Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 133

An Exclusive Look at Evert Thielen’s Lifework

Come September 15, 2024, the world of contemporary art will hold its breath as the doors of the Museum van Bommel van Dam in Venlo open to host a comprehensive exhibition in honour of the local legend, the realist artist, Evert Thielen.

Known for his monumental-sized polyptychs, Thielen, now 70 years old, connects eras past and present with his surreal compositions and symbolic themes. Often showcasing his beloved wife as his muse, his portraits and polyptychs capture a layered reality, full of double meanings and subtle art historical references.

Evert Thielen. The Creation, 1987-1992. tempera on panel. Photography Anton vd Riet part III

The exhibition, titled “Evert Thielen – Opening the Shutters,” presents a fresh approach to viewing Thielen’s work, examining them in a historical and thematic context. The symbolic title also refers to the physical opening and closing of the polyptych panels, allowing visitors a holistic experience of all representations.

In a metaphorical sense, the exhibition seeks to ‘open’ Thielen’s oeuvre, exploring universal themes of desire and infinity that permeate his work. Answering the question of what makes his work overwhelmingly appealing, the exhibition delves into his hyper-realistic style, his connections with the Old Masters, and his contemporary perspective.

In celebration of Thielen’s life and work, the historical city centre of Venlo, the Maasdorp Arcen and Kloosterdorp Steyl will be themed around Evert Thielen for the duration of the exhibition. An outdoor exhibition, free to all, will showcase details from Thielen’s works alongside art from other local artists, cultivating a rich, cultural city program.

About Evert Thielen

Born on April 16, 1954, in Venlo, Thielen studied at the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague and the painting technique of Jan van Eyck with a group of scientists at the Royal Institute for Cultural Heritage in Brussels. His captivating exhibitions have attracted massive crowds over the years, cementing his place as a beloved local artist.

About Museum van Bommel van Dam

Located in the beautiful, renovated old post office on Keulsepoort in Venlo, Museum van Bommel van Dam is a modern contemporary art hub in North Limburg. Built on the art collection of founders Maarten and Reina van Bommel-van Dam, the museum boasts a broad collection of post-war art and an exciting calendar of exhibitions and public programs.

Join us at “Exhibition Evert Thielen – Opening the Shutters” from September 15, 2024, to February 23, 2025, as we explore, appreciate and celebrate the work of the remarkable Venlo-born artist, Evert Thielen.

Evert Thielen. Flora, 2023. tempera on panel. Photography Dominique Provost

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Dominique White: Deadweight – A Pioneering Exploration of Rebellion and Transformation”

The ninth winner of the esteemed Max Mara Art Prize for Women, Dominique White (b. 1993, United Kingdom), graces The Whitechapel Gallery with her new body of work, “Deadweight.” Set to be showcased from the 2nd of July through to the 15th of September in 2024, this exhibition promises an immersive experience into the world of ‘Blackness’, sea-power, and rebellion.

“Deadweight” is a thought-provoking collection of four large-scale sculptural works, offering a fresh take on rebellion and transformation. Drawing from nautical metaphors, White innovatively addresses the concepts of stability and disruption, breaking away from the traditional to offer a unique perspective on emancipation and abolition.

Through the artistic combination of force and fragility, White shapes metals into forms that seemingly echo elements such as anchors, carcasses, or ship hulls. These structures, once lost or abandoned, are reinvented through her treatment and metamorphose into symbols of defiance.

In a daring process, the sculptures were submerged in the Mediterranean Sea. This act, both physical and poetic, explores the transformative power of water on material objects. The resulting manifestations reveal the impact of seawater on the sculptures, exhibiting the rust and oxidation from the metals and the fragmentation of organic elements.

White interlaces concepts central to her artistic practice. Her works envision Afrofuturism, Afro-pessimism, and Hydrarchy, proposing alternative realities liberated from colonial influence and capitalist constraints. The artist’s ‘beacons’ prophesize a future for ‘Stateless’ Black communities caught in the uncharted waters of the world yet to come.

