Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 174

Callum Innes: Cadmium Orange Red Violet Lamp Black – Kode Bergen, Norway

Sean Kelly is delighted to announce Cadmium Orange Red Violet Lamp Black Synchronicity, Callum Innes’ solo exhibition is now on view at Kode Bergen through April 27, 2024. Conceived specially for Kode’s Tower Room the exhibition features two site-specific wall works, a selection of oil paintings and a series of 40 watercolors accompanied by poems by the Scottish poet Thomas A. Clark. Innes has also created a new outdoor light installation for the façade of the Lysverket, the former electrical power plant for the city of Bergen.

Using the language of the monochrome, Innes’ paintings are created through a process of addition and subtraction, painting and “un-painting” by removing sections of color from the canvas with turpentine. Throughout his work Innes brings the potential of alchemy to abstract painting, holding a line between control and chaos. 

“I will show a new “Monologue” painting: This comes from a series I made 15 years ago, which I have recently returned to. They use exploration of process, layering, and the transformative nature of paint.  They come from a body of work which deal with paintings having their own intrinsic history. They are about a formed landscape and I felt it was appropriate for Bergen – as the meaning in English is Mountain.” – Callum Innes

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Okuda San Miguel: Kisses Between Universes – Corey Helford Gallery, Los Angeles

On Saturday, April 6th, downtown Los Angeles’ Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) will proudly unveil their next major solo exhibition from world-renowned Spanish painter and sculptor Okuda San Miguel, titled Kisses Between Universes, in the Main Gallery.

Okuda’s unique iconographic language of multicolored geometric structures and patterns on the streets, railroads and abandoned factories around the globe have made him one of the world’s most recognizable street artists of today. His work merges elements of the 90s with social critique, and reflects on the influence of capitalism on the artist’s life. Together, these elements invite reflection on the complexity of human relationships and contemporary society.

Okuda San Miguel. Diversity Drips Over Cement Girl

In this exhibition, the artist delves into the metamorphosis from the physical to the virtual world that his generation is experiencing through technology, which is transforming communication between people and their way of relating. Okuda’s new works address the transformation of communication in the digital era, where the visual representation of this evolution serves as a starting point for exploring interpersonal connection and the dichotomy between the traditional and the virtual. The kiss stands out as a symbol of this connection, addressing contemporary themes such as diversity and social challenges, like the impossible kisses (such as those denied to us during the pandemic) that represent the importance of human connection. Furthermore, it relates to the duality in facing faces, symbolizing diversity, and the lack of connection in contemporary society.

Okuda San Miguel. Kisses Between Enemies II

Open to the public and free of charge, Kisses Between Universes is set to debut on Saturday, April 6th from 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm in the Main Gallery, alongside a solo show by Chicago-based artist, illustrator, and toymaker Travis Lampe, titled Small Time Buffoonist, in Gallery 2. Both shows will be on view through May 11th.

About Okuda San Miguel:

Okuda’s distinctive style of geometric harmonies emboldened with intense colors can make his artworks feel like they’re from a parallel universe. In his work, rainbow geometric architectures blend with organic shapes, bodies without identity, headless animals and symbols that encourage reflection in artistic pieces that could be categorized as Pop Surrealism with a clear essence of street forms. His works often raise questions about existentialism, the universe, the infinite, the meaning of life, and the contradictions of society’s false freedom, showing a conflict between modernity and our roots; ultimately, between man and the same.

Corey Helford Gallery hosted Okuda’s debut U.S. exhibition, titled Mayan Renaissance (Apr. 2017), followed by another solo show, The New Digital Love (Aug. 2020), a mini-solo as part of the gallery’s four-artist show, Animalia (Aug. 2021), and I Don’t Wanna Be, I Am (May 2022) ─ an international touring group exhibition curated by the artist’s management team Ink and Movement.

About Corey Helford Gallery:

Established in 2006 by Jan Corey Helford and her husband, television producer/creator Bruce Helford (The Conners, Lopez vs. Lopez, Anger Management, The Drew Carey Show, and George Lopez), Corey Helford Gallery (CHG) has since evolved into one of the premier galleries of New Contemporary art. Its goal as an institution is to support the growth of artists, from the young and emerging, to the well-known and internationally established. CHG represents a diverse collection of international artists, primarily influenced by today’s pop culture and collectively encompassing style genres such as New Figurative Art, Pop Surrealism, Neo Pop, Graffiti, and Street Art. Located in downtown Los Angeles (571 S. Anderson St. Los Angeles, CA 90033) in a robust 12,000-square-foot building, CHG presents new exhibitions approximately every six weeks. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm. For more info and an upcoming exhibition schedule, visit CoreyHelfordGallery.com

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Exhibition in Paris: Gagosian to Present the Gallery’s First Exhibition of Works by Lauren Halsey

PARIS, March 6, 2024—Gagosian is pleased to announce the gallery’s first exhibition of works by Lauren Halsey, on view at 4 rue de Ponthieu, Paris, from March 21 through May 25, 2024. This will be Halsey’s second exhibition in France, following Too Blessed 2 be Stressed! at Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris, in 2019.

Halsey’s work proposes visionary new possibilities for art and architecture that convey the vitality, pride, and resilience of her community in South Central Los Angeles, an area that has long played an important role in defining Black culture. The exhibition in Paris features two related series: foil works (2011–) and protruded engravings (2022–). In both bodies of work, Halsey collects and repurposes imagery unique to her community as means of commemoration, celebration, and transcendence.

