Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 194

Love wins all: IU’s Dystopian Ballad Captures the Power of Hope

IU’s new song is the new number 1 on the South Korean charts. A romantic and catchy ballad that has charmed and, as it seems to be already usual, threatens to go around the world. Will it manage to last as long as Lim Young Woong’s “Do or Die”?

IU. By 월아조운’s – https://mcjoun.tistory.com/entry/2311..., CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index...

IU, South Korea’s beloved “nation’s little sister,” burst onto the scene in 2024 with a powerful new pre-release single, “Love wins all.” More than just a catchy tune, the song, featuring BTS’ V, has captivated audiences with its poignant message, stunning visuals, and chart-topping success.

“Love wins all” transcends ordinary love songs. The accompanying music video paints a hauntingly beautiful picture of a dystopian world, where two lovers, played by IU and V, fight for survival amidst a harsh, oppressive reality. Despite the bleak backdrop, their love becomes a beacon of hope, offering solace and defying the darkness.

“Love wins all” transcends the K-Pop genre with its universal themes and emotional depth. It speaks to anyone who has ever faced adversity or sought solace in love. The song is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, love can provide strength, hope, and the power to overcome.

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Who is Taylor Tomlinson? Star of Stand-up Comedy

In the world of stand-up comedy, few rising stars have made as big of an impact as Taylor Tomlinson. With her quick wit, relatable humor, and unique perspective on everyday life, Tomlinson has captured the hearts of audiences around the world. From her early days performing in church basements to her current role as the host of CBS’ late-night show “After Midnight,” Tomlinson’s journey to success has been nothing short of remarkable. In this article, we will explore the life, career, and influences of Taylor Tomlinson, as well as her contributions to the world of comedy.

Taylor Elyse Tomlinson was born on November 4, 1993, in Orange County, California. Raised in Temecula, California, she attended Temecula Valley High School and graduated with high honors. Tomlinson’s passion for comedy began at a young age, and she credits her father for encouraging her to pursue her dreams. At the age of 16, Tomlinson and her father signed up for a stand-up class, and she quickly fell in love with the art form.

After high school, Tomlinson briefly attended California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, before transferring to a community college in the San Diego metropolitan area. Her decision to transfer was driven by her desire to be closer to comedy clubs and further her career in stand-up comedy. Tomlinson then attended California State University San Marcos before ultimately dropping out to focus on her burgeoning comedy career.

At the age of 19, Taylor Tomlinson made the life-changing decision to pursue comedy as a full-time career. She began performing in various venues, including church basements, school venues, and coffee shops. Tomlinson’s unique blend of observational and improvisational comedy quickly caught the attention of audiences and industry professionals alike.

In 2015, Tomlinson gained national recognition as a top-ten finalist on the ninth season of NBC’s “Last Comic Standing.” Her sharp comedic timing and relatable material resonated with viewers, and she was named one of the “Top 10 Comics to Watch” by Variety at the 2019 Just for Laughs Festival.

Following her success on “Last Comic Standing,” Taylor Tomlinson’s career continued to soar. She made appearances on popular late-night talk shows such as “The Tonight Show” and “Conan,” showcasing her talent and winning over new fans with each performance. Tomlinson also appeared in various Comedy Central productions, further solidifying her status as one of the most promising comedians of her generation.

In 2018, Tomlinson performed a fifteen-minute set on an episode of the Netflix stand-up series “The Comedy Lineup.” The exposure from the show led to her first Netflix stand-up special, “Quarter-Life Crisis,” which was released in March 2020. The special showcased Tomlinson’s ability to take on topics such as relationships, adulthood, and the struggles of navigating life in your twenties.

Following the success of “Quarter-Life Crisis,” Taylor Tomlinson embarked on a nationwide tour with fellow comedian Whitney Cummings on the Codependent Tour in 2020. The tour further solidified her fan base and allowed her to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

In 2021, Tomlinson launched her own podcast titled “Sad in the City,” where she explores various topics related to mental health, relationships, and personal growth. The podcast has gained a loyal following, with listeners appreciating Tomlinson’s candid and relatable discussions.