This pioneering collection, part of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, originated from a unique proposal formulated by White. This proposal was actualized during a purposefully organized six-month residency by Collezione Maramotti. The residency involved travels, interactions with academia, and learnings from traditional and contemporary metalworking techniques, providing a wholesome support system for White’s artistic vision.

As a collaboration between The Whitechapel Gallery, Max Mara, and Collezione Maramotti, the Max Mara Art Prize for Women is a one-of-a-kind visual art prize that zealously supports and promotes emerging UK-based women artists. It provides the means, resources, and visibility to propagate ground-breaking work, aiding these artists in a decisive phase of their artistic journey.

Post its display at The Whitechapel Gallery, “Deadweight” will traverse to the esteemed Collezione Maramotti in Reggio Emilia, Italy, to continue its impactful journey. In addition, a short documentary encapsulating White’s experience during her Italian residency and an exhibition catalogue will complement the exhibition, further enriching the audience’s understanding of the artist’s inspiration and journey.

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Miss Night and Day, A Rollicking Korean Comedy Series on Netflix Like Never Before

“Miss Night and Day” is a series directed by Lee Hyung-Min starring Lee Jung-eun, Jung Eun-ji and Choi Jin-hyuk.

Weekends and Korean series have become almost synonymous, with romantic comedies being the most anticipated of them all. This time around, we have a comedy produced by JTBC that has us laughing uproariously with its absurd plot; a series that is so ridiculously absurd, it’s hilariously entertaining.

“Miss Night and Day” revolves around the life of Lee Mi-jin, a nearly thirty-year-old woman who shares her living space with her parents and is still without a job. However, her life flips upside down in the most unexpected way. After a chance encounter with a cat, she wakes up every day as a woman much older than her years.

Yes, we warned you about the absurdity. But how can growing older benefit anyone in a society that values youth? Lee Mi-jin cleverly uses her youthful assets—sharp vision, language skills, physical agility—to land a job for the elderly. Through her unique approach, she turns societal norms on their head, transforming her apparent setback into a strength.

The attention, however, is not limited to Lee Mi-jin. We look forward to how the plot unfolds around the handsome Choi Jin-hyuk, an unscrupulous prosecutor who enters Mi-jin’s life after a scammer swindles her off her money.

Reviewing the Series:

The absurdity of the series leaves you with no choice but to surrender yourself to laughter. Filled with classic comedic events such as falls, smacks, and an enjoyable mix of physical and verbal humor, it’s a recipe for a rollicking good time.

The star acts of two main actresses, taking on the same role in their unique manners, steals the show. Lee Jung-eun flawlessly plays the older version of Lee Mi-jin, while the stunning Jung Eun-ji embodies the youth counterpart, both equally funny in their portrayals.

Joining them is the young prosecutor played by Choi Jin-hyuk, who is bound to win over the younger viewers. But above them all, we would like to highlight Jung Young-ju, who plays Mi-jin’s mother. Her eccentric, over-the-top performance had us in stitches.

Enjoy the show in all its absurd splendor!

Where to Watch “Miss Night and Day”

Netflix

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Dive into the Thrilling World of ‘Knox Goes Away’ Premiering on Max this July

The world of cinema is set to be intoxicated by the electrifying and thought-provoking movie, “Knox Goes Away,” slated to stream on Max in the United States starting July 26. Brought to you by Saban Films, this engrossing thriller will also be available on HBO, making its linear debut on July 27, at 8:00 p.m. ET.

Directed by the Academy Award® nominee Michael Keaton, who also stars as John Knox, “Knox Goes Away” is an unpredictable thriller that seizes your attention right from the start. Keaton depicts a hitman battling time and his own rapidly deteriorating mind in an attempt to rectify past mistakes before his newly diagnosed dementia takes full control.