The eight-foot-tall wall-mounted foil works are mixed-media assemblages on foil-insulated foam, a support that reflects Halsey’s interest in architectural materials. Combining found objects and collaged images, she produces dense, colorful compositions with an energy that echoes that of the community that inspires them. The works incorporate a wide range of vernacular iconography and slogans, commercial signs and products, fliers, and graffiti that promote local businesses, institutions, and activism. In her collective representations of those who live in South Central LA, Halsey voices support for efforts against forces of gentrification, displacement, and disenfranchisement. Also pictured within the densely montaged compositions are Black and queer icons including musicians such as Joan Armatrading, Aretha Franklin, Curtis Mayfield, Luther Vandross, and Stevie Wonder.

Halsey produces protruded engravings using a dense, durable form of polymer-modified gypsum, carved into wall-mounted reliefs with an applied patina. They feature words and symbols inspired by the lived experience and visual culture of South Central residents, remixed with ancient Egyptian iconography and Afrofuturist utopian visions. Espousing an optimistic understanding of communal identity, these works use imagery related to the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I) (2023), Halsey’s monumental site-specific commission for the roof garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

Halsey will participate this year in Stranieri Ovunque—Foreigners Everywhere, curated by Adriano Pedrosa for the 60th Biennale di Venezia, on view from April 20 through November 24, 2024. In addition, Serpentine, London, will organize the first solo exhibition of Halsey’s work in the United Kingdom, open from October 4, 2024, through January 5, 2025.

Lauren Halsey was born in 1987 in Los Angeles, where she lives and works. Collections include Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Institute of Contemporary Art, Miami; Columbus Museum of Art, Ohio; Hammer Museum, Los Angeles; and Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles. Exhibitions include we still here, there, Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles (2018); Too Blessed 2 be Stressed!, Fondation Louis Vuitton, Paris (2019); The Banner Project, Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (2021–22); and Seattle Art Museum (2022). Halsey participated in Made in L.A. 2018, Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, where she was awarded the Mohn Award for artistic excellence. In 2021, Halsey received the Gwendolyn Knight | Jacob Lawrence Prize from the Seattle Art Museum. In 2023, she installed the eastside of south central los angeles hieroglyph prototype architecture (I), a commission for the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Roof Garden at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

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3 Body Problem: The new sci-fi series from the creators of “Game of Thrones” is now on Netflix

3 Body Problem is a series created by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss and Alexander Woo, starring Benedict Wong, Jess Hong, Jovan Adepo and Eiza González. It is based on the novel by Liu Cixin.

What happens when quantum reality breaks apart? Particle accelerators begin to throw out data that doesn’t match up, and several scholars strive to explain a phenomenon that defies the known laws of physics.

Today marks the debut of a new series by David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, and Alexander Woo. The first two creators, well-known for “Game of Thrones,” are back to once again stun audiences with an extraordinary series, filled with intense moments and massive, far-reaching impact.

So, what happens when the physics that uphold us starts to crumble?

3 Body ProblemPlot

A woman begins to have visions: a countdown which seems to be tied to her discoveries in the field of physics. Several brilliant scientists, also seemingly connected to this countdown, have already committed suicide.

On the horizon, a mysterious find that seems to change everything.

About the Series

Today, Netflix brings us the highly-anticipated new science fiction series, “3 Body Problem.” It promises to be the series of the year, and we can assure you, it’s going to be pure delight for all you sci-fi fans: a series that has it all. Adapting Liu Cixin’s novel into a cosmic thriller, it delivers a stunning visual and screenplay spectacle.

It’s a series that knows how to take the viewer exactly where they want to go, introduce characters calmly, and most of all, create that wonderful sensation in the viewer of wanting to watch just one more episode.

Its real strength lies in knowing what the viewer wants and delivering it in each episode. It masterfully builds suspense that, revealed in small doses, keeps us riveted and wanting to delve deeper into this superb sci-fi story.

A high-budget series, meticulously crafted in every detail, with a strong cast and, above all, excelling in production quality: set designs, atmospheres, varied locations. Netflix is aiming for the series of the year, and “3 Body Problem” is unquestionably a strong contender.

A series that shines in every aspect, but more than anything, is based on a brilliant idea and a fantastic novel.

Our Opinion

Brimming with ingenuity, ideas, and an outstanding production, Netflix presents this contender for series of the year which is, without a doubt, a treat for all sci-fi enthusiasts.

Where to Watch “3 Body Problem”

Netflix

The CastEiza González in 3 Body Problem (2024)Eiza González

Eiza González is a Mexican actress, singer and model. She first gained recognition for her role as Dolores “Lola” Valente in the Mexican musical telenovela “Lola, érase una vez”. She has since appeared in several other television shows and films, both in Mexico and Hollywood. Some of her notable roles include Santanico Pandemonium in the TV series “From Dusk till Dawn: The Series” and Nyssiana in the film “Alita: Battle Angel”. In addition to her acting career, Eiza is also a successful singer, with several hit singles on the Latin charts. She continues to be a prominent figure in Mexican entertainment and has gained international recognition for her talent.

Benedict Wong and Eiza González in 3 Body Problem (2024)Benedict Wong

Benedict Wong is an English actor best known for his roles in various films and television shows. He was born on July 3, 1971 in Manchester, England. Wong began his acting career in theatre productions before moving on to television and film. Some of his notable roles include Kublai Khan in Netflix’s “Marco Polo”, Bruce Ng in “The Martian”, and Wong in the Marvel Cinematic Universe films “Doctor Strange” and “Avengers: Infinity War”. He has also appeared in other popular TV shows such as “Black Mirror” and “Electric Dreams”. Wong continues to be a highly sought after actor with a successful career in both the UK and Hollywood.

