Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 134

‘Queer the Ballet’ partners with Baruch Performing Arts Center to Unveil “Dream of a Common Language”

This summer, from 21st to 23rd June 2024, witness the world premiere of ‘Dream of a Common Language’, a unique ballet performance brought to you by ‘Queer the Ballet’ in partnership with Baruch Performing Arts Center. Experience the power of ballet in evening performances at 7:30 pm on June 21 and 22 and matinee shows at 2 pm on June 22 and 23 at the Baruch Performing Arts Center, 55 Lexington Avenue, New York. Book your tickets online today at https://bpac.baruch.cuny.edu/. Student concessions available.

This ballet is a novel interpretation, inspired by the poetic brilliance of lesbian writer and activist Adrienne Rich’s 1978 poetry collection, ‘Dream of a Common Language’. The brainchild of Adriana Pierce, the founder of Queer the Ballet, the ballet hones the creativity of choreographers including Adriana Pierce, Minnie Lane, Rosie Elliott, and Lenai Alexis Wilkerson. Emily DeMaioNewton’s dramaturgy amplifies the vibrancy of this creation.

The performance brings the journey of six dancers to life, celebrating community, friendship, romance, and sharing the heartbreaks. It reflects on the parallels between Adrienne Rich’s quest for a queer community in the 70s and the contemporary search of queer ballet dancers for their tribe. From mountaintops to dimly lit bars, this ballet sheds light on the trials and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals across history and the yearning of queer dancers today for a common language that binds.

Queer the Ballet is proud to present this performance in association with Baruch Performing Arts Center and appreciates the support from the CUNY Dance Initiative performance residency grant.

Meet the Performers

Lenai Alexis Wilkerson, a distinguished artist, hails from Washington D.C., with credits including Ballet Hispánico and Cincinnati Ballet. Annia Hidalgo, a gold medalist at the International Ballet Competition brings her Cuban influence to the stage. Lauren Flower from Tucson, a member of the Oregon Ballet Theatre, embellishes the performance with her wide range of experience. Ayla O’Day, Mia Domini, and Demi Trezona, three dancing virtuosos, contribute their unique aesthetics and dynamics to this groundbreaking performance.

Come, be a part of this revolutionary ballet that celebrates diversity and unity all under one roof.

The post ‘Queer the Ballet’ partners with Baruch Performing Arts Center to Unveil “Dream of a Common Language” appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

HBO’s Phenomenal Hit, ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON,’ Set to Ignite a Third Season!

HBO’s original drama series has announced that the saga of the ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ will return for a captivating third season. Fans are eager to see the second season, set to debut on SUNDAY, JUNE 16 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and HBO Max, but the news of the renewal is sure to make this event even more exciting!

Set 200 years before the legendary ‘Game of Thrones’ events, ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON,’ based on George R.R. Martin’s “Fire & Blood,” continues to enthrall audiences with the gripping story of House Targaryen. A star-studded cast with the likes of Matt Smith, Olivia Cooke, Rhys Ifans, and Emma D’Arcy ignites the screens, bringing Martin’s vivid world to life.

Francesca Orsi, Executive Vice President, HBO Programming, Head of HBO Drama Series and Films, enthusiastically endorsed the show’s phenomenal team: “We are in awe of the dragon-sized effort put into the creation of a spectacular season two. The heart and scope of ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ is only rivaled by its scale. We are thrilled to continue the story of House Targaryen and watch this team burn bright again for season three.”

‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ season two has been hailed as a “breathlessly exciting and gripping tale” by TheWrap and lauded as a “return to Thrones’ golden age” by GQ. Esquire has even named the second season as “the biggest show of the summer.” In a united chorus of approval, TV Guide has called the series “the grandest TV available,” while Collider has crowned it as “the best fantasy television show of the decade.”

The third season promises to scale even greater heights, bringing with it more action, intrigue, and fire-breathing drama. As the saga of House Targaryen continues to unfold, fans can rest assured that the ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON’ will return to set their screens ablaze.