Taylor Tomlinson draws inspiration from a variety of comedic influences. She has cited Brian Regan and Maria Bamford as her two biggest comedy inspirations. Tomlinson admires Regan for his ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences and his genuine kindness both on and off stage. She is captivated by Bamford’s unique approach to comedy, particularly her ability to discuss mental health in a hilarious and vulnerable manner.

In addition to Regan and Bamford, Tomlinson also idolizes comedians such as Richard Pryor, Dave Chappelle, Conan O’Brien, Bert Kreischer, and John Mulaney. Each of these comedians has left a lasting impact on Tomlinson’s comedic style and approach to storytelling.

While Taylor Tomlinson’s career has been on the rise, she has also been open about her personal struggles. In her stand-up special “Look at You,” Tomlinson discusses her experiences with mental health issues, including depression, panic attacks, and night terrors. She bravely shares her journey of being diagnosed with bipolar disorder and uses her platform to raise awareness and destigmatize mental health.

Tomlinson was previously in a relationship with fellow comedian Sam Morril from March 2020 to February 2022. The couple’s comedic chemistry was evident both on and off stage, and their relationship provided inspiration for their respective comedy material.

Taylor Tomlinson’s career shows no signs of slowing down. In November 2023, it was announced that she would be the host of CBS’ late-night show “After Midnight,” a revival of the former Comedy Central panel show “@midnight.” The show premiered on January 17, 2024, and further solidified Tomlinson’s position as a rising star in the comedy world.

In addition to her hosting duties, Tomlinson has continued to work on new material and recently filmed her third Netflix stand-up special, “Have it All,” in Washington, D.C. The special is set to be released on February 13, 2024, and is highly anticipated by her ever-growing fan base.

Taylor Tomlinson’s talent and hard work have not gone unnoticed. In December 2021, she was named one of Forbes’ “30 Under 30” in the Hollywood & Entertainment category. This prestigious recognition further cements Tomlinson’s status as one of the most influential and successful young comedians in the industry.

Taylor Tomlinson’s journey from performing in church basements to becoming a household name in the comedy world is a testament to her incredible talent and unwavering dedication. With her relatable humor, unique storytelling style, and openness about her own struggles, Tomlinson has carved out a space for herself in the hearts of comedy lovers everywhere. As she continues to evolve as a comedian and explore new avenues in her career, there’s no doubt that Taylor Tomlinson will leave a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.

References:

Boyette, Chris; Wolfe, Elizabeth (November 2, 2023). “Stand-up comedian Taylor Tomlinson will host new CBS late-night show after ‘Colbert'”. CNN.White, Peter (January 4, 2024). “After Midnight With Taylor Tomlinson Lands CBS Premiere Date”. Deadline Hollywood.Schulte, Stephanie (September 8, 2016). “How Temecula comedian, 22, went from church functions to hosting Fox’s ‘Laughs'”. The Press-Enterprise.Richter, Andy (October 11, 2021). “Episode #115: Taylor Tomlinson”. The Three Questions with Andy Richter.Hooper, Ben (March 3, 2020). “Taylor Tomlinson: Stand-up is ‘the ultimate goal for everything'”. United Press International.Greiving, Tim (March 4, 2022). “Taylor Tomlinson left the church comedy circuit with a hell of a lot of jokes for Netflix”. Los Angeles Times.Fancher, Patrick (February 28, 2019). “Tomlinson aims for all-age laughs”. Albany Democrat-Herald.Escandon, Rosa (August 5, 2019). “25-Year-Old Taylor Tomlinson Travels For Her Comedy”. Forbes.Zinoman, Jason (July 2, 2018). “A Netflix Experiment Gives Deserving Comics Their 15 Minutes”. The New York Times.Symons, Alex (2023). Women Comedians in the Digital Age (1st ed.). Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge.Rosales, Ramona (February 24, 2022). “Taylor Tomlinson talks us through her comedy inspiration and what it meant to shoot her Netflix special, Quarter-Life Crisis”. Netflix.Zinoman, Jason (March 8, 2022). “Taylor Tomlinson: A Comic With the Confidence of a Star”. The New York Times.Wilstein, Matt (March 18, 2020). “This Comedy Couple Is Quarantined Together and It’s Hilarious”. The Daily Beast.“Your Mom’s House Episode 673 – Sam Morril”. Spotify.Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Taylor_Tomlinson&oldid=1205766872

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“On the Roam” Renewed For A Second Season

The Max Original documentary series ON THE ROAM, starring Jason Momoa, has been renewed for a second season. The remaining two episodes of this season will debut Thursday, February 8 on Max.