Jess Hong in 3 Body Problem (2024)Jess Hong

Born in Auckland, New Zealand in 1997, Jess Hong has carved her name in the acting industry. Renowned for her role as Jin Cheng in the Netflix Original, “The 3 Body Problem”, she brings to life a character woven by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss from the celebrated works of author Liu Cixin.

Alex Sharp and Jovan Adepo in 3 Body Problem (2024)Jovan Adepo

Jovan Adepo is an American actor, best known for his roles in films such as “Fences” and “Overlord,” as well as the television series “The Leftovers.” He was born on September 6, 1988 in Oxfordshire, England to a Nigerian father and an African American mother. Adepo moved to the United States when he was six years old and grew up in Maryland. He attended Bowie State University before pursuing acting professionally. Adepo’s breakout role came with his portrayal of Cory Maxson in the film adaptation of August Wilson’s play “Fences,” which earned him critical acclaim and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture. He has since appeared in several other films and TV shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. Jovan Adepo continues to make a name for himself in the entertainment industry with his talent and dedication to his craft.

John Bradley in 3 Body Problem (2024)John Bradley

John Bradley is a Welsh actor best known for his role as Samwell Tarly in the popular television series, Game of Thrones. He was born on September 15, 1988 in Wythenshawe, Manchester and grew up in Stretford, Greater Manchester. Bradley attended Loreto College and then went on to study acting at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He made his acting debut in 2011 with a small role in the film, Borgia. However, it was his role as Samwell Tarly that brought him widespread recognition and critical acclaim. In addition to his work on Game of Thrones, Bradley has also appeared in other TV shows and films such as Merlin, Patient Zero, and American Satan. His talent and versatility as an actor have earned him numerous award nominations including a Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.

Jonathan Pryce in 3 Body Problem (2024)Jonathan Pryce

Jonathan Pryce is a Welsh actor, known for his diverse range of roles in film, television, and stage productions. He has been nominated for multiple awards, including an Academy Award for his performance in the drama film “The Two Popes.” Pryce has also gained recognition for his role as the High Sparrow in the hit TV series “Game of Thrones.” He continues to be a highly sought-after actor, with a career spanning over four decades.

Based on the novel by Liu CixinBy Henry Söderlund –

Liu Cixin is a world-renowned Chinese science fiction writer known for his critically acclaimed and award-winning novels. He was born in 1963 in Yangquan, Shanxi province, China. He started writing science fiction in the late 1980s and has since published numerous works that have gained both domestic and international recognition.

Some of his most notable works include “The Three-Body Problem” trilogy, which became the first Asian novel to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 2015. The series has also been adapted into a film and TV series, gaining widespread popularity.

Liu Cixin’s writing style often explores the intersection between science and philosophy, creating thought-provoking narratives that have captured the imagination of readers worldwide. His works have been translated into multiple languages and have received prestigious awards such as the Nebula Award and Locus Award.

In addition to being a science fiction writer, Liu Cixin is also an engineer by profession. He worked in a power plant after graduating from North China Electric Power University but later left his job to focus on writing full-time. He continues to write and inspire readers with his unique blend of scientific concepts and imaginative storytelling.

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Mary Lum: temporary arrangements | Yancey Richardson, New York

New York – An exhibition of new work by artist Mary Lum will be on view at Yancey Richardson from April 4 through May 18, 2024. The show, temporary arrangements, will present 12 new paintings and three collages that deconstruct and rebuild intimate views of the urban environment inspired by walks in New York and Paris. The artist will be present at the gallery on Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 6 p.m.

Lum mines aspects of daily life, vistas of architecture, design, and advertising, that could easily go unnoticed. These familiar and often mundane sights are transformed into something more: juxtapositions and layers of random elements, which show both spontaneity and control, perhaps revealing a glimpse into the soul of a city.

The exhibition title temporary arrangements refers to Lum’s journeys though the streets of New York and Paris, observing the fragments of a crumbling façade of a building, a vendor’s pushcart, or a poster for a vernissage, which may have a short shelf life in the urban environment. Lum takes photographs on the streets looking at geometric forms, planes of color, and text. She pulls off bits of advertising posters that are peeling from their bases and collects printed materials – all of which are collaged in her sketchbooks, becoming the basis for her paintings. These elements provide inspiration for Lum, who creates a collision of perspectives and forms that boldly announce the delights of quiet discoveries.

Susan Cross, Senior Curator, Mass MoCA, wrote that Lum’s work “suggests the speed of daily life and the fragmented way in which we encounter language in the world. Language speeds up and slows down, much in the way that when we are walking or riding a bike in the city our pace is determined by what we notice around us. Words come together and fall apart, with each individual viewer making meaning.”

Influenced by Cubism and Russian Constructivism, Lum is also interested in the concept of psychogeography, as practiced by members of the Situationist International movement in the 1950s and ‘60s. Referring to the effect of a geographical location on the emotions and behavior of the individual, one may see Lum’s interdisciplinary practice as a physical manifestation of this phenomenon. Lum also finds inspiration in artist and activist Corita Kent’s graphic style and fractured text, as well as artist Ray Yoshida’s use of comics, which tell stories with isolated fragments.

Mary Lum wrote, “A couple of years ago I saw a William Kentridge exhibition at the Royal Academy in London. One of the things that kept jumping out at me from that show was the phrase: ’FIND THE LESS GOOD IDEA.’  That painted phrase was repeated several times in various parts of the exhibition, and each time I saw it I got a little jolt of recognition. I’m not sure exactly what Kentridge meant by that phrase (it’s related to his Centre for the Less Good Idea in Johannesburg), but to me it meant everything about the way I work. I took the reference to mean finding the things that are in the margins, those things that are on the periphery, those things that are between the lines, that you see out of the corner of your eye. Not through a concerted effort, but by paying attention, looking around, looking the other way. And often, later, you are not sure that you’ve seen these things at all.”