The post HBO’s Phenomenal Hit, ‘HOUSE OF THE DRAGON,’ Set to Ignite a Third Season! appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Morton Fine Arts Presents A Global Group Exhibition Of Fiber Art Exploring Healing, Reclamation, Finding And Being Found

Washington, D.C. – Morton Fine Art is pleased to announce Knit, Restored, Woven, Healed, a global group exhibition of fiber art exploring overlapping themes of healing, reclamation, finding and being found. The exhibition features work from artists Kesha Bruce (USA), Lizette Chirrime (Mozambique), Maliza Kiasuwa (Belgium and Kenya), and Adia Millett (USA). Bringing together fiber art from these four female artists working across three continents, Knit, Restored, Woven, Healed is animated by a belief in renewal, healing and meaningful materiality. “While my work pays homage to the past through the use of repurposed fabrics and historical iconography, its bright atheistic imagery looks to, and is informed by the future,” shared Millett. “It reminds us of the importance of renewal and rebuilding, not only through the artistic process but also through the possibility of transformative change.” Knit, Restored, Woven, Healed will be on view from May 24 – June 26, 2024 at Morton’s Washington, D.C. space (52 O St NW #302). An opening reception will be held June 1, 2-4 pm.

Continuing techniques practiced by their ancestors, Chirrime and Kiasuwa work with resonant materials that speak to the past while enabling the past to speak to the present. Rest and physical and spiritual healing are their desired outcomes. Mozambican artist Chirrime sources scrap materials from her environment and immediate communities, using fabric, thread, rope, paint, stitches and more to produce dynamic collages that speak to African womanhood and the human condition. Chirrime’s interplay between textiles and abstraction, self and the universe, discarded and repaired, evokes a reciprocal world of self and other. “I use fabric to create works as a form of self-healing,” Chirrime says. “And simultaneously to heal the Universe.” Chirrime’s use of art as a therapeutic and spiritual tool creates a reconfigured understanding of representation and human nature, using thread after colored thread to inspire hope and healing.

Kesha Bruce

Lagoon, 2022
Mixed media textile collage on canvas
48 x 36 in.

Another artist with a longstanding practice rooted in found objects and the histories that inscribe them, Kiasuwa uses thread to stitch disparate materials into an interlacing dialogue. “Fiber art is inherently suited to themes of growth, renewal, rebuilding and change,” shares Kiasuwa. “The nature of fibers, which can be twisted, woven and stitched together, reflects the connection and resilience found in life. Each thread, while fragile on its own, becomes strong and supportive. The versatility of fiber allows for constant experimentation and evolution. I can dye, print, cut, and manipulate fibers in endless ways, reflecting the dynamic nature of change and transformation.” Kiasuwa’s works often simultaneously depict and simulate a vision of exchange between parties that—while possibly dissonant in material—are imbued with a sense of harmony and dignity in form. As a visual artist of European and African descent, Kiasuwa brings a

panoptic perspective to her border-crossing work, which regards the coexistence of two worlds as an endless source of inspiration, and a potential space for reconciliation.

An exhibiting artist for over 25 years, Bruce has steadily oriented her craft toward capturing and encouraging the process of artmaking as an end in its own right. An intuitive combination of painting, collage and textile art, Bruce’s work represents the culmination of a holistic creative practice developed by the artist over several decades, often addressing themes of life, renewal and healing. “So many of the materials I use in my work have magically found their way to me.

Years ago I think I was more concerned with what it meant to use found materials or created or store-bought materials, but now I’ve just completely surrendered to the idea of letting objects, fabrics, materials find me,” said Bruce. Referred to by the artist simply as paintings, her

mixed-media compositions are in fact patchworks of painted fabric, individually selected from Bruce’s vast archive and pasted directly onto the canvas in a textile collage that can sometimes resemble a quilt. The result of a slow and perpetual artistic method, each work represents hours of treatment, selection and juxtaposition until the whole becomes manifestly greater than its parts. Bruce’s process ends with her titling of each work: a poetic articulation of what the work is at this point capable of expressing for itself.

