Stories about Arts & Culture from March, 2016
This Russian Website Uses Neural Networks to Combine Images, With Awesome Results
A Russian website based on a neural networks algorithm allows Internet users to combine photos and works of art to create fantastical images.
In Spring Welcome, Giant Penises Parade Streets of Japan
The wooden phallus has grown over time, as it is replaced each year, so that it is now about 2.5 meters (13 feet) long and weighs 280 kilograms (620 pounds).
Despite Tradition and Convention, Salsa Keeps Egyptians on the Dance Floor
Believe it or not, but Latin America and Egypt have more in common than ancient civilizations and pyramid-building.
An Artist Captures Kathmandu's Recent Hardships in His Imaginative Artwork
Ashim Shakya, a self-taught artist, has depicted in his artwork the scarcity of goods under blockade and the April 2015 earthquake that left thousands dead.
From Goldfish to Swan Candles: 11 Memorable Images of Persian New Year
Eleven great images of Persian New Year displays (Haft-Seens), North American leaders rolling their Rs, and a video greeting from a master musician.
When in Need, Some Peruvians Pray to Unofficial Saints
Although the Roman Catholic Church has not officially recognized them, folk saints like Sarita Colonia and Chacalón have large followings in Peru.
Series of Animated Stories Revitalise Indigenous Languages in Mexico
‘68 tongues, 68 hearts’ is an animated project aimed at preserving and sharing the indigenous languages of Mexico through a series of short animations narrated in the indigenous languages.
Twitter Through the Years: The RuNet Edition
For Twitter's 10-year anniversary, the Russian news outlet Kommersant collected dozens of "the most emblematic" tweets published throughout the platform's history. We picked out the ones coming from the RuNet.
Colorized Photos Show Street Scenes of Vietnam, Singapore, and the Philippines During the 20th Century
Take a nostalgic trip to the past by checking out these hand-colored photos of vintage street scenes in the Philippines, Singapore, and Vietnam.
Street Artists Paint Equilateral Triangles on Earthquake-Damaged Buildings in Nepal
"...a man approaches me smiling, and pointing to some heaps of bricks he cries "welcome to my home." Thats when I painted the rubble of the first triangle."
Russian Online Service Asks Women to Pay to Remind Their Boyfriends to Buy Them Flowers
“Using modern Internet-advertising tools,” the website says, ”we delicately remind your boyfriend that it’s been some time since he’s gifted flowers, and point out that flowers are important to women.”
In Iran, It's Norooz Tradition to Jump Over Fire for Good Luck
Chaharshanbe Suri or Red Wednesday is an evening of bonfire jumping and fireworks in Iran which marks the beginning of new year celebrations.
‘Nude’ Photos of Australian Aboriginal Women Trigger Facebook Account Suspensions
Facebook has been attacked over its suspension of people in Australia for posting a photo of topless Aboriginal women performing a public ceremony.
Two Writers Publicly Resign Amid the Chinese Communist Party's Tightening Grip on Culture
"Suzhou has been a place where literati gather since ancient times. It has a very good tradition of pursuing the ideal. But these traditions have almost vanished now."
I Found My Voice in Spanish, a Language Once Used to Subjugate My Ancestors
In part two of her post, Shirley Campbell examines how Spanish is a language at once discriminatory and liberating.
A Nigerian Start-Up Is Creating a New World of African Superheroes
Unlike Marvel's Storm character from its X-Men series and Black Panther, who both hail from the fictional country of Wakanda in Africa, Jide Martin’s characters are truly African-born.
#OccupyTheSquare Protest Wins a Victory Against Moral Policing in Sri Lanka
"It is crazy on how the power of social media, can influence a dozen people to silently protest for human rights."
Women Fight Skin Color Prejudice With #UnfairAndLovely Campaign
"I was always told it was better to be lighter, but no this is my skin and I love it #unfairandlovely"
Anonymous Artists Place ‘Monument’ to Antidepressants in Macedonia’s Capital
A unique sculpture appeared in Skopje, the capital of Macedonia, on March 9: a monument to the antidepressant Diazepam (also known as Valium).
Russia's Paranoid Patriotism Gets a Cartoon Movie
A Russian charity group has made what appears to be a truly amazing animated film. The movie, titled “Children Versus Wizards,” is a Russian chauvinist’s fantasy.
Photographs of Ramen, the Comfort Food Japan Has Elevated to a Fine Art
While the rest of the world may be more familiar with sushi, perhaps Japan's most beloved food is ramen.