About Mary Lum

Mary Lum is known for her dynamic and intricate painting and collages of elements in the urban environment. She was born in 1951 in St. Cloud, Minnesota. Lum received her BFA from the University of Michigan and her MFA from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Her work has been exhibited in numerous institutions internationally including The Drawing Center, New York; Harvard Radcliffe Institute, Cambridge, MA; Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA; deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, Lincoln, MA; University of Oxford, England; Kunstmuseum fur Geganwartskunst, Basel, Switzerland; Savannah College of Art and Design, GA; and Beijing Academy of Fine Arts, China. Lum has been the recipient of numerous awards, including a Harvard Radcliffe Institute Fellowship (2022), Guggenheim Fellowship (2010), the Radcliffe Fellowship for Advanced Study (2004-2005), and a MacDowell Colony Fellowship (2012), among others. She was a professor of painting and drawing at Bennington College in Vermont from 2004 to 2022. She lives and works in North Adams, MA.

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Eiza González: The Mexican Actress Taking Hollywood by Storm

Eiza González is a Mexican actress and singer who has achieved widespread success in Hollywood. Born in Mexico City in 1990, Eiza began her career as a teenager starring in several popular Mexican telenovelas. This early exposure helped launch her career, leading to her first American role in the teen drama series Lola: Érase una vez.

Eiza González

Eiza had her major breakthrough playing the lead role in the action film Baby Driver in 2017. Her performance earned her critical praise and marked her transition into Hollywood blockbusters. Since then, she has starred in high-profile films like Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Ambulance.

In addition to her acting, Eiza has pursued a music career, releasing her debut album Contracorriente in 2009. She has also modeled for brands like Louis Vuitton and landed endorsements with L’Oréal Paris. With her diverse talents and ever-growing fame, Eiza has become one of the most prominent Latin American actresses in Hollywood today. She continues to take on compelling roles across both film and television.

Early Life and Career

Eiza González was born on January 30, 1990 in Mexico City, Mexico. From an early age, she knew she wanted to perform and took singing, acting, and dance lessons as a child. González landed her first acting role at the age of 14 in the telenovela Lola, érase una vez. This opened the door to several other telenovela roles throughout her teenage years, establishing González as a rising young star in Mexico. Some of her most notable early telenovela credits include Sueños y caramelos, Amores verdaderos, and Mujeres asesinas.

González worked steadily in telenovelas into her late teens, gaining invaluable acting experience. Though she found success in telenovelas, she had aspirations for Hollywood. At the age of 18, González relocated to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career in the United States. Her natural talent and drive quickly led to her breakthrough in American film and television.

Breakthrough in Hollywood

Eiza González moved from Mexico to Los Angeles in 2013 to pursue opportunities in English-language film and television. Her first major role came that same year when she was cast as Santánico Pandemonium on the TV series From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series, based on the film by Robert Rodriguez.

This was González’s big break, as it marked her transition from Spanish-language telenovelas to English-language Hollywood productions. She had to learn her lines phonetically at first due to her limited English skills. Despite the challenge, her performance was praised and she gained recognition in the American entertainment industry.

The series ran for three seasons on Rodriguez’s El Rey Network until 2016. González’s captivating performance as the iconic vampire queen opened doors for her and led to more high-profile roles in Hollywood blockbusters.

Mainstream Success

Eiza González achieved mainstream success in Hollywood starting in 2016. Her breakout role was as the female lead Darling in the action film Baby Driver directed by Edgar Wright. She starred opposite Ansel Elgort as a trigger-happy criminal and love interest. Baby Driver was a critical and commercial hit, earning over $226 million worldwide.

González went on to land major supporting roles in blockbuster franchises. She played the tech expert Madam M in The Fast and the Furious spinoff Hobbs & Shaw alongside Dwayne Johnson and Jason Statham. She also starred as Maia in the monster action movie Godzilla vs. Kong. Both films earned over $700 million globally, cementing González’s status as a bankable star who could attract big audiences.

Other notable projects during this period include the robot boxing movie Bumblebee, a prequel in the Transformers series, and Bloodshot starring Vin Diesel. González demonstrated both her action chops and ability to play more dramatic roles across these blockbuster films. She quickly became one of the most in-demand Latinx actors in Hollywood. Her mainstream success proved she could headline and support major studio tentpoles that made hundreds of millions at the box office.

Critical Acclaim

González’s breakout performance earned her multiple nominations and awards. She won the Detroit Film Critics Society Breakthrough Award and was nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the Washington D.C. Area Film Critics Association Awards. González also received nominations from the Teen Choice Awards and Imagen Awards.

The accolades affirmed González’s rising star power and ability to captivate audiences. Her nuanced performance as the bold and unpredictable Darling marked a defining point in her career.

Music Career

Eiza González pursued a career in music early on. At age 15, she was signed to EMI Televisa and released her debut album Contracorriente in 2009. The album contained pop and rock-influenced songs, mostly co-written by González. It peaked at #17 on the Mexican Albums Chart and was certified Gold.

She released two singles from Contracorriente – “Mi Destino Soy Yo” and “Te Acordarás de Mí.” The music videos showcased her singing and playing guitar. González also contributed songs to telenovela soundtracks she acted in.

In 2012, González released her second and final studio album Te Acordarás de Mí. It expanded on her pop rock sound and lyrical themes of love and heartbreak. The album reached #33 on the Mexican Albums Chart. It was led by the top 40 single “Te Acordarás de Mí,” her best performing song as a musical artist.

