Stories about Arts & Culture from February, 2016
Malaysian Police Threaten Internet Users for Sharing Clown Memes of Prime Minister
"Public scrutiny is part of the democratic process that serves as the foundation of Malaysia. Satirical images and comments made against government official[s] should not be considered as a crime."
It's Halftime in Russia
With oil prices tumbling and Russia’s economy on hard times, a carmaker is falling back on one of the industry’s most dependable marketing tactics: appealing to consumers’ sense of patriotism.
Living the Spanish Language as the Descendant of Afro-Caribbean Migrants in Costa Rica
Shirley Campbell's parents decided not to speak to her and her siblings in English, perhaps as an attempt to give them one less reason to be different.
Italy's Gesture of ‘Respectful’ Self-Censorship for Iran Ends Up Offending Italians
"I don’t think President Rouhani would have been surprised to find there were nude statues in Rome."
Local Trinidad & Tobago Mayor Sparks Outrage After Victim-Blaming in Masquerader's Death
Did the mayor of Port of Spain just imply that women's behaviour was inextricably linked to their safety? That's how the majority of netizens heard it -- and they're angry.
Incidents of Violence Spoil Trinidad & Tobago's Carnival
Violence by band security and the discovery of a dead masquerader have put a dark cloud over Trinidad and Tobago Carnival 2016.
‘Improving Social Cohesion’ Through Dance, Art, and Gwen Rakotovao
Global Voices speaks to Gwen Rakotovao, whose whirlwind career as an artistic director, CEO, model, and author of children’s books has taken her all over the world.
Ukrainian Artist Kseniya Simonova Shows Kazakhstan Through the Sands of Time
Kseniya Simonova shot to fame as a 'sand animator' after winning Ukraine's Got Talent in 2009.
Chinese Authorities Pressured a Bangladesh Art Summit Into Censoring a Tibet Exhibit
"The underlying threat to this message is: If you do not comply, we will cut economic ties or otherwise make it difficult for you."
Viewers Complain China’s Spring Festival TV Gala Was Way Too Political This Year
"The New Year's gala this year is awful, I feel like I’ve just watched a daily news broadcast but in gala form."
Artists and Activists Unite in Support of Russia’s ‘Good People’
“I wish I could go to the detention center and sing, so the whole thing came down,” Anastasia said, describing her “ elven-princess” wish to free her imprisoned partner.
A Dying Swan Resurrects Faith in the Creativity of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival
"No one else understands how to combine the mechanical principles and characters of the mas into a new work that says something about the world and our corner of it."
Twitter-Based Doodling Community Inspires Creativity Across Eastern and Central Europe
Dozens of artists and amateurs take part in a Twitter-based drawing initiative every week with the aim of bringing more fun and art to the Internet.
Why Is a Russian Art Museum Granting Free Admission to Women Wearing 4-Inch Stilettos?
The music video has 32 million views in just three weeks. Even for one of Russia’s most popular rock bands, Leningrad’s new song stands out as an exceptionally popular hit.
What Kicked Off in Uruguay that Lasts for 40 Days?
It lasts for 40 days and is considered the longest carnival in the world. The Uruguayan Carnival brings together traditions born Europe and Africa, and offers a whole lot more.
Jamaican Painter Barrington Watson Dies, Leaving Behind a Rich Visual Legacy
"He was the most highly trained artist, and he brought those academic principles to art."
Spaniards Fired up Over Photo of Bullfighter With a Baby in His Arms
From "irresponsible" to "guardian of traditions": A photo of a popular matador fighting a heifer with his baby in his arms provokes a strong and mixed reaction in Spain.
