Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 180

Jerrod Carmichael Reality Show: HBO Original Comedy Docuseries on March 29

The HBO Original comedy docuseries JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW debuts FRIDAY, MARCH 29 (11:00 –11:30p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. New episodes of the eight-episode season will debut weekly.

Logline: JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW is a darkly funny documentary series about Jerrod’s tumultuous quest for love, sex, and truth.

About Jerrod Carmichael: Jerrod Carmichael is an Emmy®-winning comedian from Winston-Salem, NC. His most recent special “Rothaniel” can be streamed on Max.

Credits: JERROD CARMICHAEL REALITY SHOW, starring Carmichael is created by and executive produced by Carmichael, Ari Katcher (who also directs), and Eli Despres. Executive produced by Susie Fox; executive produced by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg for Edgeline Films. Maya Seidler produces for Edgeline Films.

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Anselm Kiefer Leads Bonhams Contemporary Sale In London

London – Für Paul Celan: Kenotaph by Anselm Kiefer will lead Bonhams Post-War & Contemporary Art sale on Thursday 21 March at New Bond Street, London. The work, which has never before been offered at auction, has an estimate of £550,000 – 750,000.

As with many of Kiefer’s works, Für Paul Celan: Kenotaph, takes inspiration from the Jewish Romanian writer Paul Celan (1920-1970), whose work Kiefer draws upon to explore themes of identity, memory, and German history, particularly the horrors of the Holocaust. The work sees a wing of an aeroplane tearing through the top of the middle of three canvases. Born in Germany during the aftermath of the Second World War, Kiefer offers a stark and provocative statement on the aftermath of conflict.

Leonie Grainger, Head of Bonhams Post-War and Contemporary Art department in London, commented: “Für Paul Celan: Kenotaph is a monumental, sculptural panorama, comprising three separate canvases and spanning nearly six metres in width. It is among the most virtuosic works in Anselm Kiefer’s landmark series in celebration of the Romanian Jewish poet, Paul Celan. It’s a signature work by one of Germany’s leading artists, and we expect it will provoke a great deal of interest.”

The work was included in Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac’s exhibition Anselm Kiefer | Die Ungeborenen in 2012.

Anselm Kiefer’s work has been exhibited and collected by major museums across the globe. He was the subject of the 2023 film Anselm by Wim Wenders.

Writing in the current edition of Bonhams Magazine Alastair Smart states: “Kiefer is well known for his landscapes, and Für Paul Celan: Kenotaph is a classic example. Created on a trio of conjoined canvases, it measures six metres across. There are sprinkles of colour – gorgeous hints of blue, pink and yellow – but overall the palette is low-key. It is a field of (real) flowers, which show limited signs of life as they have been dried out and covered by Kiefer in layers of oil, acrylic and shellac.”

Other highlights of the sale include:

Frank Auerbach (B. 1931), From the Studios II, 1992, oil on board. Estimate: £400,000 – 600,000.Banksy (B. 1975), People Who Enjoy Waving Flags Don’t Deserve To Have One, 2003, spray paint on found St. George’s Cross Flag. Estimate: £200,000 – 300,000.Frank Stella (B. 1936), La prima spada e l’ultima scopa, 1983, synthetic polymer paint on aluminium honeycomb panels and acrylic panel. Estimate: £180,000 – 280,000.

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Season 2 of “Full Swing” on Netflix: for passionate golf lovers

Full Swing is a series created by James Gay-Rees.

In the second season, we will witness the journey of Rory McIlroy, Tom Kim, and the rivalry between brothers Adam and Tom Fitzpatrick. The year 2023 will be marked by the Ryder Cup and the merger between the PGA and LIV leagues. Rory McIlroy chose to stay with the PGA, while the LIV Golf, in its first season, saw some players leave and being labeled as traitors for choosing money over the traditional sport.

“Full Swing” takes us on an exciting journey through the 2023 golf season, showcasing the intense competition in each hole, despite its apparent calmness. The first season was dominated by the LIV league, a Saudi golf league that offered astronomical figures such as $200 million for Phil Mickelson and $700 million for Tiger Woods.