While González’s music career was short, she showcased vocal talent and versatility across pop, rock and Latin genres. Her albums and songs were moderately successful in Mexico. She ultimately shifted her focus back to acting full-time, leaving music behind.

Modeling and Endorsements

Eiza González kickstarted her career as a model and brand ambassador in Mexico. She landed her first job modeling for Televisa Deportes at just 16 years old. This opened doors for major campaigns and fashion shows in Latin America.

In 2007, González moved to New York to pursue modeling internationally. She signed with the modeling agency Glamour and participated in fashion weeks around the world. She modeled for designers like Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, Prada, and Roberto Cavalli.

Eiza’s stunning Latin looks have made her a coveted brand ambassador. She has represented L’Oréal Paris as their Global Brand Ambassador. She has also been the face of Bobbi Brown cosmetics, Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors, and other major brands.

Some of her notable campaigns include:

TV commercials for Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Volkswagen in Latin America.Print ads for Barneys New York, True Religion, John Frieda hair products, and glamorous editorials in magazines like GQ, Cosmopolitan, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Marie Claire, and Billboard.

González’s profile as a model led to her debut acting role in the Mexican telenovela Lola: Érase una vez. Her crossover success demonstrates her star power and ability to excel in the high-pressure world of fashion. Brands recognize Eiza González as the complete package – stunning beauty combined with professionalism and work ethic. Her modeling career shows her determination to succeed in the entertainment industry from a young age.

Activism and Charity

Eiza González has been a vocal supporter of important social causes throughout her career. She has used her platform to advocate for immigrant rights, gender equality, and LGBTQ acceptance in both the United States and Mexico.

González often speaks out about her own background as an immigrant, calling for more compassionate immigration policies. In 2018, she joined the campaign Welcome.US to support new immigrants in America. She also partnered with the National Immigration Law Center, speaking at their gala about the struggles faced by immigrant women and families.

In addition, González is an ally of the LGBTQ community. She has appeared in events for GLAAD and spoken about the importance of equal rights. During Pride Month in 2021, she shared posts affirming her support for the LGBTQ community.

The actress also champions women’s empowerment and gender equality. She mobilized her fans to register to vote leading up to the 2020 election. González frequently highlights women’s achievements and calls for an end to gender-based violence.

To support these causes, González works with and promotes several nonprofit organizations. She has collaborated with Planned Parenthood to raise awareness of women’s health care issues. She also supports the efforts of the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights. González uses her platform not just to advocate, but also to drive donations and volunteer efforts for these important organizations.

Personal Life

Born in Mexico City, Eiza González comes from a family of entertainers. Her parents are both models and her great-grandparents were actors.

González keeps her personal life private but has been romantically linked to several high-profile actors over the years. She dated businessman Pepe Diaz from 2013 to 2016. She was also rumored to be dating actor Liam Hemsworth in 2013 after they were spotted together multiple times.

In 2016, González began a relationship with actor Josh Duhamel after they co-starred in the film Planet Terror. The couple dated for about a year before breaking up in 2017. González was next linked to Calvin Harris in 2018, though they never confirmed their relationship.

More recently, she has been dating lacrosse player Paul Rabil since 2019. The two seem very happy together and Rabil has described González as his “ride or die.” They share a love of fitness and often post photos on social media showing their active lifestyles.

Outside of acting, González enjoys activities like boxing, yoga, and hiking. She also plays the drums and is interested in photography. She loves animals and has three rescue dogs that she adores.

González stays connected to her Mexican roots and frequently visits family in Mexico City. She speaks fondly of the culture and food from her childhood growing up in Mexico.

Future Projects

Eiza González has had a significant impact on Mexican representation in Hollywood. As one of the most prominent Mexican actresses working today, she has helped break barriers for Latinx talent. González has spoken openly about the importance of representing Mexico in a positive and empowering way through her roles.

Some of González’s most notable upcoming projects demonstrate her range and star power. She is set to star opposite Jason Momoa in the action thriller Ambulance, reteaming with Michael Bay who gave González her first big break with Transformers. She will also headline the adventure movie I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, based on the bestselling YA novel.

On the television side, González will produce and star in From Scratch, a limited series for Netflix based on the memoir by Tembi Locke. She was also recently cast in the HBO Max thriller series Idol, about the dark underbelly of the Latin American music industry. As one of the most in-demand Latinx talents in the entertainment industry today, Eiza González’s future looks very bright. She will continue breaking barriers and representing Mexico on the global stage for years to come.

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Regina King

Regina King is an American actress and director. She is best known for her roles in films such as “Jerry Maguire,” “Ray,” and “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also appeared in numerous television shows, including “227,” “The Boondocks,” and “American Crime.” In 2019, King won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “If Beale Street Could Talk.” She has also won multiple Emmy Awards for her work on television. King is known for her powerful performances and is considered one of the most talented actresses in Hollywood.

Early Life and Background

Regina King was born on January 15, 1971 in Los Angeles, California. Her mother, Gloria, was a special education teacher and her father, Thomas King, was an electrician. King has credited her parents for instilling in her the value of hard work. King also has an older sister, Reina. Although King did not grow up in a show business family, she did attend Hollywood High School.

As a child, King loved storytelling and spent hours making up plays. She and her sister would perform shows for their grandparents and charge them a nickel for admission. From age four, King knew she wanted to act.

At a very young age, King began appearing in television commercials, later finding an agent. By the time she was fourteen, she landed her first major role in the sitcom 227 starting in 1985. Though King occasionally struggled to balance school and work, she managed to graduate high school. With the full support of her family, King decided to pursue acting as a career rather than attending college.