Millett’s work weaves threads of Black American experiences with broader ideas of identity and collective history, suggesting the fragile interconnectivity among all living things. Constructing works assembled from vibrant and textured fragments to fashion a meaning greater than its individual elements, Millett illuminates the multidimensional parallels between the creative process and personal identity. Her textiles, which draw on the domestic and artistic traditions of quilt-making, piece together to combine culturally diverse, often repurposed fabrics and historical iconography.

Maliza Kiasuwa,

Gold Bold, 2022
Hessian, fabric, paper and stitches
23.5 x 23.5 in.Morton Fine Art

Founded in 2010 in Washington D.C. by curator Amy Morton, Morton Fine Art (MFA) is a fine art gallery and curatorial group that collaborates with art collectors and visual artists to inspire fresh ways of acquiring contemporary art. Firmly committed to the belief that art collecting can be cultivated through an educational stance, MFA’s mission is to provide accessibility to

museum-quality contemporary art through a combination of substantive exhibitions and a welcoming platform for dialogue and exchange of original voice. Morton Fine Art specializes in a stellar roster of nationally and internationally renowned artists as well as has an additional focus on artwork of the African Diaspora.

Lizette Chirrime

Synchronization in the Blood, 2022
Fabric and mixed media stitched on canvas
38.5 x 60.5 in.

Kesha Bruce (Arizona b. 1975, Iowa). Born and raised in Iowa, Bruce completed a BFA from the University of Iowa before earning an MFA in painting from Hunter College in New York City. Bruce has been awarded fellowships from the New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA), The Vermont Studio Center, The CAMAC Foundation and the Puffin Foundation. Her work is included in the collections of The Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture (14 pieces), The Amistad Center for Art and Culture, The University of Iowa Women’s Center, The En Foco

Photography Collection and MOMA’s Franklin Furnace Artist Book Collection. She has been represented by Morton Fine Art since 2011.

In addition to her studio practice, Bruce has been the Artist Programs Manager at the Arizona Commission on the Arts since 2019. She also serves as the Board Chair of Tessera Art Collective, a non-profit organization that supports and elevates the work and practices of BIPOC women artists working in abstraction. Bruce is also co-founder of Black Girl Basel – the only event during Miami Art Week intentionally created for Black women artists, creatives, entrepreneurs, activists and cultural change-makers.

Lizette Chirrime (Inhambane, Mozambique b. Mozambique) creates intricate fabric collages on canvas that are at once celebratory and soul-stirring, as the artist flirts between figuration and abstraction to develop a unique—and distinctly African—visual language. Stitching together printed fabrics, beads, and other familiar objects in Southern Africa, Chirrime transforms simple materials into autobiographical and narrative tableaux freighted with deeply felt emotion and patterns of meaning. Many of her collages center maternal figures and stories of African motherhood, honoring their millennia-long legacy of strength and grace and positing their representation as a symbolic device.

After receiving a three-month residency at Greatmore Studios in Cape Town in 2005, Chirrime spent the next 16 years of her practice in South Africa. In 2021, she made a return to her home country of Mozambique, where she now lives and continues to create.

Maliza Kiasuwa (b. 1975, Democratic Republic of Congo), is a visual artist of European and African descent. She lives and works in Europe and Kenya, where she creates art with stimulating and eclectic elements celebrating Africa’s mystic power of nature by using raw materials and traditional symbols of energy that flow through the veins of the continent. She transforms everyday articles by combining reductive methods of shredding and twisting with constructive processes of tying, weaving, stitching and dyeing. The process is fluid, focused and meditative.

Kiasuwa has exhibited in Kenya, Switzerland, Italy, England and the United States.

