Stories about Arts & Culture from February, 2010
Iran: Webcomic about a young protester
Zahra's paradise ,a graphic novel, is the fictional story of the search for Mehdi, a young protestor who has disappeared in the Islamic Republic’s gulags.”
Armenia: Chance meeting
Unzipped: Gay Armenia visits the Yuri Mechitov photo exhibit at the National Theatre in London as part of an festival of events honoring Armenian film director Sergei Parajanov and runs into the photographer. The blog posts photographs from the visit and encounter.
Poland: Eccentric Protest Against Theatre Director
Magda Pilat reviews Polish bloggers' reactions to an eccentric protest against a theatre director by a well-known Polish actress Joanna Szczepkowska.
Georgia: Eurovision National Competition
With Armenia having already chosen its entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo, Norway, now comes the turn of Georgia. The Oikotimes reviews the six songs presented to the Georgian public by Sopho Nizharadze. Crazyescfan's blog describes the winning entry, Shine, as a strong and emotional song by...
Azerbaijan: Water Tuesday
As was the case last year, Sheki, Azerbaijan introduces its readers to the start of events leading to the holiday of Novruz with Water Tuesday. The blog also says that February is considered the toughest month of Winter, but says that it also marks the beginning of Spring.
Qatar: Artist MF Husain trades Indian passport for Qatari one
Reactions on the Internet ranged from shock, dismay and delight as MF Husain, one of India's most celebrated and reviled artists, is offered Qatari citizenship - and accepts.
Zimbabwe: Top African songs from Power FM
Top African songs played on Power FM in Zimbabwe: “Museke brings you a list of African songs that have been getting major airplay in Zimbabwe this year.”
Ghana: Ghana Music Awards 2010
Chale writes about nominees for Ghana Music Awards 2010: “Sarkodie, Ayigbe Edem, Wutah, 4×4, Bradez, Becca, Ohemaa Mercy and Obrafour lead the number of nominations for the Ghana Music Awards slated for April 10.”
Greece, Germany and the middle finger of Venus de Milo
In the continuing drama of the Greek financial crisis, a row erupted last week because of a German magazine cover that depicted ancient Greek statue Venus de Milo flipping a middle finger at the European Union.
Dominican Republic: Colorful Characters of Carnival
Carnival celebrations in the Dominican Republic begin in February and are characterized by colorful characters that are the main attraction in festivities across the island.
Trinidad & Tobago: J'ouvert!
“To me J’ouvert is the purest form of Trinidad ‘mas there is, right up there with ole ‘mas and the long, oft drawn out pre-soca calypso from the tents”: Gilberte's Poetry and Rants shares her 2010 J'ouvert experience.
South Africa: Mr Gay World 2010 is a South African blogger
Mr. Gay World 2010 has been won by Charl van den Berg, a 28-year-old South African restaurant manager. He uses his blog to thank Nelson Mandela, his sponsors and supporters.
Macedonia: Grassroots Effort to Preserve Folk Music Online
Appreciation of folk music has been a distinguishing feature of the Macedonian culture, and thanks to selfless efforts of one dedicated blogger it spreads through the blogosphere, too.
Suriname: Countdown to Exhibition
Paramaribo SPAN is excited about its upcoming art exhibition.
Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago: Flags, Water & Reggae
Jamaican Annie Paul blogs about everything from the regional drought to the recently concluded International Reggae Conference.
Americas: International Mother Language Day
February 21 marked International Mother Language Day promoted by UNESCO. It was a time in the Americas to reflect on the use of Spanish, as well as the importance of preserving indigenous languages.
365: A video a day from Cartagena, Colombia
Today from Cartagena in Colombia: UNESCO World Heritage Site and a top travel destination we bring you a selection of videos from the 365 video project participants, who are uploading one video a day during 2010.
Caucasus: Lezginka dance
Orxanbey posts a video on YouTube of what is described as an Azeri guy and and an Armenian girl dancing to the Lezginka (national dance popular in the North Caucasus), location unknown. Wearing the national flags of Armenia and Azerbaijan, Because of the still unresolved conflict between the two countries...
Montenegro: The Language Issue
“Not content to watch Serbia and Croatia fight it out over Serbo-Croatian, Montenegro now wants its own language,” Eternal Remont reports.
Russia: “Best of Russia” Photo Exhibition
IZO writes about Best Of Russia '09 photography exhibition at Winzavod Contemporary Art Center in Moscow: “The wide range of amateur or semi-pro content and the big turn-out reminded me of what the Royal Academy Summer Show in London used to be, before professional artists squeezed the non-professionals out: a...
Chile: Annual Viña del Mar Festival is Underway
The annual Viña del Mar Festival is underway in Chile. However, part of the tradition is the annual debate about the musical artists chosen to perform. Even though many Chileans love the festival, and others are indifferent, it still remains a widely watched event.