However, in the second season, the focus shifts to the players and their rivalries, with the Ryder Cup in Rome being the biggest event. The last two episodes of the series are dedicated to this spectacular competition.

About the series:

As with previous sports documentaries, the format of “Full Swing” is to capture the players’ lives, their private lives, passions, and ambitions, and then show them in action on the field. This formula works once again in the world of golf, giving viewers an inside look at this captivating sport. Golf, a sport that evokes strong emotions among its fans, was divided in 2022 but is now back in all its intensity.

This series is a must-watch for golf enthusiasts and those looking to learn more about this exciting sport. Enjoy!

Where to Watch “Full Swing”

Netflix

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Supersex (2024). A Netflix miniseries about the life of Rocco Siffredi: a melancholic and very traditional view of the actor’s life

Supersex es una serie italiana creada por Francesca Manieri. Está protagonizada por Alessandro Borghi.

It offers a melancholic and traditional view of the actor’s life. Rocco grew up in a small town in Italy and secretly dreamed of his brother’s girlfriend and becoming a superstar in adult magazines. As he grew older, he moved to Paris and indulged in the nightlife, sins, and vices. One thing led to another, and he eventually started acting in adult films. “Supersex” tells the story of Rocco Siffredi’s journey from a shy Italian boy to a global superstar who never forgot about the young boy who dreamed of appearing in magazines.

The series acknowledges that its success is based on the intrigue surrounding the character and the erotic scenes but does not overuse them. Instead, it focuses on telling the story of a character and his family conflicts. It also presents a coherent portrayal of a person’s life, with a touch of traditional customs. However, Rocco Siffredi himself has stated that he does not agree with the series and that it fails to capture his true self and story. Although the character may resemble him and the events may be based on his life, he sees the character as someone else.

As for the series, it is a biographical drama with a touch of tradition that, without overstating the erotic scenes, reveals the drama that we expected, with a much more bitter tone and a more sentimental story than what we had anticipated. “Supersex” aims to immerse us in the character’s story and drama rather than present a cheerful series about a cheerful character. It is a very melodramatic series, filled with personal conflicts and portraying a character who is mostly melancholic, preoccupied with family tragedies.

It is certainly a perspective, and in this perspective, the series creator, Francesca Manieri, has opted for a dramatic approach rather than a cheerful one, showing us the bitter side of the character’s life rather than the joyful life in Paris or the glamorous parties we expected to see. The series has a very traditional cinematic feel, with a touch of Italian neorealism from the 1950s (apologies to Rossellini for the comparison), and it constantly seeks to portray the character’s inner reality and family drama.

SupersexOur opinion

It may not be what we expected, but it is what it wants to be: a bitter and traditional series, a biographical drama that reveals a personal tragedy of a star whose life, according to the series, was very different from what we knew or expected. Although the star himself may not fully agree with this portrayal, we assume that, like us, he also found it a bit too sad.

Where to Watch “Supersex”

Netflix

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Ramy Youssef: More Feelings – HBO Original Comedy Special

The HBO Original stand-up comedy special RAMY YOUSSEF: MORE FEELINGS, from actor, writer, and comedian Ramy Youssef, debuts SATURDAY, MARCH 23 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.

Nina Rosenstein, EVP, HBO Programming, Late Night & Specials, quote: “Ramy is endlessly talented and working with him on his second HBO special means the world to us. MORE FEELINGS is both deeply personal and intensely funny, and his undeniable charisma shines throughout this brilliant performance. We’re so happy that Chris Storer could partner with Ramy again. His direction brings a beautiful intimacy to the production.”

Logline: In his follow-up to 2019’s acclaimed HBO comedy special “Ramy Youssef: Feelings,” Golden Globe®-winning Egyptian American actor, writer, and comedian Ramy Youssef returns to the stage to offer his unique reflections on our divided world, the unexpected perils of charitable giving, and more. Directed by Emmy® and DGA Award winner Christopher Storer and filmed at White Eagle Hall in Jersey City, NJ, the special, from A24, sees Youssef delving into issues big and small, including the 2024 presidential election, the importance of prayer, and a childhood book report that changed the course of his life – all with his signature laid-back and affable style. Hilarious and thought-provoking, RAMY YOUSSEF: MORE FEELINGS draws on the comedian’s personal and relatable anecdotes to help us all try to make sense of our divided world.