Adia Millett

XY Shield, 2019
Indigo dyed cotton, upholstery fabric, cotton and silk
42 x42 in.

Adia Millett, originally from Los Angeles, California received her MFA from the California Institute of the Arts. In 2001, she moved to New York City for the prestigious Whitney Museum Independent Study Program, followed by the Studio Museum in Harlem residency program.

Millett has been a standout in numerous group exhibitions including the well-received “Greater New York” show at PS1 in Long Island City, New York and “Freestyle” at the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York. Her work has been featured in exhibitions at the Barbican Gallery in London; The Craft and Folk Museum in LA; The New Museum of Contemporary Art, New York; The Museum of Contemporary Art, Atlanta; The Santa Monica Museum of Art; and The Contemporary Art Center, New Orleans. Millett has taught as an artist in residence at Columbia College in Chicago, UC Santa Cruz, Cooper Union in NY, and California College of the Arts. Millett currently lives and works in Oakland.

Installation photo. Photo credit: Jarrett Hendrix (Featuring work from Lizette Chirrime and Maliza Kiasuwa)

The post Morton Fine Arts Presents A Global Group Exhibition Of Fiber Art Exploring Healing, Reclamation, Finding And Being Found appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Doctor Climax, A Series on Netflix: A Unique Take on Comedy From Thailand

“Doctor Climax” is a Netflix series created by Ekachai Uekrongtham. It stars Chantavit Dhanasevi, Arachaporn Pokinpakorn and Chermawee Suwanpanuchoke.

Subtitle: An entertaining series that successfully merges the worlds of adult and teenage comedy

“Doctor Climax,” a series that mirrors the successful formula of recent British and American shows, approaches the provocative subject of sex in an open, comedic tone, and has achieved considerable audience success due to its candid and amusing approach. Cinematically, “Doctor Climax” is a highly entertaining show with commendable pacing and dynamic editing, reminiscent of the spirit of 1980s teen movies but with a modern twist. Although it follows a successful formula, it distinctly diverges by setting the scene in a newspaper office in an adult world rather than a high school.

Plotline

The story revolves around a bland, characterless doctor who harbors dreams of being a writer. He finds a job at a newspaper writing a sex column. The column’s success begins to transform both his life and personality.

“Doctor Climax”: A lighthearted comedy around the universal theme of sex

Sex has always been a central element in comedy, whether subtly hinted at or directly addressed, from classic romantic comedies to rebel teenage comedies. Despite being a slightly taboo subject, sex has always been an integral part of human life. Therefore, is there any better theme to once again flip the comedy script and allow us to enjoy a pure comedy with modern arguments? Yes, it’s similar to “Sex Education”, but “Doctor Climax” has its unique appeal: it’s only about fun and has no pretense of imparting life lessons.

“Doctor Climax” is enjoyable because there isn’t a single line chastising the viewer: although it centers on sex education, it’s devoid of moral preaching. The well-written comedy with good characters and dialogues successfully combines a retro, 80s ambiance with adult and teen comedy worlds.

An adult show for teenagers?

A smart move to set it in the 80s, “Doctor Climax” is more of an adult show than a teen show. It’s refreshing to watch a series where social media and mobile devices are absent, and sex doesn’t revolve around a gadget. Instead, the action focuses on a newspaper and a column- a nostalgic reminder of the old-school print era. It’s provocative, but wisely maintains a comedic tone.

The Thai film industry is gradually making its mark internationally, producing better quality work and focusing on more universal themes. The increased presence of Thai series and films on platforms like Netflix, and the rising popularity of Korean entertainment industry, emphasizes the improving quality and production of their work.

Our Opinion

Without revolutionizing the film industry, “Doctor Climax” successfully entertains and delivers a teenage comedy for an adult audience. It’s wittily scripted and offers good production quality.