With an intricately woven plotline, the movie showcases the protagonist’s mad rush against the police in an admirable effort to save his estranged son from a perilously vengeful mistake. Teaming up with him is his trustworthy friend, equipped with a shadowy history of his own, aiding Knox in his race to reconcile with his past and “cash out” before time runs out.

The movie boasts a star-studded cast including James Marsden, Suzy Nakamura, Joanna Kulig, Academy Award® winners Ray McKinnon, Marcia Gay Harden, Al Pacino, and John Hoognakker. Adding to the riveting narrative is the intense screenplay penned by Gregory Poirier.

Behind the scenes, “Knox Goes Away” is brought to life by a proficient team. The production credits include names like Michael Keaton, Trevor Matthews, Nick Gordon, Michael Sugar, and Ashley Zalta. The movie is also graced by the executive production skills of professionals like Carter Stanton, Jillian Kay, Gregory Poirier, Wayne Carmona, among many others.

“Knox Goes Away” promises an emotional roller-coaster ride, filled with unexpected twists, emotional highs and lows, and a mind-bending exploration into the intricacies of human consciousness. Tune into Max this July 26 and join us in celebrating this cinematic masterpiece.

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The Dance of Death: Unearthing the Sonic Saga of WolfWolf with ‘Totentanz’

Switzerland’s garage punk forerunners, WolfWolf, present their fourth album, “Totentanz” (Dance of Death), a gripping exploration of mortality, set to the undaunted rhythm of their signature blues trash and garage punk sound. Born out of the unique musical chemistry of Mr. Wolf and Mr. Wolf, Totentanz is a testament to WolfWolf’s continuous evolution in the realm of music and narrative creation.

Over a decade, WolfWolf has shaken the underground music scene with its audacious soundscapes and deeply engaging narratives. “We perceive WolfWolf as more than music; it’s a world inhabited by misfits and shadow beings brought to life through our songs,” shared the illustrious duo. Their latest release, Totentanz, pulls back the veil, inviting listeners into the unseen realities of life and death.

From the morose to the morbid, the album showcases the many shades of existence, ensnaring listeners in the alluring yet eerie space that is WolfWolf. The album, a fusion of new wave drum beats, industrial nuances, and Mellotron’s uncanny tunes, was recorded at Food Corner Studio in Rorbas. Lukas Speissegger, a long-time collaborator, added layers of depth and complexity that fuse seamlessly with the duo’s distinctive style.

https://wolfwolf.bandcamp.com/

Totentanz paints a striking picture of life’s most profound mysteries. Tracks like “Black Hole” are a hypnotic anthem to the engulfing force of despair, dropping listeners into a sonic chasm of desolation. A ghostly tale of eternal longing and retribution unfolds in “Ghost Of Bran”, a testament to WolfWolf’s ability to create compelling stories through their melodic prowess.

In contrast, tracks like “Heavy Sick” and “Heidi Is Alive” take listeners on a dizzying journey into urban nightlife, filled with danger, desire, and a haunting sense of disorientation. “Holy Water” explores the intersection of faith and fanaticism, marrying dark humor with sinister undertones. The final track, “It’s Hot In Hell”, rounds off the album with an atmospheric exploration of the inevitability of mortality.

Collaboration is a cornerstone of WolfWolf’s creative process. To bring their vision of the Dance of Death to life, the duo enlisted the artistic talents of Barbara and Heini Gut. The team’s combined talents resulted in an album cover that captures the hauntingly beautiful essence of life, death, and everything in between.

Lucerne natives, WolfWolf have made a substantial impact on the underground music scene over the past decade. Totentanz, in collaboration with Ghost Highway Recordings, Lux Noise, and Off Label Records, and available on all major streaming platforms, is yet another milestone in WolfWolf’s remarkable musical journey. With Totentanz, WolfWolf solidifies their reputation as audacious storytellers and sonic innovators who consistently push the boundaries of music.

