Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 124
July 15, 2024
The Meringues Shake up the Music Scene with their Sophomore Album: Pavlova’s Dog
Kingston, Ontario’s post-punk prodigies, The Meringues, are excited to announce the release of their new single, “Shambles” which will hit the airwaves on July 15th. Serving as an appetizer for their much-awaited sophomore album, Pavlova’s Dog, set to be available on September 16th, 2024, this track promises an intense and unforgettable auditory experience.
Order The Meringues Music and Merchandisehttp://themeringues.bandcamp.com
At the heart of The Meringues’ pulsing musical core are Amanda Pants and Ted Evans. Their dynamic vocal interaction and onstage exchanges strike a delicate balance between playful repartee and fierce competition. Their undeniable chemistry is bolstered by the rock-solid rhythm section made up of Jackson Baird on bass and Alastair Morrison on drums. This ensemble creates a gripping atmosphere that toes the line between organised chaos and clear, focused artistic expression.
Lead single, “Shambles,” plunges the listener into the turmoil of a relationship or discussion spiraling into crisis, capturing the breakdown of communication in its raw, unfiltered form. The narrative dives into the escalating misunderstandings, miscommunications, and the subsequent exhaustion and unresolved anger that follows. The captivating backbeat and vibrant power pop melodies whisk the listener on a journey through a mix of genres, including Punk, Post-Punk, Alt-Rock, and New-Wave, producing a sound that resonates both nostalgia and modern freshness.
The song, a sublime blend of raw intensity and polished perfection, was recorded at several locations including Metalworks Studios in Mississauga, Todd’s Place in Harrowsmith, and Fake Cake Lodge in Kingston. The recording process was a collaborative effort involving multiple skilled engineers and mixers, with the final mastering touch provided by Elisa Kady Pangsaeng at CPS Mastering in Vancouver, BC.
The Meringues are renowned for their electrifying live performances that leave audiences breathless and wanting more. Their dynamic stage presence has won them the privilege of opening for established artists and earning slots in prominent music festivals.
The band proves their artistry once again with their sophomore album, Pavlova’s Dog, which expertly explores the amalgamation of fun and dysfunction. The album boasts of 11 tracks that seamlessly interweave deep psychological themes with child-like playfulness. With hooks that get stuck in your head and lyrics that cut deep, The Meringues encapsulate the intricacies of human relationships and the shadowy recesses of self-doubt and internal struggles. Pavlova’s Dog is set to cement The Meringues’ dominant position in the post-punk landscape, asserting their focused energy and artistic mastery.
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“The Exorcism”: A Concept That Could Have Been Executed Far Better
“The Exorcism” is a movie directed by Joshua John Miller starring Russell Crowe, Ryan Simpkins and Sam Worthington.
Russell Crowe returns to our screens for the second time this year in a film all about exorcism. In “The Exorcism”, we are taken into the fictitious production of an Exorcist (1973) remake. Crowe portrays a downtrodden actor tasked with playing the exorcist, a role he struggles with due to personal problems.
The script cleverly plays with the concept of a film within a film, an idea that is neatly wrapped up within a horror film. Regrettably, it’s not Russell Crowe that is at fault here, but the film itself, which fails to build a coherent and enticing narrative. It seems to be caught in a grey area between being a jump-scare horror flick and a well-rounded character drama.
Anthony Miller, Crowe’s character, is a struggling actor whose career has been in decline ever since his wife’s death. Now living with his daughter, who is fresh out of rehab, he lands a golden opportunity to work on a remake of the classic horror film, The Exorcist. However, things start to take a horrifying turn as Anthony begins to feel as if he is truly possessed.
The Exorcism“The Exorcism” boasts a promising premise but falls short in its execution. The brilliant concept of a film within a film, which could have been something à la François Truffaut, dissipates and gets lost in a mediocre horror film. Also, for a horror film, it focuses too much on the personal troubles of the protagonists when audiences were expecting something more immediately gripping and visually shocking.
The film does improve in the latter part, veering towards the horror genre that audiences were initially looking for. But unfortunately, by this time, spectators who were anticipating a classic horror film may be left disappointed, while those looking for something more profound won’t find it in this feature.