About Ramy Youssef: Ramy Youssef was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Award and a Writers Guild Award in 2020 for his first one-hour HBO comedy special, “Ramy Youssef: Feelings,” produced by A24. Youssef can currently be seen in the Golden Globe-winning and BAFTA and Academy Award®-nominated “Poor Things.” Behind the camera, Youssef recently received his first DGA Award nomination for his work on the highly praised episode of FX’s Emmy®-winning series “The Bear” titled “Honeydew.” He is best known for Hulu’s Peabody Award-winning comedy series, “Ramy,” which he created, produces, directs and stars in, and received a Golden Globe® in 2020 and was subsequently nominated for two Emmys®. He co-created and executive produces Netflix’s Gotham Award and Peabody Award-winning “Mo.” A creative force in the industry, Youssef was named to the prestigious TIME100 Next list in 2023. Youssef founded the production company, Cairo Cowboy, with a mission to develop original film and television content centered on important narratives and serve as an incubator of emerging Muslim talent.

Credits: HBO presents a Cairo Cowboy and A24 production; written, performed and executive produced by Ramy Youssef, directed and executive produced by Christopher Storer, executive produced by A24 and Tyson Binder.

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Adam Pendleton: An Abstraction | Pace Gallery, New York

New York – Pace is pleased to present An Abstraction, an exhibition of recent paintings and drawings by New York- based artist Adam Pendleton, at its 540 West 25th Street gallery in New York from May 3 to August 16. Pendleton’s first solo show at Pace’s New York gallery in ten years, An Abstraction follows a series of significant solo exhibitions by the artist at museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 2021; the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts in 2022; and mumok – Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, Vienna in 2023. The return to his home city marks a continuation of his career-long project of creating spaces of engagement and “fighting for the right to exist in and through abstraction.”

Pendleton’s work indexes and documents the physical process of painting to create layered pictorial fields that—in their painterly, psychic, and verbal expressions—announce a new mode of visual composition for the 21st century. He is guided by a visual and structural philosophy he has termed “Black Dada,” an ongoing inquiry into Blackness and its relationship to abstraction and conceptions of the avant-garde. Investigating Blackness as a color and theoretical proposition, the artist’s work reflects a contrapuntal understanding of the world in both sensorial and conceptual terms.

In An Abstraction, the artist’s 12 paintings and 13 drawings will hang within a monumental, site-specific architecture consisting of five black triangular forms. These sculptural walls will reorder the gallery into new, unexpected spaces and extend the visual language of the exhibited works.

Bringing together the artist’s Black Dada and Untitled (Days) bodies of work, the new paintings and drawings in the exhibition feature a variety of marks—spray painting, stenciled geometric forms, and expressionistic brushstrokes— to blur distinctions between painting, drawing, and photography and propose painting as a documentary and performative act.

Pendleton’s new Black Dada works imbue his iconic black and white compositions with focused and saturated colors. Each of the paintings and drawings in this body of work bears one or more typographic letters from the phrase “BLACK DADA,” rendered in a sans serif font amid the artist’s gestural marks. Continually transposing and overwriting these two modes of inscription, Pendleton cultivates a living library of his own ever-evolving gestures and processes.

Paintings and drawings from Pendleton’s Untitled (Days) body of work will also be featured in An Abstraction. Using collagist strategies of indexing, daily mark-making, fragmentation, and recombination, these works create a cumulative portrait of the artist’s experimentations in the studio.

In spring 2025, the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington, D.C. will present Love, Queen, a landmark exhibition of Pendleton’s work that will anchor the institution’s 50th anniversary year.

