Author's posts
Jan 13 2024
Snow White Makes Its NYC Premiere in 1938
A monumental event in the history of animation and cinema occurred on December 21, 1937, when Disney’s first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, made its grand premiere at Carthay Circle Theatre in Los Angeles. Three weeks later it debuted in New York City on this day January 13, 1938. The premiere was held at …
Jan 12 2024
The Remarkable Career of Clement Hurd, Master Illustrator
The remarkable career of Clement Hurd, the master illustrator, spans over a period of several decades, marked by unforgettable contributions to the world of children’s literature. Born on this day January 12, 1908 in New York City, Hurd was not initially inclined towards illustration. He pursued his interest in architecture at Yale and later in …
Jan 11 2024
Eva Hesse: A Pioneer of Post-Minimalism
Eva Hesse, an influential figure in the world of art, is widely acknowledged as a pioneering force behind the post-minimalist movement. Born on this day January 11, 1936 in Germany during the tumultuous years of World War II, Hesse’s early life was marked by tragedy and displacement. However, this did not deter her from pursuing …
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 …