Jason Momoa, creator, co-director, and executive producer, quote: “It’s an absolute honor to work with Warner Bros. Discovery and Max on another season of ON THE ROAM; it’s a dream come true! I put my heart and soul into this show, and I am thrilled to dive back into the untamed beauty of ON THE ROAM for another season – it will be an extraordinary adventure!”

Nina Rosenstein, EVP, HBO Programming, Late Night, & Specials, quote: “We’re so happy to be going ON THE ROAM with Jason for another season. His passion shines through in every episode, and the joy he gets from introducing us to these amazing artisans is infectious. It’s such a beautifully crafted series, and we hope that it inspires audiences to discover their own passions.”

Season 1 logline: ON THE ROAM is an eight-part cinematic docuseries following Jason Momoa as he travels the country chasing art, adventure, and friendship through the lens of craftsmanship.

Season 1 credits: ON THE ROAM is created by Jason Momoa; co-directed and executive produced by Jason Momoa, Brian Mendoza; executive produced by Kyle Wheeler; produced by James Mendoza; co-produced by Paris Herbert-Taylor.

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Tate St Ives Presents a Large-Scale Exhibition of Work by Outi Pieski | Saint Ives, U.K.

Tate St Ives presents the UK’s first large-scale exhibition of work by Outi Pieski (Čiske-Jovsset Biret Hánsa Outi) (b.1973, Helsinki, Finland). Pieski is a Sámi visual artist whose practice is deeply connected to land. Working primarily with painting and installation, Pieski has gained recognition for her work which explores the spiritual relationship between humans and their environment and raises vital questions around traditional knowledge and Indigenous people’s rights. The exhibition at Tate St Ives presents Pieski’s figurative landscapes, photographs and prints alongside sculptural works, including a new installation titled Skábmavuođđu – Spell on Me!, 2024 which has been made especially for the show during her Tate St Ives residency at Porthmeor Studios in January 2024.

Outi Pieski, Guržot ja guovssahat – Spell on You!, 2020. Installation view, 23rd Biennale of Sydney, rīvus, 2022. © Document Photography

Pieski lives and works in in Sápmi, the region in which the Indigenous Sámi live, which is today divided between the nation states of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Driven by the rugged landscape of her home municipality of Ohcejohka (Utsjoki), Pieski’s work acts as a dialogue between the everchanging natural environment of the area and its inhabitants. The exhibition at Tate St Ives presents several of her rarely exhibited acrylic landscape paintings which capture the region’s wild and transient scenery, including Rástegáisa lágalaš riektesubjeaktan II/Sacred Mountain Rástegáisa as a Legal Person II, 2018 which illustrates the mountain outside her home and Deatnu, máttožan/Deatnu River, Our Ancestor, 2018 depicting the river which runs along the border between Finland and Norway which has been fished by Sámi people for thousands of years. These paintings introduce visitors to the artist’s use of texture and space to explore culturally sacred places and demonstrate her early interest in the spiritual significance of materials.

Outi Pieski, Rematriation of a Ládjogahpir / Return to Máttaráhkká, 2019. Installation view courtesy of Minds Rising, Spirits Tuning, The 13th Gwangju Biennale, Photo Credit: Sang Tae Kim

Drawing inspiration from Sámi visual heritage, Pieski creates large-scale textile installations which feature tassels based on traditional clothing and reference ‘duodji’, an Indigenous craft practice marginalised in the wake of the colonisation of Sápmi. By practicing this often women-led way of making, Pieski seeks to strengthen sacred relationships between her work and her ancestral land, a concept known as ‘rematriation’. Made in collaboration with other Sámi women, these installations – which Pieski refers to as ‘three-dimensional paintings’ – destabilise the hierarchy between contemporary art and artisanal creative processes. Co-commissioned by Bonniers Konsthall, Stockholm and the 13th Gwangju Biennale, the hanging installation Beavvit – Rising Together II, 2021 comprises groups of brightly coloured tassels which have been hand knotted using the traditional Sámi shawl crafting technique or duodji. Central to the exhibition at Tate St Ives is Guržot ja guovssahat – Spell on You!, 2020, a monumental hanging installation which is shown alongside the brand new work Skábmavuođđu – Spell on Me!, 2024.