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Quiver Distribution Acquires North American Rights for Nicki Micheaux’s ‘Summer Of Violence’ And Sets August Release

Quiver Distribution has acquired North American rights for American filmmaker Nicki Micheaux’s coming-of-age love story about a young poet who uses her art to speak out in 1993 in Denver, during a period of violent crime in the city known as the Summer Of Violence. The film is set to be released in theaters in the US on August 23rd with VOD and Digital to follow in October.. 

Micheaux’s gritty directorial debut from her own script was nominated for the Grand Jury Prize at the Austin Film Festival (2023), and was also warmly received at Heartland, Denver, Tallgrass International and Downtown LA Film festivals (all in 2023), the two latter festivals recognizing the film with ‘Best Picture’, ‘Audience Award’ and ‘Outstanding First Feature’ awards respectively. The film will next appear at the popular BLACK GIRLS ROCK!Film Festival June 21-23 in Atlanta, GA.

The lead cast includes Kasey Inez, Jahking Guillory, Madhulika Krishnan, Pedro Correa, and Damon Gupton. Micheaux produced with Efuru Flowers, Maureen P. Motley, Sean Riggs, Stelio Savante and Brian Mitchell.  The Executive Producers are Nicki Micheaux, Johnny Wimbrey, Brian Mitchell, Nicki Micheaux, Sonya Marchand, Crystal Wimbrey, Psalms Wimbrey and Hannah Wimbrey. The deal was brokered by producers Micheaux and Savante on behalf of the film, and by Larry Greenberg on behalf of Quiver. The film was represented by attorney Dimiter Nikolov.

Nicki Micheaux says, “I’m thrilled to have found the film a home with Quiver. To have distributors who are passionate about the film and believe in its appeal to a wide audience is exciting. We can’t wait to get this film into the world and in front of audiences.” 

“Nicki has created a poignant character study in her feature length directorial debut,” said Quiver Distribution Co-Presidents Berry Meyerowitz and Jeff Sackman. “We are proud to be partnering with such a creative and talented force.”

Summer Of Violence

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Cottontail – Movie Review: A Touching Tale of Time and Family Ties

Cottontail is a movie written and directed by Patrick Dickinson starring Lily Franky. With Ryo Nishikido, Tae Kimura, Rin Takanashi and Ciarán Hinds.

A poignant narrative that’s not reliant on easy tears, “Cottontail” is an intricate story about individuals, often lost within themselves, enduring the passage of time, and a father-son bond that was severed many years ago. The narrative unspools slowly, leisurely, with a rhythm that is paradoxically unhurried, yet revealing of the rich tapestry of life, unfolding layer by layer in a series of recollections.

Plot

Kenzaburo, a man grieving the loss of his wife, Akiko, embarks on a journey to England to scatter her ashes in a lake that held special meaning for her. Along the way, the family is compelled to reconnect while simultaneously grappling with the dissonances of their generational divides.

Cottontail“Cottontail”: A Film in All Its Human Glory

“Cottontail” is a tale about life, death, and the inexorable passage of time. It is a movie that is up close and personal with its characters, individuals who are uncomfortable discussing their emotions yet find themselves confronting the most profound and daunting of all sentiments – death.

Contrary to classical melodramas, the film does not resort to over-the-top drama or emphasis. Instead, it adopts a more natural and tranquil pace, allowing the actors to truly shine. The narrative simplicity and balance create a thoughtful, reflective environment.

“Cottontail” may not boast grand sequences, but it successfully narrates an impactful story in an effortless, relatable manner. It brings to life many vignettes, big and small, of a couple’s lifetime and a father-son duo who diverged paths at some point.

Two Major Pluses: The Actors and Their Approach

Without revealing spoilers, it’s more a celebration of life than a somber tale, more about the beauty of existence than the sorrow of demise. The credit goes to the actors.