Russell Crowe delivers a commendable performance in a film that seems unsuitable for him. Despite his powerful screen presence, he seems out of sync with the role of a fallen, tormented actor. He does his best to portray an actor keen on reviving his dwindling career.
In conclusion, it’s hard to either save or recommend “The Exorcism”. It is a film that squanders its original concept, standing indecisively between being a movie and ‘something more’ that never truly materializes.
The Cast
Russell CroweRussell Crowe is a New Zealand-born actor, film producer, and musician who gained international fame for his role in the blockbuster movie “Gladiator” in 2000. He has since starred in numerous films such as “A Beautiful Mind,” “Les Miserables,” and “The Nice Guys.” Crowe is known for his versatility as an actor and has received multiple awards and nominations throughout his career. He continues to be one of the most recognizable and respected actors in Hollywood.
Ryan Simpkins
Chloe Bailey
Sam Worthington
Adam GoldbergThe post “The Exorcism”: A Concept That Could Have Been Executed Far Better appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
Electric Dreams: A Journey into the Connection of Art and Technology – Tate Modern, London
From the birth of optical art to the advent of the internet age, our world has witnessed the emergence and development of unique art forms that have continually pushed the boundaries of human creativity. This autumn, Tate Modern invites you on an extraordinary journey to the past, where pioneering artists dared to dream of a new era where art and technology are not just interlinked, but inseparable.
“Electric Dreams: Art and Technology Before the Internet” is a monumental celebration of these innovative spirits who crafted a distinct enclave of digital art in a world warming up to the notion of technology. This exhibition will showcase the work of more than 70 international artists who were bold and imaginative enough to draw inspiration from science and create art that tests the limits of our senses.
Featuring over 150 works, many of which are making their UK debut, “Electric Dreams” presents a unique opportunity to see vintage tech art in all its splendor. The exhibition encapsulates everything from mesmerising psychedelic installations to path-breaking experiments made with home computers and video synthesisers.
“Electric Dreams” is set to transport audiences to an era where artists used cutting-edge tools to broaden cultural horizons, and their visions of the future are synonymous with the reality we live in today. The immersive installations bring to life audacious experiments with light, featuring works from artists across five decades.
The exhibition offers a unique blend of individual and group artworks, representing key historic exhibitions, and thus highlighting the shared interests in abstraction, kineticism, perception, information theory, and cybernetics. It underscores the DIY ethos of the time, showcasing how artists developed their own hi-tech tools and techniques, trialing the line between art and engineering.
The journey concludes with some of the earliest artistic experiments in virtual reality, hinting at the rise of today’s digital technology-dominant world.
“Electric Dreams” successfully sheds light on the significance of the art-technology blend in shaping our contemporary digital world, making it an unmissable event for art, history, and tech enthusiasts alike.
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sangheeut and CALM & PUNK GALLERY present New Exchange Program, ‘Alter Being’
sangheeut and CALM & PUNK GALLERY, based in Seoul and Tokyo, respectively, are pleased to announce Alter Being, a new exchange program running from July 13 through August 4, 2024. The program aims to introduce the works of emerging Korean and Japanese artists to each other’s regions.
Collectively presented under the title ‘Alter Being,’ works by four different artists discussing the potentials of the “alternative being” will be featured across two consecutive exhibitions: Alter Being: The Landscape My Neighbor Saw (July 13 through August 4, 2024) introducing Japanese artists Hikaru Narita and Shun Okada, at sangheeut, Seoul; and Alter Being: Only the Hat Knows (July 19 through August 4, 2024) featuring Korean artists Seounghee Lee and TZUSOO at CALM & PUNK GALLERY, Tokyo.
On July 20, 2024, at 3pm (JST), TZUSOO will be in conversation with Sara Giusto (producer at Aww Inc, manager of the virtual influencer Imma, and a Forbes Japan 30 Under 30 alumni), discussing topics including the presence of virtual influencers and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Korea and Japan, as well as the utilization of AI in the global artworld. TZUSOO, who is recognized in Korea for creating her unique virtual character, Aimy, has also featured Imma in one of her recent works, Tinder (2021). The conversation will be streamed online via sangheeut and CALM & PUNK GALLERY‘s Instagram channels.
We look forward to your interest in this program, which spearheads a unique collaboration between young and emerging Asian galleries, fostering an enriching artistic experience for visitors alike.
