Stories about Arts & Culture from November, 2018
‘The Little Prince’ now speaks Tsotsil
"Ch’in Ajvali" was released in November 2018 by the independent Argentinian publisher Los Injunables, which published an Aymara translation of the same book in 2016.
Russian rapper arrested and unexpectedly released after alleged Kremlin intervention
Husky is no liberal minstrel, but fellow rappers rushed to his support when he was arrested. Then a state TV executive bragged about the Kremlin's efforts to release him.
Despite threats of arrest, rap song criticizing military rule goes viral in Thailand
As a response to the 40-million-view music video, the Thai government launched its own rap song celebrating innovation and progress (it flopped).
On contemporary art in the Balkans: An interview with Jon Blackwood
"When so many citizens have to focus so much of their effort on just survival, it’s little surprise that people have lost the habit of going to art galleries..."
Winning Taiwanese director calls for independence at the Chinese Oscars
"I really hope one day our country will be regarded as an independent entity. This is my biggest wish as a Taiwanese."
Dissident novelist’s close call casts a shadow on Hong Kong's once-vibrant cultural scene
Since the 1950s, Hong Kong has had a proud tradition of exile literature and art. Recent events suggest they're under threat.
How do non-native residents of the Netherlands view Zwarte Piet, St. Nicholas’ blackface servant?
“I understand Dutch affection for Zwarte Piet is born out of a warm, and well-meaning Christmas tradition. But I cannot excuse it.”
Jamaican dancehall artist hits a nerve by ‘bleaching’ her skin — did fans get the message?
"I wanted to create awareness of 'Colorism' and it was ... done intentionally to create shock value so that I could ... deliver the message in my music," Spice said.
Life after Manus: Talking to Iranian cartoonist Eaten Fish about life in and out of Australia's detention camps
"I had to steal papers from workers and it took me more than two years to send my drawings out. It is the only reason why I am still alive."
Africa uncovered: an interview with Aida Muluneh
"[...] being African is really more complex as well and it’s not just one thing. There are different definitions and different interpretations and I just happen to be one of those."
A conversation with Nicky Nodjoumi on the power and politics of his art
"Choosing power as one of the main topics of my work is rooted in the desire to drag it down to the ground and make fun of it."
Political cartoonist Badiucao abruptly cancelled his Hong Kong exhibition — and then went silent
The event was seen by many as a test of the limits of free speech in Hong Kong.
Indian ambassador's farewell gift paintings create a media stir in Croatia
Indian Ambassador Sandeep Kumar bids farewell to Croatia's government officials by giving away some of the paintings he made during his three-year term in the country.
From football fans to bookworms: the many faces of Brazil's resistance
We have listed here a few of the Brazil headlines that didn't make it across to English-speaking media.
Sarajevo awards honorary citizenship to UK heavy metal star Bruce Dickinson
Iron Maiden's Bruce Dickenson is granted honorary citizenship for the moral support he gave the people of Sarajevo during a 1994 visit to the besieged city.
A thespian, a journalist and a politician. Three minority women busting barriers in Georgia
They share a common determination and single-mindedness despite very different goals and dreams.