Vertical Inkings Echoing Doorways into Studio Ghibli and Animated Realms

If you’re a fan of Studio Ghibli, First Jing’s vibrant tattoos may have you scheduling your next ink appointment. The Los Angeles-based artist is renowned for her vertical, frame-like designs that resemble windows into the magical realms of anime. From Princess Mononoke to My Neighbor Totoro, every tattoo encapsulates the enchantment of Ghibli classics, immortalizing the whimsical tales on the […]

Preserving the Traditional Craft of Malaysian Shadow Puppetry

KELANTAN, MALAYSIA — A puppet with flowing hair and a sharp-toothed grin came soaring into view as background singers shrieked, cackled, and whooped. Illya Sumanto spread her arms wide, making the beautiful ghost Pontianak glide across the screen, surfing on a banana. “To play Wayang, you need big movements, but traditionally, women [in Southeast Asia] were expected to be small, […]

Archaeologists Unearth 3,000-Year-Old Statesmen’s Tombs in Ancient Egypt

In February 2025, a British-Egyptian archaeology team revealed the tomb of King Thutmose II in Luxor. This finding marked the first of its kind in over a hundred years and provided vital insights into the ancient monarch. Following this extraordinary discovery, another archaeological group has revealed yet another find in Luxor: tombs that are 3,000 years old dedicated to three […]

Lapiz: Stagnation in the Face of Technological Developments in Berlin

Title: Lápiz: Stagnation Amid Technological Progress in Berlin Introduction: In recent years, Berlin has risen as a technological leader, featuring a vibrant startup ecosystem, innovation centers, and initiatives fostering digital transformation. However, within this swift technological evolution lies a phenomenon in certain sectors known as “Lápiz,” symbolizing stagnation or lack of advancement. This article delves into the idea of Lápiz, […]

Mozart’s Adolescent Act of Plunder: Appropriating a Hidden Melody from the Sistine Chapel

The Brilliant Musical Memory of Mozart: Illicitly Acquiring Allegri’s Miserere from the Vatican Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is widely acknowledged as a musical genius, yet his abilities extended far beyond mere composition. At the tender age of 14, his extraordinary auditory recall enabled him to memorize and transcribe Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere mei, Deus,” a revered choral gem that was fiercely protected […]

Submerged “Forgotten City” Might Offer Knowledge About the Beginnings of Life on Earth

Deep within the ocean, close to an underwater mountain along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, there exists a collection of carbonate “towers” that ascend from the dark depths, forming a rugged terrain. Illuminated solely by remote-operated vehicles dispatched to investigate the area, these formations appear haunting and spectral. The assortment of towers gathered in proximity imparts an urban ambiance, prompting researchers to […]

National Portrait Gallery Director Resigns Following Alleged Trump “Firing”

Kim Sajet, who has been the director of the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery (NPG) for over ten years, has resigned. Her resignation follows claims by former President Donald Trump that he had dismissed her for being partisan and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Sajet’s departure was announced through an internal memo shared with Smithsonian staff, with Secretary Lonnie Bunch […]

Wes Anderson Explores the Artistic Journey Involved in His Movies in a Brief Documentary

Wes Anderson’s movies are unmistakable thanks to their unique visual aesthetics featuring gentle and ethereal color schemes, fanciful arrangements, and whimsical camera movements. The acclaimed director has crafted 12 films throughout 29 years, starting with his debut, *Bottle Rocket*, and including blockbusters such as *The Grand Budapest Hotel* and *The Royal Tenenbaums*. Now, the iconic filmmaker unveils the creative journey […]

Des Moines Art Center Exhibition Featuring Firelei Báez

**Firelei Báez at the Des Moines Art Center: A Journey Through Time, Space, and Identity** The Des Moines Art Center in Iowa presents a captivating exhibition featuring over 30 works by acclaimed artist Firelei Báez. Spanning nearly two decades, the exhibition showcases the artist’s paintings, drawings, and multimedia installations, offering viewers a journey through time and space that evokes wonder, […]