Stories about Arts & Culture from October, 2024
The fascinating ghosts and monsters of Jamaica's folklore
Jamaicans don’t really “get” Halloween, but the island's folklore is replete with stories of “duppies” – ghosts or spirits – and monsters, many of them with roots in African retentions.
Chinese police ban ‘weird’ costumes and round up partygoers ahead of Halloween
Shanghai police were deployed in full force over the weekend to crack down on Halloween activities amid concerns that revelers might appear in politically sensitive costumes. They continued celebrating regardless.
A cinematic lens into Turkmenistan’s culture: An interview with Oguljamal Yazliyeva
Turkmen cinema, with its rich storytelling and cultural depth, plays a vital role in bridging the gap between Turkmenistan and the rest of the world.
Heroes or icons? Jamaicans are divided on the creation of a new national honour
Bob Marley and Louise Bennett-Coverley are to the inaugural recipients of Jamaica's “Order of National Icon” for their legendary contributions” to Jamaica’s cultural heritage. But has the honour fallen short?
The rise of Ethiopian art on the global stage: Insights from curator Mifta Zeleke
"Africa has 54 countries, each with diverse and rich artistic traditions, but these complexities often need to be simplified. Labels like 'African art' are misleading and reinforce this generalization."
The rise of Amazigh novels in Algeria: Between struggle and official recognition
Algerian novelists celebrate their mother tongue through Amazigh writing, which evolved from a tool of resistance into a rich literary language witnessing growth and widespread appreciation since its official recognition.
Sarajevo photographer Almin Zrno and art as an act of giving
“I try to raise awareness of certain taboos in our society and break down prejudices."
Photo essay: From royal patronage to modern artisans, Udaipur, India's rich leather legacy
As the world celebrates UNESCO's Intangible Heritage Day, it’s the moment to reflect on Udaipur’s leatherwork — a legacy deeply rooted in Rajput patronage, now preserved by artisans through traditional techniques.
Croatian band Nemeček won the Milan Mladenović Award for young musicians from former Yugoslavia
The spirit of legendary Yugoslav musician and peace activist Milan Mladenović “continues to live through the Award, inspiring new generations to be courageous, authentic and passionate in their art.”
Miya Muslims of Assam, India, face eviction, threats, and oppression
The right-wing government in the Indian state of Assam, led by Himanta Biswa Sarma, has intensified its targeting of Bengali Muslims, also known as Miyas.
The Dungan gastronomical footprint in Central Asia
When Dungan food landed in Central Asia, it had to adapt to new palates and to a more restricted set of ingredients.
French museums participate in Beijing’s erasure of Tibetan identity
Two Paris museums have stopped using the word “Tibet” to describe collections of Tibetan cultural artifacts, thereby bowing to Beijing’s political and diplomatic pressure.
Song titled ‘Give birth to 1000 children for me’ was banned in Russia
It includes the lyrics: Give birth to 1000 children for me. Give each of them a name — soldier. Our president will send them to die — to shoot in Donbas.
Photo essay: The spirit of Navratri comes alive at Chittaranjan Park, Delhi
In this photo essay, photojournalist Shivansh Srivastava captures artisans as they breathe life into sacred clay to craft idols for Navratri, one of the most significant festivals in the Hindu calendar.
Georgian-British author Leo Vardiashvili paints the country's unhealed scars with dark humor in first novel
Global Voices interviewed Leo Vardiashvili, a Georgian-British author who just released his first English-language novel "Hard by a Great Forest" in which he explores Georgia's tumultuous past.
From art therapy to self-discovery: An interview with Nigerian artist Bella Mfon
"While acknowledging art as a huge factor in her healing process, Mfon has meticulously honed her skill to make a name for herself in the Nigerian art scene and beyond."