Veteran actor Lily Franky leads the way in the central role, masterfully portraying a character on a journey of redemption, acceptance, and triumph. He delivers a compelling performance without overpowering or overacting, offering a natural, tender, and relatable portrayal.

Ryo Nishikido plays Toshi, a character that greatly differs from his recent roles. Demonstrating versatility, he expertly contours a character essential to the story, adding depth to the narrative.

Finally, we have Akiko, played by Tae Kimura. Her character, remembered through flashbacks, forms the film’s fulcrum. Despite her limited screen time, she embodies her role with tragic beauty.

Our Verdict

More contemplative than dramatic, “Cottontail” brilliantly demonstrates how to infuse a film about death with an overwhelming sense of hope.

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“Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix

“”Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix” is a Malaysian movie written and directed by Lay Jin Ong starring Kang Ren Wu, Jack Tan and Serene Lim.

“”Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix” – a neo-realistic film with a gripping narrative about two brothers fighting for survival in contemporary Malaysia, is now streaming on Netflix. An emotive story that resonates with truth and authenticity, it is set to be available for viewing starting this Friday.

Endorsed by a slew of international awards, this debut film from the celebrated Lay Jin Ong unfolds the stark realities of Malaysia. The movie stands as a testament to cinema’s potential power to manifest inequality, despair, and injustice. It shines a light on these harsh realities through the lives of the two protagonist brothers pushed to the edge of a hopeless life.

“”Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix” is a raw and truthful film. There is no pretence, no special effects, only an honest representation of reality. The script and its execution are stripped of all unnecessary frills, focusing solely on the narrative and its characters. The story itself inherently contains tragic elements, further amplified by the atmospheric setting.

Often, cinema lovers find themselves trapped in the illusion that Hollywood is the only source of good cinema. “”Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix” is here to shatter that notion. It’s an affirmation that the world of cinema extends beyond the constructed fantasies of Hollywood. A film made on a modest budget, it still emerges as a gem – a testament to the fact that capturing the viewer’s heart requires no melodramatic elements.

Where to Watch “”Abang Adik”: A Powerful Neo-realistic Movie on Netflix”

Netflix

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“Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” Series on Netflix: Unleashing Horror Stories from Indonesia

“Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” is a series created by Joko Anwar starring Ario Bayu, Lukman Sardi, Asmara Abigail, and others.

Netflix’s latest horror anthology, “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams,” is a compelling collection of seven horror narratives, meticulously curated by the celebrated storyteller, Joko Anwar. The series features an impressive cast, including Ario Bayu, Lukman Sardi, Asmara Abigail, among others.

Coming from Joko Anwar, the known creator of hair-raising stories, this compilation of seven terror tales will inevitably invite comparisons with the version by Guillermo del Toro. However, this new compilation has its distinctive personality, skillfully traversing different atmospheres and societal classes. A fresh terror proposal awaits your viewing pleasure on Netflix, where we delve into a senior citizen’s asylum, encounter a family adopting a child, or learn about the trials of a novel writer.

Interestingly, all narratives share a common thread – at some point, they nudge our consciousness towards social justice, class disparities, and the like. It boasts some well-executed shots, and a few of the stories exude intriguing concepts. The production quality, albeit not comparable to Guillermo del Toro’s technical brilliance, is commendable, elevating previous Indonesian productions.

“Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams” encapsulates some fresh plots that may appeal to horror enthusiasts. However, it isn’t a series set to capture universal acclaim. It flaunts many elements perceived as grotesque by some viewers and isn’t a series for all viewers. It caters primarily to the admirers of horror cinema as opposed to classical cinema enthusiasts.

While it may lack the extravagance of effects or grand production, the series holds its ground owing to the unique ideas of each episode and the fact that the stories bear no resemblance to each other. It may not top the list of the best horror series on Netflix, and you might miss Hollywood’s technical finesse, but it promises an intriguing option for a springtime Friday, allowing you to reconsider seeing the light anew.

