexander Stepanenko's ethereal "Winged Aurora" and Mihail Minkov's striking "Back to the Spaceship," among other awe-inspiring images. Andrew McCarthy's spellbinding photograph of the International Space Station transiting the historic Apollo 11 moon-landing site further contributed to the enchanting visual narrative. As these extraordinary snapshots continue to grace the National Maritime Museum ...

The rich and multifaceted history of ceramics takes center stage in the compelling compilation, Contemporary Black American Ceramic Artists, a comprehensive book published by Schiffer Craft. Delving into the practices of 38 Black American artists, the publication illuminates the diverse and profound contributions of these individuals to the realms of history, politics, and culture. From the pioneering efforts of earlier generations such as Augusta Savage, who skillfully translated the human experience into figurative clay forms, to the contemporary works of Morel Doucet, Chotsani Elaine Dean, and Danielle Carelock, the book pays homage to the enduring legacy of Black ceramicists throughout history. Additionally, the recognition of the nearly 200 enslaved ceramicists, including the prolific...

Maxwell Mustardo's exploration of ancient design and the evolution of vessels captivates audiences in his recent exhibition, The Substance of Style, hosted at Culture Object. Through a playful examination of containers and earthenware, Mustardo revives the ornamental motif of gadrooning, drawing inspiration from Roman sarcophagi and neoclassical aesthetics. His series of bulging amphorae, known as Gadroons and Anthropophorae, boasts stippled lava glazes, PVC coatings, and vibrant colors that create an illusion of floating, wobbling, and glowing sculptures. The exhibition, on display until October 28, invites viewers to reconsider the function and form of these artful creations, solidifying Mustardo's place in the realm of contemporary ceramic sculpture. #art history #ceramics #Maxwe...