Early Acting Career

Regina King’s acting career began in 1985 when she was just 14 years old. Her first on-screen role was playing a character named Sheila on the short-lived sitcom 227. Though the show only lasted five seasons, it gave the young King the opportunity to work alongside comedy veteran Marla Gibbs.

King’s breakthrough came in 1990 when she was cast in the hit film Boyz n the Hood directed by John Singleton. She played the girlfriend of Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character Tre Styles. Her emotional and earnest performance earned praise and brought her increased visibility in Hollywood.

Over the next few years, King continued to steadily book TV and film roles. She had a recurring part on the show Living Single from 1993-1998. Other notable early credits include Poetic Justice (1993), Jerry Maguire (1996), and How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998). Though sometimes relegated to girlfriend and wife roles, King brought complexity and depth to the characters.

King has said she chose projects based on the strength of the story and script rather than chasing fame. She was content with a slow rise in Hollywood, valuing steady work and learning her craft above all else. Her wise choices and strong acting skills made her a constantly employed working actor.

Rise to Fame

Regina King’s talent and versatility as an actress began gaining wider recognition in the 1990s thanks to several memorable film and TV roles. Her breakout part came when she was cast as Cuba Gooding Jr.’s character’s girlfriend in Boyz n the Hood (1991). Directed by John Singleton, the critically acclaimed inner-city drama earned King positive notices. She followed up with supporting turns in blockbusters like Jerry Maguire (1996), How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), and Enemy of the State (1998).

King received her first NAACP Image Award nomination for her performance in the 1995 indie drama Strapped. Though she didn’t win for that role, she received the Best Supporting Actress Image Award two years later for her work in Jerry Maguire. Her skill at portraying layered, complex characters was highlighted by four consecutive Image Award nominations she earned between 1998-2001 for her excellent work on the TV series 227. While King unfortunately didn’t take home the award during those years, she continued to impress critics and audiences alike with her range and depth as a performer.

Recent Notable Roles

Regina King’s career reached new heights in the 2010s with several acclaimed performances on both the big and small screens. Her Emmy-winning role as Aliyah Shadeed in the anthology series American Crime marked a turning point in 2015. King embodied the heartbreak and strength of a devout Muslim mother dealing with the murder of her son.

In 2018, King gave another powerful performance as Sharon Rivers in Barry Jenkins’ If Beale Street Could Talk. She perfectly captured the resolve and morality of a Harlem mother fighting for her daughter’s falsely imprisoned fiancé. King received Best Supporting Actress nominations from the Academy Awards, Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice Movie Awards for the role.

King perhaps reached her widest audience yet with her lead role as Sister Night in HBO’s 2019 adaptation of Watchmen. She displayed her impressive range by playing the vigilante alter-ego of Angela Abar with fierce physicality. King’s raw and nuanced performance earned her another Emmy for Lead Actress in a Limited Series.

Other recent acclaimed roles for King include Dana Haines in The Leftovers, Erika Alexander in Seven Seconds, and Trish Murtaugh in the Lethal Weapon TV series reboot. Her powerful presence and gravitas on screen, along with her masterful portrayal of complex characters, have cemented her position as one of the top dramatic actresses working today. King continues to shine in both starring and supporting roles across all genres.

Major Awards and Honors

Regina King has won numerous prestigious honors throughout her accomplished career. Her most notable accolades include:

Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress (2019) – King won the Oscar for her powerful supporting performance in If Beale Street Could Talk. She portrayed Sharon Rivers, the devoted mother of the film’s protagonist.Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress (2019) – King also earned the Golden Globe for the same role in If Beale Street Could Talk. She was widely praised for her nuanced and emotional performance.4 Primetime Emmy Awards – King has won four Primetime Emmys, including two for her role as Detective Lydia Adams in the critically acclaimed series Southland (2009). She also won Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series Emmy in 2018 and 2019 for the Netflix miniseries Seven Seconds.3 Screen Actors Guild Awards – King has received SAG honors for her ensemble work in Ray (2004) and If Beale Street Could Talk (2019), as well as her individual performance in Seven Seconds (2018).Satellite Award for Best Supporting Actress (2019) – King earned a Satellite Award from the International Press Academy for her work in If Beale Street Could Talk.

King has received numerous other honors over the years, including NAACP Image Awards, Critics Choice Awards, Black Reel Awards, and inductees into the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She continues to be one of the most acclaimed actresses of her generation.

Activism and Philanthropy

King has been outspoken about the need for greater diversity and equality in Hollywood. She has advocated for more opportunities for women and people of color, both in front of and behind the camera.

In 2015, King spoke passionately about the lack of diversity among the Oscar nominees, noting the absence of actors of color across all major categories. She has continued to speak out about the importance of representation in the film industry.

Beyond Hollywood, King has also been an activist supporting gender equality and efforts to combat police brutality. She was a vocal supporter of the Women’s March and the Black Lives Matter movement. She has used her platform to call for political and societal change.

King has also been involved in a number of philanthropic endeavors over the years. She has supported charities focused on fighting AIDS, advancing human rights, and providing arts education to underprivileged youth. Some of the organizations she has worked with include Stand Up To Cancer, the Art of Elysium, and the Human Rights Campaign.

Through her activism and philanthropy, King has demonstrated her dedication to causes of diversity, equality, and social justice. She has proven willing to leverage her celebrity to bring greater attention and resources to these efforts.

Personal Life

Regina King has one son, Ian Alexander Jr., born in 1996. She has been very protective of her son’s privacy, rarely discussing him in interviews. She has said that choosing to become a single mother is one of the decisions she is most proud of.