Where to Watch “Doctor Climax”

Netflix

The post Doctor Climax, A Series on Netflix: A Unique Take on Comedy From Thailand appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

The Legacy of Qin Shi Huang, the Reign of the First Emperor

Qin Shi Huang, also known as the First Emperor of China, is a towering historical figure whose legacy continues to captivate scholars, historians, and the general public alike. As the founder of the Qin dynasty and the first emperor to unify the warring states of ancient China, Qin Shi Huang’s reign has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, culture, and identity.

The Rise of Qin Shi Huang

Born in 259 BC, Qin Shi Huang, originally named Zhao Zheng, was the son of the King of Qin, a powerful state in the Warring States period of ancient China. From a young age, Qin Shi Huang displayed a keen intellect and ambition, traits that would serve him well as he navigated the treacherous political landscape of his time. Through a combination of military might, strategic alliances, and ruthless political maneuvering, Qin Shi Huang managed to unite the warring states under his rule, becoming the first emperor of a unified China in 221 BC.

Achievements and Reforms of Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang’s reign was marked by a series of sweeping reforms and ambitious projects that transformed the political, economic, and social landscape of ancient China. He introduced a centralized bureaucratic system, standardized the currency, weights, and measures, and implemented a unified legal code that applied across the entire empire. Additionally, Qin Shi Huang commissioned the construction of an extensive network of roads and canals, which facilitated trade and communication throughout his domain.

The Construction of the Great Wall of China

One of Qin Shi Huang’s most enduring legacies is the construction of the Great Wall of China. Recognizing the need to defend his empire from northern invaders, the emperor ordered the expansion and unification of existing fortifications into a cohesive defensive structure. The Great Wall, stretching for thousands of miles, stands as a testament to the engineering prowess and determination of Qin Shi Huang’s reign.

The Terracotta Army and the Qin Shi Huang Tomb

Perhaps one of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Qin Shi Huang’s legacy is the discovery of his elaborate underground tomb, which includes the famous Terracotta Army. This vast necropolis, discovered by chance in 1974, features thousands of life-sized terracotta soldiers, horses, and chariots, all arranged in a strategic formation to protect the emperor in the afterlife. The Terracotta Army is a stunning example of the scale and attention to detail that characterized Qin Shi Huang’s reign, and it continues to captivate visitors from around the world.

Legacy and Impact of Qin Shi Huang’s Reign

Qin Shi Huang’s legacy extends far beyond the physical monuments and artifacts that bear his name. His unification of China and the establishment of a centralized imperial system laid the foundation for the country’s subsequent dynasties, influencing the political and cultural development of the region for centuries to come. Additionally, Qin Shi Huang’s emphasis on standardization and bureaucratic efficiency has been lauded by some as a precursor to modern governance practices.

Controversies and Criticisms Surrounding Qin Shi Huang

Despite his many achievements, Qin Shi Huang’s reign has also been the subject of significant controversy and criticism. His ruthless suppression of dissent, the burning of books and persecution of intellectuals, and the harsh treatment of the common people have all drawn the ire of historians and scholars. Additionally, Qin Shi Huang’s obsession with immortality and the construction of his elaborate tomb have been seen by some as a wasteful and self-indulgent endeavor.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Qin Shi Huang Tomb

The Qin Shi Huang tomb remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious archaeological sites in the world. Despite the wealth of information provided by the Terracotta Army, much about the tomb and its contents remains unknown. Ongoing excavations and research continue to uncover new insights, shedding light on the emperor’s burial practices, the technological advancements of his era, and the broader cultural and religious beliefs that shaped his reign.

The Ongoing Excavation and Preservation Efforts

The preservation and study of Qin Shi Huang’s tomb and the Terracotta Army have been the focus of extensive international collaboration and investment. Teams of archaeologists, historians, and conservation experts work tirelessly to carefully uncover and protect the site, while also developing new technologies and techniques to ensure the long-term preservation of these priceless artifacts. The ongoing efforts to safeguard and interpret the legacy of Qin Shi Huang are a testament to the enduring fascination and importance of this remarkable historical figure.

