Stories about Arts & Culture from February, 2017
The Story of a Gay, Black Man From the Outskirts of São Paulo Who Became a Filmmaker
"I'm not ashamed of making my videos up here and showing the place I call home. This is my reality."
Obama, Japan's Fiery Start to Spring
Spectacular images of an annual fiery festival in Obama, Japan, that marks the start of spring.
Trinidad & Tobago Carnival 2017 Crowns Its King and Queen
Birds, dragons, poetic Midnight Robbers, stilt walkers — the competition for the 2017 King and Queen of Carnival titles in Trinidad and Tobago was fierce. Here's what you missed.
Renowned Bangladeshi Artist Shahabuddin Ahmed Completes Residency in Indian President's House
"The south Asian continent is becoming a super power and the world is looking towards us."
One Photographer's Stunning Glimpse Into the Beauty of Trinidad & Tobago's Traditional Carnival Masquerade
A spirit of joy sweeps through Trinidad and Tobago on 'Fantastic Friday', the start of the Carnival weekend.
Short Video Documentary Explores Japan's Flashy Art Truck Subculture
Known as "dekotora," hobbyists trick out their trucks with flashing neon lights, airbrushed murals and lots and lots of chrome.
Haitian-American Singing Sensations Team Up Just In Time for Women's History Month
A soul/jazz/Haitian creole melody mashup by two accomplished female performers just in time for Women's History Month in March? What's not to love?
Apple iPhone Ad Puts an Artistic Spotlight on Greece (but Not All Greeks Are Happy)
"They portray Greece as if we are still in the 1950s: clothes, the behavior of people, who act like they have never seen a mobile phone with a camera before..."
These Female Skateboarders Are Blazing a Trail in India
"I wanted to make it visible that there were girls skateboarding in India, even though the numbers could be counted on one hand at the time."
Award-Winning Hong Kong Political Cartoonist Refuses Self-Censorship
"You speculate that the government may sue the publisher, and so decide to censor the work. The whole incident goes against my principles."
Here Are Some of the Southeast Asian Artifacts in the Met Museum's Public Domain Collection
"Since our audience is really the three billion internet-connected individuals around the world, we need to think big about how to reach these viewers..."
‘We Need to Normalize HIV Now, Not Tomorrow,’ Says One Chilean Artist
"I have HIV. I am a person."
An American Artist Is Inking ‘RESIST’ Tattoos for Good Causes
"...it's our collective responsibility to make sure they're positive and progressive steps towards a brighter future for EVERYONE."
Please Drink in and Inhale These Unusual Superstitions Before You Visit Kyrgyzstan
Pour tea sparingly, wave money at a full moon, burn plenty of pine needles and tell your nightmares to running water.
Should Brazil Boycott Traditional Carnival Songs With Sexist and Racist Overtones?
"Leaving this song out doesn't make the party less fun and we manage to have a gathering where everyone can really enjoy themselves."
Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival 2017 Playlist: Part 2
An opinionated mini-guide to the music that's setting Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival celebrations alight this year, Part Two.
Online Documentary Tells Stories of Adolescent Mothers From Bulgaria
"Often, they are given no chance of making their life choice themselves and they are left in the closed loop of illiteracy, un-employment, and poverty."
Palestinian Authority Bans Novel for ‘Threatening Morality and Public Decency’
The Palestinian Authority's decision to ban a novel is being met with a lot of resistance.
Morgan Freeman Makes Surprise Cameo in Uzbek Film. Oh, Wait. No, He Doesn't.
Move over 'fake news', here come 'fake trailers'.
Protecting Georgia's Ancient Alphabet in a Digital Age
"Our language and our alphabet is our heritage; it is a treasure that needs to be not only protected but also kept alive and updated."
Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival 2017 Playlist: Part 1
An opinionated mini-guide to the music that's setting Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival celebrations alight this year.