Outside of acting, King enjoys cooking and often hosts dinners for her family and friends. She has said hosting dinners provides a creative outlet for her outside of work. She also enjoys sports, particularly basketball and tennis. As a Los Angeles native, King has been a long-time fan of the Lakers.

King credits her family and faith as giving her strength throughout her career. She is a practicing Christian. While acting is a huge passion of hers, King has emphasized the importance of a work-life balance and making time for her loved ones. She serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Defense Fund, dedicating much of her charity work to helping children and families.

Acting Style

Regina King brings a powerful, nuanced approach to every role she takes on. She is known for her ability to tap into the emotional core of each character, bringing a raw vulnerability and humanity to her performances. King immerses herself fully in each new role, researching extensively and drawing on her own life experiences to connect with her characters on a deeper level.

Critics frequently praise King’s versatility as an actress. Whether portraying an addict in If Beale Street Could Talk or a devoutly religious mother in Seven Seconds, King transitions seamlessly into each new on-screen identity. She is equally adept at both dramatic and comedic roles, evoking laughter in films like Miss Congeniality 2 and tears in acclaimed dramas like Boyz n the Hood.

Beyond her performances, King’s career has left an indelible mark on film and television. She was part of the vanguard that launched Black stories into the mainstream in the early 1990s with films like Boyz n the Hood. Today, King continues to choose projects that tackle relevant social issues and bring underrepresented perspectives to the screen.

As one of the most decorated Black actresses in recent history, King has profoundly influenced a generation of performers. Her grace, authenticity and unwavering excellence have paved the way for greater inclusion in Hollywood. Even with her immense success, King remains committed to fighting for justice both on and off screen. She serves as an inspiration to all with her heartfelt performances and tireless activism.

Future Projects

Regina King has an exciting slate of upcoming projects showcasing her immense talents. She is slated to star as Shirley Chisholm, the first black congresswoman, in the biopic Shirley. This powerful film will chronicle Chisholm’s historic 1972 bid for the presidency. King is also attached to Bitter Root, a fantasy comic book adaptation about monster hunters in the Harlem Renaissance.

On the television side, King is developing a series adaptation of Image Comics’ Concrete Park for Amazon Studios. She will executive produce and potentially star in this sci-fi drama. King also plans to make her directorial debut with an adaptation of Kemp Powers’ critically acclaimed play One Night in Miami. She has a passion for bringing untold Black stories to the screen.

With her brilliant acting and growing work behind the camera, Regina King is clearly one of the most dynamic talents in Hollywood today. Her fans eagerly anticipate whatever she chooses to do next, whether another searing drama or action blockbuster. No matter the project, King strives to bring honesty, authenticity and her full self. The entertainment world is all the richer for it.

Regina King is noteworthy as an actress and activist for several reasons. Throughout her over 30-year career, she has demonstrated exceptional acting skills across television, film, and stage. King first rose to prominence in the 1990s with roles in popular sitcoms like 227 and Living Single. She went on to establish herself as a talented character actress in movies ranging from blockbusters like the Jerry Maguire to acclaimed indies like If Beale Street Could Talk.

King’s composed yet emotional style of acting allows her to inhabit nuanced roles across multiple genres. She has received wide critical praise for her portrayals of complex female characters and mothers. With her recent Emmy and Oscar wins for her work in American Crime and If Beale Street Could Talk, King has cemented her status as one of the most celebrated actresses of her generation.

Beyond acting, King has emerged as an influential activist and philanthropist. She is known for advocating for gender and racial equality in Hollywood and society at large. King helped found the Time’s Up movement against workplace sexual misconduct and harassment. Through public statements and personal example, she works to empower women and people of color in the entertainment industry. Her activism demonstrates a commitment to creating positive change.

In summary, Regina King is a talented actress who has delivered multiple acclaimed performances across television and film. Her rise to fame as a versatile character actor, recent awards success, and off-screen advocacy make her a significant creative force and inspiration in modern Hollywood. King’s acting achievements and activism will leave a lasting mark. With upcoming lead roles, she seems poised to continue captivating audiences while championing equality and inclusion.

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Rediscovered Early Portrait Of Mehmed The Conquerer Stars In Bonhams Islamic & Indian Art Sale

London – A rediscovered portrait medallion of Sultan Mehmed II (1432-1481), predating his epic conquest of Constantinople, will star in Bonhams Islamic and Indian Art Sale on Tuesday 21 May at Bonhams New Bond Street. The medallion, cast in bronze, and dating back to the 15th century, is estimated at £1,500,000-2,000,000.

Earliest known portrait of an Islamic ruler by a Western artist

The medallion is believed to be the earliest known portrait of an Islamic ruler by a Western artist and is the only known portrait of Mehmed II as a young man, before he conquered Constantinople – a precious record of the Sultan’s youth and ambition.

Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Islamic and Indian Art commented, “This major rediscovery can be placed in a period of Mehmed’s life when almost no direct material evidence of its kind has survived. It is the only known portrait of Mehmed II showing him as a young man, before he conquered Constantinople in 1453, a feat thought impossible. The medallion is thought to have been worn by the Sultan as a personal talisman, providing a physical manifestation of his imperial aspirations as the successor to the Emperors of Rome.”

Writing in the current edition of Bonhams Magazine, Peter Frankopan states:

“Mehmed II was not only a conqueror but a complex and fascinating ruler. For his enemies, he was a fearful figure whose success foretold the Apocalypse; for others, he was a patron, an intellectual and a model master, who was willing to promote on merit, to ask questions and to listen to advice. That is what we can see when we look at this talismanic portrait – a paragon of a man who commanded respect from his followers.”  Read the full article, Facing the World, here.