Born in Richmond, Virginia in 1984, Adam Pendleton completed the Artspace Independent Study Program in Pietrasanta, Italy, in 2002. His work has been featured at major museums around the world, including solo exhibitions at the Baltimore Museum of Art; Le Consortium, Dijon, France; Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston; KW Institute for Contemporary Art, Berlin; Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland; and Museum of Contemporary Art Denver, among others. Recent solo and group exhibitions include Adam Pendleton: Who is Queen? (2021–22) at the Museum of Modern Art, New York; Adam Pendleton: These Things We’ve Done Together (2021–22) at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts; Biennial: Quiet as It’s Kept (2022) at the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; Adam Pendleton: Blackness, White and Light (2023–24) at the mumok – Museum Moderner Kunst Stiftung Ludwig Wien, Vienna; and Adam Pendleton: To Divide By (2023–24) at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, St. Louis.

His work is in numerous public collections, including the Museum of Modern Art, New York; the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York; the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York; the Studio Museum in Harlem, New York; the Carnegie Museum of Art, Pittsburgh; the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago; the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego; and Tate, London.

Pace is a leading international art gallery representing some of the most influential contemporary artists and estates from the past century, holding decades-long relationships with Alexander Calder, Jean Dubuffet, Barbara Hepworth, Agnes Martin, Louise Nevelson, and Mark Rothko. Pace enjoys a unique U.S. heritage spanning East and West coasts through its early support of artists central to the Abstract Expressionist and Light and Space movements.

Since its founding by Arne Glimcher in 1960, Pace has developed a distinguished legacy as an artist-first gallery that mounts seminal historical and contemporary exhibitions. Under the current leadership of CEO Marc Glimcher, Pace continues to support its artists and share their visionary work with audiences worldwide by remaining at the forefront of innovation. Now in its seventh decade, the gallery advances its mission through a robust global program— comprising exhibitions, artist projects, public installations, institutional collaborations, performances, and interdisciplinary projects. Pace has a legacy in art bookmaking and has published over five hundred titles in close collaboration with artists, with a focus on original scholarship and on introducing new voices to the art historical canon.

Today, Pace has seven locations worldwide, including European footholds in London and Geneva as well as Berlin, where the gallery established an office in 2023. Pace maintains two galleries in New York—its headquarters at 540 West 25th Street, which welcomed almost 120,000 visitors and programmed 20 shows in its first six months, and an adjacent 8,000 sq. ft. exhibition space at 510 West 25th Street. Pace’s long and pioneering history in California includes a gallery in Palo Alto, which was open from 2016 to 2022. Pace’s engagement with Silicon Valley’s technology industry has had a lasting impact on the gallery at a global level, accelerating its initiatives connecting art and technology as well as its work with experiential artists. Pace consolidated its West Coast activity through its flagship in Los Angeles, which opened in 2022. Pace was one of the first international galleries to establish outposts in Asia, where it operates permanent gallery spaces in Hong Kong and Seoul, along with an office and viewing room in Beijing. In spring 2024, Pace will open its first gallery space in Japan in Tokyo’s new Azabudai Hills development.

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Millie Bobby Brown: British actress from the series Stranger Things

In the realm of Hollywood, where talent and charisma reign supreme, there are few rising stars as captivating as Millie Bobby Brown. With her extraordinary acting prowess and undeniable charm, Millie has swiftly risen to prominence, captivating audiences around the world. From her breakout role in the hit series “Stranger Things” to her impressive filmography and philanthropic endeavors, Millie Bobby Brown has established herself as a force to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry.

Millie Bobby Brown was born on February 19, 2004, in Marbella, Spain. Her parents, Robert and Kelly Brown, recognized her talent and passion for performing from a young age. At just four years old, Millie began attending acting workshops and honing her skills. Her family supported her dreams, and at the age of eight, they made the life-changing decision to move to Orlando, Florida, to provide Millie with better opportunities in the entertainment industry.

Millie’s journey in the world of acting commenced with modeling and commercial work. Her unique look and undeniable talent caught the attention of industry professionals, leading to her first significant role in the ABC fantasy drama series, “Once Upon a Time in Wonderland,” where she portrayed the character Young Alice. Although her role was relatively small, it served as a stepping stone for her burgeoning career.

In 2016, Millie Bobby Brown’s life changed forever when she landed the role of Eleven in the critically acclaimed Netflix series, “Stranger Things.” Set in the 1980s, the show follows a group of young friends as they encounter supernatural phenomena in their small town. Millie’s portrayal of Eleven, a mysterious and telekinetic girl, captivated audiences and garnered widespread acclaim.

