The Homoerotic Art Pioneer Inspired By Asian & African Mythology

Born in 1945 in the Tōkai region of Japan, Sadao Hasegawa is best known for his radical contributions to homoerotic art. His creations stand out for their meticulous intricacy, fantastical backdrops, and the skilful fusion of components from diverse artistic traditions, including Japanese, Balinese, Thai, Tibetan Buddhist, African, and Indian influences. While Hasegawa’s main focus…

5 Mexican Furniture Designers Reframing Indigenous Crafts

Mexico’s rich history of crafts spans millennia, rooted in indigenous cultures that mastered processes like weaving, pottery, and carving. Pre-Columbian civilisations, such as the Aztecs and Maya, utilised diverse natural materials to remarkable effect. Following Spanish colonisation, which introduced European influences and led to a fusion of styles, the 20th century witnessed a resurgence of…

The Ethics Of Archaeology

Archaeology, the study of humanity’s history through the analysis of material culture, has captivated the human imagination for centuries. Unearthing ancient artefacts, revealing lost civilisations, and deciphering the mysteries of our ancestors’ lives have all contributed to a richer understanding of our collective heritage. As the field has evolved, so too have conversations about the…

Interview: Amol K Patil On Casteism & Mumbai’s Chawl Architecture

Hailing from Mumbai, artist Amol K Patil has been announced as the first recipient of the Durjoy Bangladesh Foundation/Kochi-Muziris Biennale Award, a multi-year exhibition and lecture programme spotlighting the practices of emergent South Asian artists. Patil will present his first institutional solo exhibition in the UK at the Hayward Gallery’s HENI Project Space from 9…

Sun, Sea, Sand & de Sede

Hailing from South Africa, Cape Town-based photographer and artist Michael Oliver Love joins the roster of creatives who have undertaken residencies at Grand Cayman estate, Palm Heights. In this sun-drenched photo series, Love seamlessly celebrates the mesmeric call of the Caribbean Sea and the discerning design of the hotel, conceived by Palm Heights’ Founder and…

The Japanese Collective That Foretold The Art Of The 60s

The Gutai Art Association, also known as Gutai, emerged in 1954 in Ashiya, Japan, helmed by painter, curator, educator and businessman, Jirō Yoshihara. This avant-garde group mainly consisted of young artists from the Hanshin region. Today, Gutai is internationally recognised as one of the most prominent 20th-century art collectives, having produced a string of dynamic…

Interview: Sculptor Halima Cassell On Numerology & Islamic Surface Design

Born in Pakistan and raised in North West England, sculptor Halima Cassell MBE’s varied and multicultural background, underpinned by her interests in Islamic art, design and architecture, is tangibly present in her work. Her distinctive style combines striking shapes with an extensive array of intricately carved and elaborate patterns. Blending strong geometric elements with recurring…

The Story Of Silk

Numerous myths and legends surround the origins of silk production. According to the writings of Confucius, a tale unfolds around 3000 BCE protagonised by Empress Leizu. It is said that a silkworm’s cocoon accidentally fell into the Empress’ teacup. Curious, the fourteen-year-old girl started unravelling the cocoon’s threads while retrieving it from her beverage. As…

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