Mehmed II: A modern day hero

Mehmed II, widely known as Mehmed the Conqueror, is considered a hero by many in modern-day Turkey. He was twice the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1444 to 1446 and then later from 1451 to May 1481. At the age of 21, he conquered Constantinople (now Istanbul) and brought an end to the Byzantine Empire. The capture of Constantinople brought incomparable glory and prestige to the young Sultan and gave him immense authority and he began to look upon himself as the natural successor to the empire of Constantine the Great. Following the fall of Constantinople, Mehmed II continued his conquests both in Asia and Europe, and at home made many political and social reforms. He encouraged the arts and sciences, gathering Italian humanists and Greek scholars to his court, and by the end of his reign, had transformed Constantinople into a thriving imperial capital.

Rediscovered in a collection of Italian Renaissance medals

The bronze portrait re-emerged in 2000 when it was included in the sale of an important 19th Century collection of Italian Renaissance medals. The medallion was identified not only by Mehmed II’s physical appearance but also from the Latin text surrounding the medallion, which reads “Great Prince and Great Emir, Sultan Master Mehmet”. Notably absent was an “Imperatorial” title, which would come to be included on medals post-dating the fall of Constantinople. It is believed the portrait was taken from life by a skilled Renaissance artist, whose name remains unknown. Most interesting is the absence of any design or lettering on the reverse of the medallion, together with its portable size and neatly formed piercing at its top, suggesting the medallion was worn as a talisman and was a deeply personal and significant possession of the great Sultan.

In his later life, Sultan Mehmed II was to commission portraits in various mediums. Among the more significant is a cast bronze medal commissioned in the early to mid-1470s from the artist Costanzo da Ferrara, housed in the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C, and the widely published portrait in oil by the celebrated Venetian artist Gentile Bellini (1429-1507), which is in the National Gallery, London.  

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“Homicide: New York” Documentary Series on Netflix: Savage Murders in New York in the 90s and 2000s

“Homicide: New York” is a documentary series about the most famous murder cases in New York, told by the detectives in charge of the investigation themselves.

The Manhattan Police Department doesn’t just have one, but two homicide departments dedicated to solving murder cases: Manhattan North and Manhattan South. “Homicide: New York” introduces us to 5 of these chilling stories, told through the eyes of the detectives in charge of the cases.

We begin with a homicide at an Indian restaurant, the Deli Restaurant, where there were two fatalities and three injured. The scene is captured with images from the moment aid arrived, as well the testimonies of the investigators tasked with solving the case.

These cases, among others, offer a glimpse into the darkest side of New York with accounts presented by the investigators themselves. The series is not focused on the murders or the investigations, but rather it provides a narrative and an insight into the investigators and the grim side of New York City.

It’s a modern take on the classic “Hill Street Blues”, filled with computer-generated effects and a fast-paced rhythm that paints a picture of the investigation process and the investigators.

About the documentary “Homicide: New York”

This documentary series covers crimes from the 90s and 2000s, featuring brutal murders retold with special emphasis on the details, always seeking the most macabre aspect to engage the viewer, accompanied by thriller-like music.

This series also resonates with a sense of revival and nostalgia. It doesn’t depict the present-day New York, with its drastically reduced crime rate, but takes us back to the New York we saw in movies twenty years ago, the New York of “Taxi Driver” (Scorsese) where hundreds of murders were committed in Central Park.

“Homicide: New York” primarily focuses on the investigators, who are the main characters in this documentary. More than just investigating the crime, these investigators share their own stories, how they were raised, and how they ended up investigating crimes in Manhattan.

About the cases

Besides the restaurant crime, the first season of “Homicide: New York” revisits the investigation of a savage murder in Central Park: a man found floating with his intestines exposed and his wrist slashed; the mysterious disappearance of a woman on Wall Street; a business homicide where the victim had been stabbed between 30 to 40 times in their own place of business; and a serial killing in East Harlem.

Our opinion

“Homicide: New York” is more than just a narrative about crime investigations. It tells the story of crime in Manhattan during the 90s and 2000s. It’s a deep dive into the darkest, most brutal, and horrifying aspects of human nature, as told by the investigators themselves.

Where to Watch “Homicide: New York”

Netflix

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Zheng Chongbin: “Immeasurable Things” | Gallerie du Monde, Hong Kong

Zheng Chongbin’s (b.1961 in Shanghai; lives in San Francisco) visual philosophy form ties between phenomenology and New Materialism. Zheng’s hybrid practice of painting, video and light space installation investigate the spectrum of perception through the experience of self and being.

Converging the idea of being and human connections to the greater ecosystem, Zheng’s new works embrace the visible and the invisible. Categorical intuition manifests that there are always concealed layers in any perception. Fluidity, versatility, metamorphosis, the intertwining and the immeasurable — is human existence.

Zheng Chongbin: “Immeasurable Things”

Zheng acknowledges the human presence as a vessel for the understanding of nature’s phenomena. The videos are a compilation of synthetic mindscapes (derived from the artist’s research with Stanford University), natural landscapes (environments captured by the artist) and archaeological object. Choosing to break out of the static, Zheng’s site-specific installation branched out to synthetic materials, ranging from video, screens, glass, vinyl sheet, scrim, steel beams and more.

Zheng Chongbin will be in conversation with Dr. Yeewan Koon at the Asia Art Archive on 22 March, from 6:30pm to 7:45pm. Email us to RSVP for the event.

Zheng Chongbin: “Immeasurable Things”

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