Conclusion: The Lasting Legacy of Qin Shi Huang

Qin Shi Huang’s reign as the First Emperor of China has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, culture, and identity. From his unification of the warring states to his ambitious construction projects and the enduring mystery of his tomb, Qin Shi Huang’s legacy continues to captivate and inspire people around the world. As we unravel the complexities of his reign and the ongoing efforts to preserve his remarkable achievements, we gain a deeper understanding of the pivotal role this extraordinary ruler played in shaping the course of Chinese history.To learn more about the fascinating life and legacy of Qin Shi Huang, I encourage you to explore the wealth of resources available online and in libraries. From detailed historical accounts to virtual tours of the Terracotta Army, there is a wealth of information waiting to be discovered. Join me in unraveling the mysteries and exploring the enduring impact of this remarkable ruler.

The post The Legacy of Qin Shi Huang, the Reign of the First Emperor appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

“Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage” – A Groundbreaking Exhibition at The Phillips Collection

The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C., is hosting a landmark exhibition called “Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage.” This is the first museum exhibition of its kind, devoted to examining modern collage as it reflects the breadth and complexity of Black identity and experiences in the United States.

The massive exhibition, sprawling across three floors in two buildings, showcases nearly 60 works by 49 intergenerational African American artists. Intended to explore diverse Black-constructed narratives through collage and collage-inspired works, the exhibition is on view from July 6 through September 22, 2024.

Multiplicity delves into themes of personal and collective history, regional and national heritage, gender and sexual orientation, and racial constructs, all expressed through the medium of collage. Artists unite fragments of paper, photos, fabric, and other salvaged or repurposed materials to create unified compositions that touch on human experiences, including fragmentation, reconstruction, shared history and memory, cultural hybridity, gender fluidity, and notions of beauty.

The aim of Multiplicity is not to portray African Americans as a monolithic group, but to illustrate the intersecting facets of individual life experiences through the medium of collage. The exhibit allows each artist’s work to contribute to a larger conversation about Blackness in contemporary America, and it promises to spark thoughtful discourse for current and future generations.

The exhibition begins with the section “Fragmentation and Reconstruction,” followed by “Excavating History and Memory,” “Cultural Hybridity,” “Notions of Beauty and Power,” “Gender Fluidity and Queer Spaces,” and concludes with the section “Toward Abstraction.” Moreover, interviews with 11 featured artists present an in-depth look into their unique techniques.

With Multiplicity, The Phillips Collection continues its tradition of exhibiting contemporary artists, contributing to the growing understanding and appreciation of Black identity. Drawing on techniques from European and American traditions as well as the rich legacy of African American artists, the exhibition is an opportunity to highlight the formal complexity and vibrancy of collage as an art form.

“Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage” invites us to engage in a vital dialogue about Black identity and experience through the compelling and multifaceted lens of contemporary collage. Don’t miss this groundbreaking exhibition at The Phillips Collection in Washington, D.C.

The post “Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage” – A Groundbreaking Exhibition at The Phillips Collection appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Spotlight on the Extended Run of ‘Closer to Heaven’ at the Turbine Theatre

The acclaimed Turbine Theatre is thrilled to announce the extension of Jonathan Harvey’s much-anticipated musical ‘Closer to Heaven,’ with an enchanting score by the iconic Pet Shop Boys. Soaring high on popularity and demand, this beloved club musical will continue to grace the stage until Saturday, 27 July.

The riveting full cast for this new production includes none other than the Tony award winner and 1994 Eurovision Song Contest contestant, Frances Ruffelle. She will be essaying the role of Billie Trix, adding another iconic character to her repertoire. Ruffelle is no stranger to the West End, with memorable roles such as Eponine in ‘Les Misérables’ and Dinah in ‘Starlight Express’ to her credit.

