Mandatory Reading List
This week, the theme of community shines through various cultural and artistic lenses. We explore how art, heritage, and activism intersect in different regions and mediums.
Iranian Heritage: Photographer Farshid Rahimi Kalahroudi’s work brings attention to the architectural endurance of the Malek Zuzan Mosque ruins in northeastern Iran, a finalist piece in the Sony World Photography Awards. This site embodies Iran’s longstanding architectural history, resilient in the face of military actions causing damage to cultural sites like Tehran’s Golestan Palace.
Art and Social Commentary: Mvskoke artist Kimberly Dawn Robertson uses Peyote-stitched beads in Los Angeles to deliver anti-ICE messages. By choosing larger pony beads, Robertson focuses on labor-intensive artistry that contrasts with mass production, underlining the enduring struggle against anti-immigrant policies and settler colonialism.
Indian History Through Furniture: An exhibition reviewed by Pratishtha Rana highlights Indian cultural history through the lens of its chairs, evolving from heirloom pieces to symbols of artisanal expertise passed down generations, now becoming accessible through online platforms.
Iran’s Complex Realities: Sina Toosi writes about the nuanced voices within Iran, often overlooked by American media. As opposed to the simplified narrative of the ruling regime versus exiles, there’s a significant movement within the country that rejects both internal authoritarianism and foreign interference, advocating for nonviolent civic engagement.
Pipeline Protests: A recent judicial ruling requires Greenpeace to pay a hefty fine for its participation in the 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, highlighting the ongoing legal and ethical battles between environmental groups and corporate interests.
Black-Owned Bookstores: A comprehensive map of Black-owned bookstores signals a resurgence prompted by renewed interest in Black literature, driven by movements like Black Lives Matter. These bookstores serve as vital cultural and historical points of reference in the face of challenges to Black history.
American Sauna Culture: The booming sauna industry, particularly in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, navigates a unique business model focusing on membership to ensure a serene experience, reflecting a growing trend of wellness-focused enterprises.
Disability and Inclusion: Advocate Haben Girma tours the Louis Braille Museum, highlighting the importance of accessibility and the historical strides made in assistive technology.
Each of these stories underscores the varied narratives that form the vibrant tapestry of our global community, reflecting resilience, creativity, and a shared quest for justice and recognition.