Hikaru Narita, Shun Okada
Alter Being: The Landscape My Neighbor Saw
Duration: July 13-August 4, 2024
Location: sangheeut, Seoul
Curated by CALM & PUNK GALLERY
Seounghee Lee, TZUSOO
Alter Being: Only the Hat Knows
Duration: July 19-August 4, 2024
Location: CALM & PUNK GALLERY, Tokyo
Curated by sangheeut
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“LALIGA: All Access”: A Deep Dive into Spanish Football League on Netflix
“LALIGA: All Access” is a Netflix docuseries directed by Jorge Laplace.
A year-long journey through one of the world’s finest football leagues can now be experienced on your screens – thanks to the popular streaming service, Netflix. The documentary “LALIGA: All Access” breaks down the 20-23-2024 season of the Spanish football league – an institution in what is arguably the world’s most popular sport.
The documentary keeps a keen eye on football giants Real Madrid and F.C. Barcelona, as well as title contenders Sevilla and Atlético de Madrid. It also covers the ‘underdogs’, the teams fighting to stay in the league, and the Basque teams (Real Sociedad and Athletic Club), Celta, Giron… all twenty teams battling each other to win, avoid relegation, qualify for European play or simply keep their league status.
This piece throws a lot of focus on F.C. Barcelona and Xavi, who was the team’s coach last season. It features interviews with Robert Lewandowski, Joan Laporta and many, many more with Xavi Hernández himself, who had a tough, very tough season.
About the documentary“LALIGA: All Access” leans heavily on F.C. Barcelona and, this time, the big star of the season – Real Madrid, is notably absent. Its players barely make an appearance in the documentary. Members from Atlético de Madrid including their coach, Simeone, and several players and coaches from LALIGA also partake in the documentary.
“LALIGA: All Access” transcends the tactical analysis of football as a sport and focuses on the immense pressure these players and coaches face in their quest to win in a sport that triggers immense passions. Football, they say, is played under intense pressure and all eyes, every match, are fixated on these 22 players.
Our opinionFor football enthusiasts, this is an opportunity to witness the biggest stars and hear firsthand accounts from the players themselves. This documentary provides a unique insight into the sheer pressure these individuals face once their dreams are realized and they are left with only one possibility: to win. Enjoy the show!
Where to Watch “LALIGA: All Access”The post “LALIGA: All Access”: A Deep Dive into Spanish Football League on Netflix appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
July 14, 2024
Lisa’s “Rockstar”:Thai Rapper and Singer’s New Single Tops Charts in Korea
On June 28, 2024, Lisa, the talented Thai rapper and singer, disrupted the music scene with her latest single, “Rockstar”. This groundbreaking track not only marks her first solo release in three years but also her debut record under Lloud and RCA Records, following her departure from YG Entertainment and Interscope Records in 2023.
Lisa, after the triumph of her debut single album “Lalisa” in September 2021, took the bold step to leave YG Entertainment and pursue her solo ventures. Establishing her own artist management company, Lloud, in February 2024, she sought out a partnership with RCA Records for her future projects. “Rockstar” is the dynamic result of this collaboration, highlighting Lisa’s artistic growth beyond her previous music labels.
“Rockstar” is an audacious blend of hip-hop with hyperpop-lite beats, colored with hints of “cyberpunk psychedelia.” Drawing inspiration from early 2000s J-hip-hop, the track also infuses elements of contemporary R&B and hip-hop. Amid this creative blend, the track features a notable sample of Tame Impala’s “New Person, Same Old Mistakes.” The song’s elements were intricately put together by producers Ryan Tedder and Sam Homaee, with Lisa herself co-writing the lyrics alongside a talented team.
Receiving mixed reviews from critics, “Rockstar” was lauded by NME’s Puah Ziwei for Lisa’s powerful presence, which elevated the song well above mere swagger. The captivating hook “Lisa, can you teach me Japanese? I said, ‘Hai, hai'” became an instant hit, adding a unique charm and wit to the track.
Lisa masterfully built the suspense for “Rockstar”‘s release on social media, intriguing her vast fan base. With teasing snippets of the track on Instagram Stories, TikTok, and her official website, she hinted at the imminent drop of her new single. The official announcement of “Rockstar” on June 28 sparked fervor, paving the way for its global premiere.