Outi Pieski, photo: Heikki Tuuli

As an artist and activist, Pieski uses her work to reconnect with elements of Sámi culture lost following Scandinavian colonialism. The Tate St Ives exhibition features works which form part of Máttaráhku ládjogahpir/Foremothers´ Hat of Pride, 2017-21, an interdisciplinary project she has created with Finnish archaeologist Eeva-Kristiina Nylander to explore the complex legacy of the ládjogahpir,headdresses traditionally worn by Sámi women. Following the arrival of the Christian Pietistic movement called Laestadianism in the 19th century, these horn hats were banned, and many ended up in collections outside Sápmi. Pieski and Nylander have researched and created an inventory of all surviving ládjogahpirs from archives, collections and libraries across Europe, resulting in a book and artworks including 47 eanemus ohccojuvvon máttaráhkut/47 Most Wanted Foremothers, 2019, a Pop-art inspired photo series of original hats dating from 1800-1900 and Lossa máttaráhkku/The Heavy Weight of the Foremother, 2021, a hand-sewn headdress made from contemporary materials but constructed using traditional methods. These works visualise the history of the ládjogahpir and open conversations about erasure of Indigenous people’s traditions.

Outi Pieski – Tate St Ives

Start Date: February 10
End Date: May 6

Venue: Tate St Ives
Address: Porthmeor Beach, Saint Ives, Cornwall, TR26 1TG, United Kingdom

View this event

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Brett Goodroad: Rainy – Greene Naftali, New York

Greene Naftali is pleased to announce BRETT GOODROAD’s second solo exhibition at the gallery. Rainy presents a new grouping of paintings—infused with a palette of rich umbers, earthy reds, vivid greens, and coruscating yellows—that traverse the heavens and the soil, lingering in a space between abstraction and figuration. Conjuring the majesty and grit of the American Southwest, where the artist resides, Goodroad’s oeuvre remains distinctly grounded while delving into the recesses of the viewer’s psyche. With influences spanning from Watteau to Virginia Woolf, Goodroad evokes a sense of openness and isolation in equal measure. Hilton Als, writing for the New Yorker in 2021, observes how the artist’s paintings seem to “want to devour the very subjects that inspired them.” Oscillating between hunger and reluctance characterizes the delicate nature of Goodroad’s image making—a symbiotic relationship between surface, brush, paint, and idea, wherein metamorphosis becomes the subject itself. Rather than seeking to reconcile the tension between form and content through illusion or ineluctable objecthood, Goodroad’s approach embraces emergence as its focal point—an invitation to witness and be.

About the artist

Brett Goodroad (b. 1979) lives and works in Prescott, Arizona. A solo exhibition of his work, titled The Letter, was recently on view at Cushion Works, San Francisco (through January 27, 2024). Recent solo exhibitions include Greene Naftali, New York (2022; in collaboration with Cushion Works, curated by Hilton Als); ADZ Gallery, Lisbon (2022); Cushion Works, San Francisco (2021, 2017); Gregory Lind Gallery, San Francisco (2019; 2015); and Phoenix Art Space, Brighton, U.K. (2018). Significant group shows include Karma, New York (2021); Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Berkeley (2019, 2018); and The Drawing Center, New York (2014), among others. His work is in the collection of the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles and the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive.

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AlUla Arts Festival

AlUla Arts Festival runs from 9 February – 2 March 2024, immersing visitors in a vibrant showcase of contemporary visual and public art, design, artist residencies and workshops throughout the ancient city.Highlights include the return of the international open-air art exhibition Desert X AlUla, a special AlUla edition of the largest art prize in the MENA region, Ithra Art Prize, and Manal AlDowayan’s exhibitions in AlJadidah presented by Wadi AlFann.The festival will also mark the opening of Design Space AlUla in the AlJadidah Arts District, a focal point for showcasing AlUla’s wide-ranging design initiatives contributing to the vision for AlUla.

