Author's posts
Jan 10 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: The Snow Queen
The Snow Queen, a 1957 film directed by Lev Atamanov, is a celebrated cinematic gem in the realm of animated cinema. This Russian animation feature, produced by Soyuzmultfilm, is based on the fairy tale of the same name by renowned Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The film remains a classic example of Atamanov’s brilliant storytelling …
Jan 09 2024
Joan Baez: The Voice of Change in Folk Music History
Born Joan Chandos Baez on January 9, 1941 in Staten Island, New York, Joan Baez, a renowned singer, songwriter, and musician, secured her place as a significant figure in the history of folk music. Her profound influence extended beyond music into social activism, carving out a unique niche where artistry merged with a staunch commitment …
Jan 08 2024
Nora Dean, Caribbean Queen of Rocksteady Music
Nora Dean is a name that resonates with respect and admiration in Caribbean music history. Born on this day January 8, 1944 in Spanish Town, Jamaica, Dean embarked on a musical journey that would see her become one of the most influential figures in the genre of rocksteady music. Nora Dean’s contribution to this genre, …
Jan 07 2024
Roloff Beny at Intersection of Photography, Travel, and Culture
Born on this day January 7, 1924, Roloff Beny, a renowned Canadian photographer, artist and author, occupied a unique position at the intersection of photography, travel, and culture. His work transcended the boundary of mere photography to become a profound exploration of cultural aesthetics and human civilization. Beny’s photographic journey was a blend of his …
Jan 06 2024
Celebrating the Mystique of Syd Barrett
Born on this day January 6, 1946 in Cambridge, England, Syd Barrett, known as a founding member of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, remains an iconic figure in the world of music, decades after his departure from the public eye. His unique approach to music, combined with his enigmatic personality, has solidified his place …
Jan 05 2024
The Artistic Brilliance of Hayao Miyazaki: A Storyteller’s Legacy
Born on this day, January 5, 1941, in Tokyo, Hayao Miyazaki is a name that stands tall in the world of animation, creating a legacy that is not only unique but also deeply influential. His artistic brilliance has been the driving force behind some of the most beloved animated films of our time, each a …
Jan 04 2024
Splendid Chaos: The Surrealist Art of André Masson
André Masson, a significant figure in the world of surrealism, was born on this day January 4, 1896 in Oise, a region in northern France. His art was a vivid embodiment of chaos and confusion, mirroring the tumultuous times of his life and the world around him. Masson’s work, characterized by its abstract nature and …
Jan 03 2024
Soviet Film Wednesday: Nostalghia
Welcome to an exploration of a Soviet cinematic masterpiece – Nostalghia. This film, directed by the legendary Andrei Tarkovsky, stands as one of the most intriguing and evocative pieces of cinema in the 20th century. It is a film that elegantly portrays the longing for home, the complexity of human emotions, and the profound influence …
Jan 03 2024
Aretha Franklin: 1st Female Artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Aretha Franklin, the “Queen of Soul,” was an American singer, songwriter, and pianist who rose to fame during the 1960s for her powerful voice and emotive performances. Franklin’s career spanned over six decades and her influence on the music industry is undeniable. One of her most significant achievements was being the first female artist to …
Jan 02 2024
David Bailey’s 1960s Eye
“We were so young. I don’t think Bailey or anyone had any idea how important the work we were doing was…we were just kids really, I was 18 when I first started working with Bailey. I met him on the roof of Vogue” -Jean Shrimpton The 1960s was a decade of change, innovation, and creativity, …