“Playing Eleven was a transformative experience for me. I connected with the character on a deep level, and it was a privilege to bring her to life.”

Millie Bobby Brown

Her performance in “Stranger Things” showcased her incredible range as an actress, earning her numerous accolades and catapulting her into stardom. Millie’s portrayal of Eleven not only demonstrated her ability to convey complex emotions but also showcased her physicality, as she performed many of her stunts herself.

Millie Bobby Brown’s talent extends beyond the small screen, as she has also made a name for herself in the world of film. In 2019, she starred in the monster film “Godzilla: King of the Monsters,” where she portrayed the role of Madison Russell. Her portrayal of a young girl caught in the midst of a battle between colossal creatures further solidified her status as a rising star.

In 2021, Millie took on the iconic role of Enola Holmes in the Netflix film “Enola Holmes.” As the younger sister of the renowned detective Sherlock Holmes, Millie exhibited her versatility and charm, captivating audiences with her wit and intelligence.

Aside from her groundbreaking role in “Stranger Things,” Millie Bobby Brown has made notable appearances in other television projects. In 2019, she hosted “Saturday Night Live” and showcased her comedic timing and improvisational skills. She also guest-starred in the hit series “Grey’s Anatomy,” leaving a lasting impression with her heartfelt performance.

Millie Bobby Brown’s talents extend beyond acting, as she has also ventured into the world of music videos. In 2016, she appeared in the music video for Sigma’s “Find Me,” where she showcased her emotive expressions and natural charisma. Her involvement in music videos further highlights her versatility as an artist.

Millie Bobby Brown’s popularity and influence have transcended traditional mediums, as she has also lent her voice and likeness to video games. In 2019, she appeared in the video game “Godzilla: Defense Force,” further cementing her connection to the monster film franchise.

Despite her meteoric rise to fame, Millie Bobby Brown remains grounded and dedicated to her craft. She values her privacy and maintains a close-knit circle of friends and family. Millie’s passion for acting is evident in her dedication to her roles, and she continues to challenge herself with each project she takes on.

Millie Bobby Brown is not only a talented actress but also a passionate advocate for various causes. In 2017, she became the youngest-ever UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, using her platform to raise awareness about children’s rights and issues affecting young people worldwide. Millie actively supports organizations such as Stand Up To Cancer and Together Rising, leveraging her influence to make a positive impact.

Millie Bobby Brown’s exceptional talent has earned her recognition within the entertainment industry. She has received numerous awards and nominations, including a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in “Stranger Things.” Her contributions to the industry have not gone unnoticed, and she continues to be celebrated for her remarkable achievements.

As Millie Bobby Brown’s career continues to flourish, her future endeavors are highly anticipated. In addition to her acting pursuits, she has expressed interest in exploring other aspects of the entertainment industry, such as directing and producing. With her determination and talent, there is no doubt that Millie’s star will continue to rise.

Millie Bobby Brown’s journey from a young aspiring actress to a global sensation is nothing short of extraordinary. Her magnetic presence on screen, dedication to her craft, and commitment to making a difference have solidified her status as an influential figure in Hollywood. As she continues to captivate audiences with her remarkable performances, the world eagerly awaits what lies ahead for this talented and inspiring young star. Millie Bobby Brown is undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

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Who is the Italian actor Alessandro Borghi?

In the world of Italian cinema, one name has been making waves in recent years – Alessandro Borghi. Born on September 19, 1986, in Rome, Italy, Borghi has emerged as a talented and versatile actor, captivating audiences with his powerful performances. With a height of 1.86 meters (6 ft 1 in) and a charismatic presence, Borghi has become a rising star in the Italian film industry. In this article, we will delve into Borghi’s journey, exploring his filmography, accolades, and the impact he has made on the silver screen.

Growing up in the vibrant city of Rome, Alessandro Borghi developed a passion for acting from a young age. After completing his education, he embarked on his professional acting journey in 2006, with his debut film “Cento giorni a Palermo.” Although his role was small, it marked the beginning of a promising career.