AlUla, Saudi Arabia, 9 February – The AlUla Arts Festival, under its new banner of Art Unframed, returns for its third edition running from 9 February – 2 March 2024, with an expansive program of events, exhibitions, and creative initiatives taking place across 22 days in the stunning landscape of the ancient oasis of AlUla.

Inaugurated in 2022, and part of the annual AlUla Moments calendar of events, the AlUla Arts Festival features an exciting mix of creatives, including local, regional, and international artists, performers, curators, collectors and more.

Ithra Art Prize – the winner of the largest art prize in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Obaid Alsafi, unveils his winning artwork, Palms in Eternal Embrace. The 6th edition of the annual prize run by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) is the first in collaboration with Arts AlUla, as part of a wider partnership between both organisations to combine their respective efforts to support creativity in Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

This year’s theme Art in the Landscape, called for submissions of public artwork proposals that are site-specific to AlUla and that present interpretations of AlUla’s unique landscapes and natural heritage. The winning large-scale site-specific installation will exhibit for six weeks amid the 2.3 million date palms of the AlUla Oasis, encouraging viewers to reflect on ways to safeguard the natural environment, and bringing attention to endangered palm trees, a compelling symbol of the landscapes and heritage of the Arabian Peninsula.

Wadi AlFann presents Manal AlDowayan, one of Saudi Arabia’s most significant contemporary artists, in the lead-up to her new land art commission, Oasis of Stories, a large-scale labyrinthine installation inspired by AlUla Old Town, which will be permanently placed in AlUla’s monumental desert landscape from 2026. During AlUla Arts Festival, two adjacent exhibitions – featuring drawing, ceramic, soft sculpture, painting and weaving – take place in AlJadidah arts district,at the heart of AlUla’s community.   

The first exhibition marks a milestone in the development of Oasis of Stories: on display are hundreds of drawings gathered from the artist’s participatory workshops with communities across AlUla. These drawings and stories will eventually be inscribed into the walls of Oasis of Stories, enabling AlUla’s residents to leave their permanent trace in Wadi AlFann. A parallel exhibition presented in collaboration with Sabrina Amrani Gallery, titled Their Love Is Like All Loves, Their Death Is Like All Deaths, delves further into AlDowayan’s practice, with works including: soft sculptures made of tussar silk printed with images related to AlUla’s heritage; labyrinth-like drawings inspired by AlUla Old Town; engraved clay works made of mud gathered from across Saudi Arabia; and wall pieces featuring Sadu textile weaving, a technique traditionally used by Bedouin women.

AlUla Artist Residency – Arts AlUla presents two Artist Residency exhibitions, the Visual Art Residency exhibition “The Shadow Over Everything”, and the Design Residency exhibition “Unguessed Kinships”, which will run until 30th April 2024, emphasising AlUla’s emerging role as a focal point for cultural exchange and artistic innovation in the region.

The exhibitions showcase pieces created by international artists and designers invited to participate in the AlUla Artist Residency Programme, founded in partnership with the French Agency for AlUla Development (Afalula). Located in two distinct outdoor venues, the exhibitions will be hosted at Mabiti in The Palm Grove, and Madrasat Addeera.

The AlUla Artist Residency programme exemplifies AlUla’s commitment to becoming a global hub for creative minds, offering multiple programmes this year in visual arts, design, botanical landscaping, heritage, and innovation.

AlUla 1445 –  Featuring images by artist Hassan Hajjaj who is renowned for work that merges contemporary art, fashion and cultural identity. He photographed local people and residents in February 2023 in an outdoor studio at Madrasat Addeera. The subjects include farmers, sports teams, merchants, craftspeople and the creative community.

More than Meets the Eye – an exhibition of contemporary works by Saudi artists on loan from collectors in Saudi Arabia, hosted at Maraya. Curated by Dr. Effat Abdullah Fadag, the exhibition will re-canonise the history of the contemporary art movements in Saudi Arabia, documenting the story of artists and the role of collectors in the development of the art scene. The exhibition will run from 9 February – 27 April 2024 and is part of the pre-opening programme for the future contemporary art museum in AlUla.