The music video for “Rockstar” pays tribute to Lisa’s Thai roots, capturing electrifying scenes from Yaowarat Road in Bangkok’s Chinatown. Featuring enthralling choreography and a troop of 100 Thai dancers, the video encapsulates the vibrant authenticity of Thai street life. Also, influential Thai personalities including transgender influencers featured in the visual, adding a layer of diversity and inclusivity.
“Rockstar” is undoubtedly a defining moment in Lisa’s solo career, inaugurating a new era characterized by artistic curiosity and creative ingenuity.
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Brooke Shaden: Happy Accidents – JoAnne Artman Gallery
JoAnne Artman Gallery is pleased to present Happy Accidents, a collection of previously unexhibited photographs by Brooke Shaden. Titled for unexpected good that follows mishap, the exhibition reflects on Shaden’s evolution in both her artistry and life.
Blending nature and grief, Shaden’s work explores the unsettling corners of the mind with images that are emotionally intelligent, chillingly direct, and visually haunting. Inspired by a childhood of intense fears, and later by the hard-won lessons of learning to say goodbye to her foster children, Shaden’s photographs elicit hope while never shying away from darkness.
Many of Shaden’s images are created on location. Immersing herself in nature and integrating the Northern Arizona landscape has become essential to her process. Her practice is largely solitary self-portraiture, allowing herself to be the character and the creator at once. The impactful compositions are created through color, scale, and perspective adjustments. Building the final image through digital editing, Shaden represents the breathtaking visuals attainable through a fine-tuned manipulation of the photography medium. The result are scenes that resemble paintings and speak of an era that is not our own.
Guided by the belief that embracing transient moments leads to fulfillment, much of Shaden’s imagery focuses on how we can find beauty in grief by learning to release our attachments. Featuring both recently completed and archived pieces, Happy Accidents navigates the challenging themes of life, death, identity, and transformation through an unanticipated, optimistic lens.
Brooke Shaden’s work will inspire, provoke, engage and mesmerize. With visual perceptions always changing, peek behind the stories told and you’re sure to find the right artistic expression.
Brooke Shaden. “Surging Tides.” Limited Edition Photograph on Velvet Fine Art Paper. 10 x 10 inchesJoAnne Artman Gallery, Presents:
HAPPY ACCIDENTS: BROOKE SHADEN
October 1st, 2024 – November 30th, 2024 Artist Reception: October 3rd from 4-6pm
JoAnne Artman Gallery
346 N Coast Highway | Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Contact: JoAnne Artman
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July 13, 2024
Isabella Watling: Portraits
Classically-trained portrait artist Isabella Watling has just been awarded the second prize in the National Portrait Gallery’s prestigious Herbert Smith Freehills Portrait Award 2024. Her portrait titled Zizi (2023) was selected from 1,647 entries and will be showcased among the top fifty portraits on display.
This highly competitive Award, which has returned for its forty-second year, is one of the most important platforms for portrait painters and among one of the largest for any global art competition. Being awarded second place, Isabella Watling will receive £12,000.
To celebrate this achievement, Isabella Watling will open an exclusive studio exhibition this September as she invites viewers into the heart of her creative process with a rare, behind-the-scenes look at her studio—a place where her acclaimed works come to life.
Fusing together the timelessness of old master paintings with the contemporary allure of high fashion, her upcoming portrait exhibition features twenty-five quietly powerful and emotive oil paintings. All painted from life using a traditional sight-size technique, Isabella Watling: Portraits features a selection of women and men in beautifully crafted dresses and garments which juxtapose with the classical beauty achieved in the delicate handling of subtle shadows, rich textures and earthy colour palette.
One of Britain’s leading portrait artists, Isabella Watling’s artistic journey unfolded at the age of 18 at the esteemed Charles H. Cecil Studios in Florence. With a focus on portrait and figure painting, she immersed herself in the rich history of Florence’s art scene and took inspiration from the classical painting techniques. Inspired by the likes of Titian, Velazquez, Van Dyck and John Singer Sargent, her art serves as a continuation of this esteemed tradition, breathing new life into classical portraiture.
As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of the art world, Isabella Watling remains committed to preserving the tradition of portraiture while infusing it with her own unique perspective and style. Her portraits and their vibrant life-like quality and intricate depiction of fabrics, are a testament to her rigorous training in sight-size portraiture—a technique that preserves the vitality and scale of life under natural light, capturing the essence and subtle nuances of character from her subjects.