Borghi’s breakthrough came in 2015 when he starred in the critically acclaimed film “Suburra,” directed by Stefano Sollima. In this crime thriller, Borghi portrayed the character of Aureliano Adami, a young and ambitious gangster. His performance was praised for its intensity and depth, earning him widespread recognition in the Italian film industry.

Following the success of “Suburra,” Borghi continued to impress audiences with his diverse range of roles. In the 2016 film “Fortunata,” he played the character of Pietro, a troubled but compassionate man. His ability to bring complex characters to life with authenticity and emotional depth solidified his position as a sought-after actor.

Borghi’s collaboration with Netflix further propelled his career to new heights. In 2017, he reprised his role as Aureliano Adami in the television series “Suburra: Blood on Rome.” The show, based on the film “Suburra,” explores the dark underbelly of Rome’s criminal underworld. Borghi’s portrayal of Aureliano earned him international acclaim and introduced him to a global audience.

Alessandro Borghi’s exceptional talent has been recognized through numerous awards and nominations. In 2019, he received the prestigious David di Donatello for Best Actor for his portrayal of Stefano Cucchi in the film “On My Skin.” This gripping drama shed light on the tragic true story of a man who fell victim to police brutality. Borghi’s performance was hailed as a tour de force, showcasing his ability to tackle challenging and emotionally charged roles.

Borghi’s filmography is a testament to his versatility as an actor. From crime thrillers to historical dramas, he has taken on a wide array of roles, captivating audiences with his captivating performances. Here are some notable films and television series that feature Alessandro Borghi:

Film“Cento giorni a Palermo” (2006)“Suburra” (2015)“Fortunata” (2016)“On My Skin” (2018)“Il primo re” (2019)“The First King: Birth of an Empire” (2019)“L’amica geniale” (2021)Television“Suburra: Blood on Rome” (2017-2020)“Devils” (2020)

With his talent and dedication, Alessandro Borghi shows no signs of slowing down. He continues to take on challenging roles, captivating audiences with his performances. In the coming years, audiences can look forward to seeing him in the upcoming films “Romulus” and “The Last Duel,” further cementing his status as one of Italy’s most promising actors.

Alessandro Borghi’s rise in the world of Italian cinema is a testament to his extraordinary talent and dedication to his craft. From his breakthrough role in “Suburra” to his award-winning performance in “On My Skin,” Borghi has proven himself as a versatile and captivating actor. With a promising future ahead, he is set to make an indelible mark on the international film industry. As audiences eagerly anticipate his upcoming projects, it is clear that Alessandro Borghi is a rising star whose talent knows no bounds.

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Theo James

Theo James has taken the film industry by storm with his versatile acting skills and undeniable charm. This British actor has managed to captivate audiences worldwide with his performances in various genres, from action-packed blockbusters to thought-provoking dramas. In this article, we will delve into the life and career of Theo James, exploring his early beginnings, notable roles, personal life, and future projects. Join us as we unravel the journey of this rising star.

Theodore Peter James Kinnaird Taptiklis, known professionally as Theo James, was born on December 16, 1984, in High Wycombe, England. From a young age, he displayed a passion for performing arts and knew that he wanted to pursue a career in acting. James attended the prestigious University of Nottingham, where he honed his skills and obtained a Bachelor’s degree. Eager to further develop his craft, he then enrolled at the renowned Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, where he received formal training in acting.

It was in 2014 that Theo James catapulted to international fame with his portrayal of Tobias Eaton, also known as Four, in “The Divergent Series” film trilogy. Based on the best-selling novels by Veronica Roth, the films garnered a massive following and solidified James’ status as a rising star. His nuanced performance as the enigmatic and complex character won the hearts of both critics and audiences alike.

Following the success of “The Divergent Series,” Theo James proved his versatility by taking on a diverse range of roles. In 2012, he starred in the horror film “Underworld: Awakening,” showcasing his ability to excel in action-packed movies. He reprised his role in the franchise with “Underworld: Blood Wars” in 2016.

In 2020, James delved into the science fiction genre with the film “Archive.” His portrayal of a scientist grappling with the ethics of artificial intelligence further demonstrated his dedication to pushing boundaries and exploring complex themes.