With works by pioneering Saudi artists such as Abdulhalim Radwi, Mohammed Alsaleem and Mounirah Mously alongside leading contemporary Saudi artists such as Ahmed Mater, Muhannad Shono and Dana Awartani, the exhibition explores connections, influences and shared stories from across generations of Saudi artists.

Desert X AlUla 2024 – The recurring and temporary, site-responsive, international open-air art exhibition Desert X AlUla returns for its third edition from 9 February – 23 March 2024, placing visionary contemporary artworks by Saudi and international artists amidst the extraordinary desert landscape of AlUla. This year’s exhibition, under the curatorial vision of Maya El Khalil and Marcello Dantas, with artistic direction from Raneem Farsi and Neville Wakefield, features 15 newly commissioned artworks.

Under the theme of In the Presence of Absence, Desert X AlUla 2024, asks ‘what cannot be seen?’ Often dismissed as spaces of emptiness, deserts are rendered mute, and static, but there is much more than meets the eye. This edition of Desert X AlUla will be situated across three locations for the first time: in the desert landscape of Wadi AlFann; amongst the black lava stone terrain and breathtaking views of Harrat Uwayrid; and at the AlManshiyah Plaza, which reveals the many layers of history and cultural confluence you find in AlUla.

Design Space AlUla – February 2024 will mark the opening of Design Space AlUla, a focal point for showcasing AlUla’s wide ranging design initiatives contributing to the vision for AlUla. Located in the AlJadidah Arts District, Design Space AlUla provides exhibition, workshop and archive space, and is designed to foster collaboration among design professionals, students, and design enthusiasts, whilst strengthening AlUla’s legacy across the cultural sphere as a catalyst for creative inspiration and design.

The inaugural exhibition, Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design, curated by Sara Ghani, will introduce the design thinking process behind 10 recent AlUla-inspired designs across design, architecture and urban planning. The launch programme, taking place between 15 – 17 February 2024, will include keynote presentations, masterclasses, workshops, panel discussions and design tours.

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World Premiere of Rachna Nivas’ “Reclaiming the Divine Feminine” – 3/1-2 at New York Live Arts

Presenting the world premiere of Reclaiming the Divine Feminine on March 1-2, 2024 at New York Live Arts, created and performed by Rachna Nivas, renowned kathak dance artist and Co-Artistic Director of Leela Dance Collective. This work takes audiences into the dark and mystical realm of tantra, hailing independent feminine power as the universe’s primordial energy. With live music, special lighting and prop design, Nivas embodies Kali – Goddess of Time and Death who epitomizes the paradoxes of feminine wholeness and illuminates a woman’s path to reclaiming her limitlessness. This performance promises to haunt, provoke, and enchant.

Tickets start at $32 for students and $42 for regular-priced tickets and are available online at https://newyorklivearts.org/event/independent-works-reclaiming-the-divine-feminine/.

According to Nivas, the tantric wisdom goddesses (mahavidyas) are some of the most radical yet invisible iconography of South Asian civilization. She says, “Tantra, which was birthed in tribal India, has been highly denigrated and stereotyped in the West to be about sex and freakish practices. It’s tragic how little folks know about this powerful paradigm, even in India itself due to its unorthodox departure from patriarchal structures and what we consider ‘wild’ and ‘horrific’ imagery of a woman.”

The phrase “divine feminine” has been gaining popularity recently, but Nivas hopes to expand and deepen its understanding. She says, “Tantra’s ‘divine feminine’ is a rare concept in that she is not just a revered nurturing consort to a male deity, but rather an entirely independent and autonomous power, not depicted with a partner or even as a mother. My own life has taken me to deep self-inquiry and brought me to discover how profound and liberating these goddesses are. They have the power to transform and reclaim a woman’s wild limitlessness nature.”