Where to Watch “Joko Anwar’s Nightmares and Daydreams”

Netflix

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Top 8 PvP Addons for World of Warcraft Cataclysm Classic

Cataclysm Classic is in full swing, and more players are hitting the Arena to showcase their skills and score some awesome rewards. If you’re gearing up for PvP and searching for ways to boost your performance, then you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re sharing the best Cataclysm addons that will make your Arena gameplay much smoother and give you a significant edge in battle. And if you’re looking for even more help, check out our friends at WowVendor. They offer Arena boosts for both rating and gear, as well as tons of WoW Cataclysm gold for sale, great leveling packages, and awesome deals for instanced content. Grab a boost now while their discounts are hot, and make your Cataclysm progress go faster!

But before you head off to pick your boost, let’s dive into those best PvP addons for Cataclysm Classic.

Best Addons for Cataclysm Classic ArenaOmniBar

OmniBar is a must-have Arena addon that tracks enemy interrupts, defensives, CCs, and other cooldowns for you. It’s highly customizable, allowing you to choose which abilities you want to keep tabs on. This makes combat a lot easier by helping you plan your attacks and defenses, so you don’t have to calculate how long enemy spells last or when they’re ready again.

OmniCD

This addon tracks cooldowns too but for you and your teammates. It’s super handy because you always know which abilities are ready to use, which are still on hold, and when they’ll be back up. This helps a lot in planning attacks and healing. We recommend keeping the setup as simple and minimalistic as possible to avoid clutter and information overload. This way, it’ll be easier to read and make informed decisions with your team.

Plater

Plater lets you create custom nameplates with all the necessary information, including DoT effects, slows, defensive cooldowns, and more. You can customize almost everything, from fonts and colors to the specific details displayed, so don’t hesitate to take some time and play around with the settings.

WeakAuras

WeakAuras is a very powerful addon with a wide range of functions that extend far beyond the Arena. If you haven’t used this tool before, we recommend first getting familiar with it, exploring at least the most basic options and then custom-tailoring it with specific WeakAuras for the Arena. 

In terms of useful PvP functionality, this addon can complement your UI with such info as enemy cooldowns, ICD trackers, personal resource displays, currently applied buffs and debuffs, and more. You don’t have to use everything we mentioned right here, as some of these WeakAuras overlap with many good standalone addons that will probably be more than enough for you, especially at first. Remember, too much information and an overloaded UI won’t make you more effective in battle, so keep things simple and don’t get carried away. It’s better to start with minimal auras and gradually make your setup more advanced than to pile on too much at once and get overwhelmed.

Gladdy

Specifically designed for Cataclysm Arena, Gladdy might seem complex at first, but once you get the hang of it and customize it to your liking, it will become your best buddy in PvP. This addon allows you to display cast bars so you know when and what to kick, as well as class icons with health and mana bars. Additionally, it shows trinket status, racials, and all the chosen cooldowns in a clear and convenient manner.

BigDebuffs

BigDebuffs shows which debuffs are affecting you and your teammates. This info is displayed with large icons directly on the unit frames, making it easy to understand where your team is in terms of crowd control so you can respond much faster when your allies are in trouble.

BuffOverlay

BuffOverlay displays important defensive buffs on your unit frame. It’s pretty similar to BigDebuffs, but instead of showing effects applied by enemies, it gives you visuals on the buffs that are self-cast by you or your allies.

Details! Damage Meter

In terms of enhancing your performance directly during gameplay, this addon doesn’t do much. However, it provides a wealth of valuable information for further improvement. Details! gives insights into damage numbers, displays healing breakdowns, and shows a death log with a detailed list of all spells cast during the battle from both sides. This will help you figure out what killed you and why, so you can learn important lessons and avoid repeating the same mistakes in the future.

Final Word

That’s all for now, folks! We really hope this article was helpful and you picked up a couple of addons to try out or at least learned something new. Good luck out there in the Arena and see you in Azeroth!

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