Her approach to portraiture is meticulous, emphasising the capture of her subjects’ character and presence. Firmly believing in the power of painting from life, Isabella Watling works exclusively in oils, under natural light, and directly from the sitter. This methodical process demands significant time investment, with at least five sittings required for a head and shoulders portrait, and up to ten for a full-length depiction.
Isabella Watling comments: “After a decade of creating in London, it felt right to open my studio and share some personal works alongside commissioned portraits, which are seldom seen by the public. Visitors will experience an array of my works, from intimate busts to commanding full-length pieces, all painted from life.It’s hard to get a true impression of the work from a photograph, so I am really excited for people to come and see the work and the studio that a lot of it was painted in. A lot of my work is done to commission so this will be a chance to showcase some portraits that I have painted for myself”.
Join Isabella Watling this September for an intimate glimpse into the art and soul of contemporary portraiture at her exclusive studio showcase. More details to be announced.
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July 12, 2024
“Black Lotus” – A Prime Video Thriller Starring Frank Grillo
“Black Lotus” is a thriller written and directed by Todor Chapkanov starring Rico Verhoeven and Frank Grillo.
“Black Lotus”, a thriller movie that perfectly captures the essence of bold heroes, malevolent villains, and the twisted world of crime and terror. The film is a non-stop ride filled with soldiers, ruthless crimes, terrorism, and a continuous show of firepower. This genre, even though it may seem somewhat overplayed due to repetitive plotlines and predictable sequences, continues to captivate a loyal fanbase.
The main draw of “Black Lotus” is undoubtedly Frank Grillo. Famous for his chameleon-like ability to eliminate boundaries between himself and his characters, he takes on the role of a highly malevolent villain.
Black LotusThe Plot:The story revolves around Matteo, an ex-soldier who returns to Amsterdam only to become entangled in a kidnapping. The victim? The daughter of a dear friend who tragically lost his life on a previous mission.
About the Film:Have we seen better films? Absolutely. More original plots? Yes, they exist. Films with a more humorous touch? Definitely. However, “Black Lotus” has a unique virtue: it delivers exactly what it sets out to promise – a high-stakes action film about ex-soldiers braving a world rampant with organized crime and despicable villains hell-bent on accumulating wealth.
The protagonist’s introduction is almost cliché yet familiar – a shirtless man lifting heavy logs – a scene that “Black Lotus” unabashedly employs to the tee. Although the film is packed with clichés and a rapid pace that’s somewhat worn due to overuse, it manages to strike a chord with fans of the genre. It would have effortlessly fit into the action film roster of the eighties, but thirty years on, it does seem a bit spent.
Our Opinion:Unfortunately, given the current standard of American cinema, we find it difficult to recommend. Lacking in ambition, it could have been another movie in the video club from the eighties, but today it’s simply another film released on a streaming platform.
Where to Watch “Black Lotus”The Cast
Rico Verhoeven
Peter Franzén
Frank Grillo
Roland MøllerThe post “Black Lotus” – A Prime Video Thriller Starring Frank Grillo appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
“Exploding Kittens” A Netflix Animation Series: A Blend of Absurdity, Parody, Irreverence, and Folly
“Exploding Kittens” is a Netrflix animation series created by Matthew Inman. With the voices of Tom Ellis, Suzy Nakamura and Ally Maki.
The world of adult animation has been progressively multiplying, with many shows emulating each other— each with variations, some better, some worse. But they all subscribe to a common mantra: to be as irreverent as possible, and the more scandalous, the better.
Often not distinguished by meticulous animation, some carry a more elaborate plot, while others merely string one absurd joke after another, placing their bets on a sprint towards comedic absurdity saturation. “Exploding Kittens” is one such series where absurdity and a plethora of jokes are its key features. As of this Friday, the 12th, it’s yours to enjoy on Netflix.
Plot of “Exploding Kittens”God and the Devil are sent to Earth in the form of kittens, providing a new viewpoint to humanity.
Where to Watch “Exploding Kittens”The post “Exploding Kittens” A Netflix Animation Series: A Blend of Absurdity, Parody, Irreverence, and Folly appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.
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