Off-screen, Theo James leads a private life and keeps his personal affairs under wraps. In 2018, he tied the knot with actress Ruth Kearney. The couple prefers to keep their relationship away from the spotlight, maintaining a sense of privacy amidst their busy careers.

Theo James’ talent has not gone unnoticed in the industry, earning him several accolades and nominations throughout his career. In 2014, he received a Teen Choice Award for Choice Movie Actor: Action for his role in “Divergent.” His magnetic presence and ability to bring depth to his characters have garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase.

Theo James has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in British cinema. From his breakout role in “The Divergent Series” to his foray into other genres, James has proven his versatility and dedication to his craft. With an impressive filmography already under his belt, he continues to captivate audiences with his performances. As we eagerly await his future projects, it is clear that Theo James is a rising star who is here to stay.

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Woody De Othello: Faith Like a Rock | Stephen Friedman Gallery, London

Stephen Friedman Gallery presents Faith Like a Rock, the first solo exhibition in the UK by Woody De Othello.

Othello (b.1991, Miami, USA) is best known for a multidisciplinary practice that encompasses sculpture, painting and drawing. Working across a range of mediums— including glazed ceramic, carved wood, bronze, ink and oil paint—Othello transforms everyday objects into anthropomorphic, animistic vessels. His colourful, assembled sculptures appear as animated, sentient objects, while his lush painted landscapes teem with life.

In his debut exhibition at Stephen Friedman Gallery, Othello creates an immersive installation that expands upon earlier motifs and represents a bold evolution in his artistic cosmology. Inspired by the domestic objects, flora and fauna of his immediate surroundings, he recasts them as humanoid characters whose features are as recognisable as they are uncanny. Vessels sprout appendages such as ears and mouths, while exaggerated hands shield invisible eyes. They stand alone or huddled in groups, precariously stacked atop an array of entangled legs that bend, kneel, twist and fold. Occasionally a household curio appears: a hollowed-out mirror revealing the silhouette of a face, a hammer melting over a platinum-glazed steam iron, or a pair of chess pieces inflated to the size of a cat.

The exhibition unfolds as a series of mise-en-scène with each room transformed into a unique environment. In one room, sculptures float on a trio of rafts made from shipping palettes. Kneeling figures inspired by the prostrate bodies seen across ancient religious statuary—from Djenné-Djeno’s famous seated figures to Egyptian depictions of pharaohs—are joined by a congregation of vessels aptly titled the healers gathered around (2023). Atop this base of criss-crossed legs, several vessels are arranged, featuring rich blue, green, and grey elongated faces. Instead of facing the viewer, the figures huddle inward. A pair of falcons perch on another buttress of limbs, a reference to the Yoruba belief in a divine force connecting earth to the spirit world as well as the ancient Egyptian god Horus often depicted as a falcon-headed man.

In the following room, flaming red walls and deep crimson flooring set the stage for Divine Support (2024) and Direct Line (2024). The sculptures stand tall with four arms branching outward to the heavens as if summoning a gathering or prayer. The tone shifts again to one of hushed reverence in the final room painted in teal. A procession of ceramic sculptures advances along a lengthy church bench. Along the walls, jewel-toned flowers and enchanted forests dance across canvas and paper, joined by a series of ink drawings depicting a tangle of trees, plants, bodies and birds.

Integral to Othello’s practice is a deep engagement with clay and its connection to place and ancestry. Rejecting Western cultural beliefs in the hegemony of humans over nature, the artist turns to pre-colonial rituals and precepts that reassert the rights of nature. Clay becomes a conduit to the past and a path to healing. From the nkisi of Central Africa— animistic power objects imbued with sacred energy and used for spiritual protection—to the Indigenous Dagara cosmology of sub-Saharan Africa, Othello embraces the regenerative power of the material. As the artist recalls, “I remember having this overwhelming feeling that everything I needed to know about my past and future was beholden to clay.” In ‘Faith Like a Rock’, Othello performs visual alchemy. This once humble material becomes a potent cipher for radical, sustainable transformation.

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