Joining Ruffelle on stage is Courtney Bowman, who has recently been recognized for her impressive portrayal of Elle Woods in ‘Legally Blonde’ at the Regent Park Open Air Theatre. The ensemble cast further includes Glenn Adamson, Connor Carson, Kurt Kansley, David Muscat and Lewis Brown with Beth Curnock, Jamie Tait and Cian Hughes. This exceptional production is helmed by director Simon Hardwick, with choreography by Christopher Tendai and casting by Will Burton CDG.

The theatre invites its audience to immerse themselves in the vibrant ambiance of ‘Vic’s Club.’ The experience is far from outdated, with an enthralling narrative by Jonathan Harvey combined with an original, addictive club score by the UK’s most successful pop duo, the Pet Shop Boys.

This mesmerising production, which first premiered at the Arts Theatre in 2001, transports you back to the turn of the millennium. Revel in a night that encapsulates the thriving club scene of London, where the once-forbidden suddenly becomes possible.

Dive into the dynamic world of ‘Closer to Heaven’ at the Turbine Theatre and let this unforgettable musical bring you a step closer to the stars.

The post Spotlight on the Extended Run of ‘Closer to Heaven’ at the Turbine Theatre appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Unearthing Mysteries: The Archaeological Marvel of The First Emperor’s Tomb

Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors is a documentary directe by James Tovell.

Approximately 2200 years ago, Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor, unified the six Chinese kingdoms and created what is known today as China. His monumental achievements include the construction of the Great Wall and the creation of the grandest tomb the world has ever seen. Upon his death, the Qin dynasty faded into obscurity, and his tomb lay forgotten and buried until its rediscovery in 1974.

This vast tomb, sprawling over 49 square kilometers, houses over 8000 unique terracotta warriors, all different and unique, buried alongside the man who created China. The entire funerary complex spans 60 square kilometers, equivalent to the size of Manhattan, featuring a replicated terracotta world with horses, acrobats, and a city designed for the emperor to rule for eternity.

“Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors” is a captivating documentary presented by Netflix that combines fifty years of research, interactive dramatizations, and firsthand accounts from archaeologists. It poses intriguing questions and reveals mysteries that still surround the emperor’s tomb and its construction. With spectacular images showcasing the tomb’s construction, the documentary provides stunning computer reconstructions to help envision the scale of this grand endeavor.

Moreover, the documentary explores the perplexing events surrounding the emperor’s death, including the subsequent controversies and assassination of the emperor’s concubines. The mysterious “conspiracy of the dunes” that resulted in the death of the emperor’s sons, brothers, and brutal punishments are brought to light through recent discoveries near the emperor’s tomb.

Additionally, through archaeological findings, the documentary reveals the combat techniques of the ancient warriors and events that unfolded after the demise of China’s first emperor.

“Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors” brilliantly focuses on the history and mysteries, constantly provoking intriguing questions, and offering viewers a history lesson on a discovery that, despite being well-known, always has something new to learn. A fascinating discovery that unfolds a thousand captivating mysteries.

Are you ready to uncover the secrets of history? This is undoubtedly an excellent opportunity to do so.

Where to Watch “Mysteries of the Terracotta Warriors”

Netflix

The post Unearthing Mysteries: The Archaeological Marvel of The First Emperor’s Tomb appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

From Inner Worlds to Outer Journeys: Celebrating the Brilliance of Ablade Glover at 90

October Gallery is proud to celebrate the 90th birthday of Professor Ablade Glover with a solo exhibition of his newest series of paintings. As an artist who has been part of our family since we first showcased his vibrant works in 1982, we are thrilled to commemorate this significant milestone with him.

Market Profile, 2013. Oil on canvas, 152.5 x 101.5 cm. © Ablade Glover.
Courtesy October Gallery, London.
Photo © Jonathan Greet

In his new exhibition, “Inner Worlds, Outer Journeys,” Glover traces the arc of his artistic journey, demonstrating an evolution of style that his younger self might not have dreamt of. The exhibition pays homage to his journey of self-discovery, presenting a rich tapestry of his accomplished life in art.

