Stories about Arts & Culture from May, 2019
Recent troubles rock the historical Kano Kingdom in northern Nigeria
The ancient Kingdom of Kano has thrived for centuries. Now, a political rivalry has led Kano's civilian governor to split the unified kingdom into five parts.
‘You can't run from the truth': Iconic art protests preface Kazakh presidential vote
A police state that once hungered after a shiny international image now seems resigned to painting itself as it really is.
Meeting a male carpet weaver from Armenia
"When you are professional you do your best. It does not matter whether you are a man or a woman."
This ‘cholita’ drag challenges gender and folklore stereotypes from the Argentine periphery
"It is not the same to be a white gay [man] from the city than a brown gay [man], with body that is not normative, with an indigenous face..."
In the UK, Timorese celebrated 17 years since the restoration of Timor-Leste's independence
The Timorese residing in the university city of Oxford, UK, hosted the event "20 May", where they celebrated 17 years of the restoration of Timor-Leste's independence.
Kenyan writer, Binyavanga Wainaina, who taught the world ‘how to write about Africa,’ dies at 48
"There is only one Binyavanga Wainaina. He is an ancestor now. Let us celebrate his life." The world mourns the loss and honors the prolific life of Kenya's leading writer.
Inflatable Tank Man sculpture appears in Taiwan ahead of Tiananmen Massacre anniversary
"I think it is important to the Taiwanese people to continue discussing this topic – preventing people from forgetting this event"
Afghanistan's ‘Art Lords’ on painting change at street level
"The common people like this work. The art is for them."
The beauty of Afro-Peruvian women through Ayleen Díaz's illustrations
"By drawing different body types and different hair textures, I want people to learn how everything is beautiful."
Mozambican contestant won world bodybuilding competition in Hong Kong
Saraiva is a renowned figure for bodybuilders in Mozambique.
Western Balkan countries look at the past and the future at the Venice Biennale 2019
Among the participants at the Venice Biennale are the Western Balkan countries, which see it as an excellent opportunity to showcase the art and promote their artists, beyond their borders.
Pussy Riot's Maria Alyokhina: ‘Even in Russia, social media is still an effective method for uniting people’
Masha Alyokhina talks art, activism, and feminism in Russia -- and why a new cold war is coming.
In India, Rooh Afza lovers rejoice as the drink returns to shelves in time for Ramadan
After months without the beloved drink Rooh Afza, Muslims in India can now breathe a sigh of relief as it returns to shelves just in time for Ramadan.
Do you really need to learn Japanese to live in Japan?
The more hard-won the lessons we learn about the country, the more some of us realize how mundane life in Japan actually is.
Running counter: An interview with a French publisher of Turkish literature
"Kontr is a publishing house, and a home where one invites the ones he likes, it is not a factory aimed at producing goods, labels or at making money."
Ugandan pop star politician Bobi Wine pens song on police brutality during house arrest
Ugandan musician and MP Bobi Wine's new song "Afande" critiques police brutality with a message of love and unity. "Why beat me? There is no difference between me and you!"