Glover’s career spans over seven decades, and his diverse roles as artist, educator, and curator have earned him a distinguished place in Ghana and on the international art scene. His influence has not only been through his teachings and mentorships but also through his continuous evolution as a painter.

In a riotous wash of color, Glover’s distinct canvases celebrate the visual riches of his homeland, Ghana. Using warm primary colors that echo the intense solar heat of his native country, he depicts the pulsating scenes of everyday life— a bustling market, a vibrant crowd, or the individual pursuits of people in a busy town square.

Opting for a palette knife over a brush, Glover’s utilization of the thick impasto technique is skillful and expressive. It brings to life the restless energy of crowded spaces, which surprisingly resolves into discernible figures, faces, and gestures only when viewed from a certain distance. This fascinating interplay between figuration and abstraction is integral to Glover’s allure, as individual figures emerge and fade into the flurry of restless energies captured in his work.

Through his dynamic canvases, Glover asserts that oil painting remains a crucial part of Africa’s contemporary art scene. It is both a powerful medium for individual expression and a tool to record and celebrate Africa’s complex and visually rich narratives.

Join us at the October Gallery from 4th July to 3rd August, 2024, and immerse yourself in Glover’s rich and colorful world that promises to make you see Africa in a whole new light.

October Gallery

24 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3AL, United Kingdom

Above: Red Townscape V, 2013. Oil on canvas, 122 x 152.5 cm. © Ablade Glover.
Courtesy October Gallery, London.

The post From Inner Worlds to Outer Journeys: Celebrating the Brilliance of Ablade Glover at 90 appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Tour de France: Unchained Season 2 – The 2023 Tour De France & Beyond

As the world’s oldest and most prestigious cycling race, the Tour de France has always been a battleground for the best in the sport. The 2023 edition added another chapter to this grueling, yet enticingly beautiful race. Netflix’s docuseries ‘Tour de France’ takes us on the journey of the Danish Cyclist, Jonas Vingegaard, and his attempt to triumph over all odds in the 2023 Tour de France.

Tour de France: Unchained

Vingegaard, hailing from team Jumbo-Visma, is a name synonymous with elite cycling. Having won it all, the definitive test was set to be the 2023 Tour de France. Standing as one of the world’s best climbers, he was set to compete against several cyclists eager to dethrone him, notably, Tadej Pogačar, Tom Piocock, and leaders of various other teams.

The series does not shy away from the sombre realities of the sport, starting off with a reminder of the tragic death of cyclist Gino Mäder during the Tour de Suiza. However, the narrative promptly shifts gears, taking us to the commencement of the 2023 Tour in Bilbao, Spain on July 1st, promising an intense ride through 21 stages leading up to the final spectacle in Paris on July 23rd.

Whether Vingegaard could reinstate his title and win the Tour consecutively was the question on everyone’s mind.

‘Cycling is passion’ is often said, but the Tour de France elevates it to a whole new level. The teams invest heavily in leading riders, bringing both risk and unwavering emotion to a sport characterized by extraordinary physical endurance. ‘Tour de France’ brilliantly captures this in its documentary, following cyclists during the 2023 Tour De France. In true Netflix style, the series delves into every narrative possible, offering perspectives from team heads, riders, families and most importantly, the cyclists themselves.

It’s not just about the torturous mountain stages or the thrilling time trials, ‘Tour de France’ reveals the secrets behind the athletes’ grueling preparation and their lives beyond cycling. The 8-episode docuseries manages, with the support of the athletes, to present an absolute must-watch for all sports enthusiasts.

The 2023 Tour De France is a story about passion, endurance, and the will to win. Netflix’s ‘Tour de France’ isn’t just about the race; it’s about the people, the emotion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence, which makes it a captivating watch for all.

Where to Watch “Tour de France: Unchained”

Netflix

The post Tour de France: Unchained Season 2 – The 2023 Tour De France & Beyond appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.