Reclaiming the Divine Feminine is a project that germinated from Nivas’ 6-month research journey for the Jerome Robbins Dance Division prestigious Dance Research Fellowship at New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. The 2022-23 theme being Dance and Ecology, Nivas presented a culminating talk and dance with live music titled Nature, Woman, and the Macrocosm: How Indian classical dance transmits a consciousness of indivisibility. It showcased the intersectionality of Indian classical dance with ecofeminism, interconnectedness, and non-duality. Curator of the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, Linda Murray, says, “Rachna is one of the most accomplished Kathak practitioners working in the U.S. today. A radical artist whose practice is both deeply respectful of tradition but also interrogative, she keeps alive one of the most important lineages of Indian classical dance and is a crucial figure for understanding the integration of Indian culture into the American dance mosaic.”

In addition to the NYPL, Reclaiming the Divine Feminine is supported by New York Live Arts under their Independent Works program and CUNY Dance Initiative.

Live Musical Artists: Jayanta Banerjee, sitar; Satyaprakash Mishra, tabla; Varshini Narayanan, Bansuri flute; Dara Hankins, cello; Neha Tummala, vocals

About Rachna Nivas

Rachna Nivas is a performing artist, choreographer, educator, community organizer, scholar, and activist of Indian classical art. She is one of the most accomplished kathak dance practitioners of her generation. A radical artist whose practice is both deeply protective of tradition but also interrogative, she keeps alive one of the most important lineages of classical Indian dance. Called by critics “revelatory”, “charismatic”, “a dancer who radiates power and grace”, her work is rooted in feminine consciousness and Eastern philosophies that challenges Eurocentric cultural paradigms. After rising to principal dancer in legendary master Chitresh Das’ acclaimed company for 15 years, she is now co-founder and co-artistic director of Leela Dance Collective and is building her own solo body of work in a generative chapter of her artistic journey.

Rachna was a New York Public Library for the Performing Arts Dance Research Fellow which became the genesis of her newest solo work, ‘Reclaiming the Divine Feminine’. To complete this work, Rachna was awarded the 2023-24 CUNY Dance Initiative Residency. Her additional original works include ‘Unedited’, a risk-bound tour-de-force solo highlighting improvisation with live musicians; SPEAK, a cross-cultural collaboration bringing together leading women in kathak and tap,; Son of the Wind, a large-scale Ramayana dance drama. Notable tours of her works include LA’s Broad Stage and Ford Theaters, San Francisco’s Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Mumbai’s Royal Opera House, New Delhi’s Epicenter, Maui Arts and Cultural Center, Philadelphia’s Kimmel Center.

As an educator and community organizer, Rachna is currently directing Leela New York’s thriving training institution. She has taught in numerous educational residencies, most notably at Verdon/Fosse Legacy, Kuperberg Center for the Arts, New Orleans’ Treme Center, Miami’s Conservatory of Arts.

For more information, visit http://rachnanivas.com.

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Nathlie Provosty: Where they reverse the sea with the sky – Front Gallery

Do you know this thing that happens to pilots, where they reverse the sea with the sky? It’s called a Fata Morgana, a mirage, the bending of light that occurs when two atmospheric temperatures create a steep thermal inversion. 

Nina Johnson is pleased to announce Where they reverse the sea with the sky, a solo exhibition of new work by New York-based artist Nathlie Provosty. Opening February 22nd in the Front Gallery, the exhibition presents a series of the artist’s characteristically subtle and highly tactical abstract paintings and drawings that investigate themes of perception, materiality, and paradox.  

A color transition ensues. Initially the viewer is surrounded by cool-gray and the painting Fata Morgana (2024) – a large, silvery swordsong of beam-like diagonals. Walk further around a constructed scrim wall, and you enter a space of hot yellows and oranges. There hangs Temple of Mind (2019-2024), a vivid saffron monolith that is ever-so-slightly misaligned in the manner of the Cycladic kouros figures (with their characteristically skewed feet). Temple of Mind conjures the feeling of basking in a sacred, fiery glow. 

The works exhibited in Where they reverse the sea with the sky explore the idea of the body as a phenomenal instrument, capable of receiving and sending information through energetics, pleasure, pain, dream, and intuition. Utilizing ambiguity and refinement as a lens to construct images on the delicate edge of subtlety, Provosty’s work flickers within ideas of spatiality, sensuality, formal nuance, and inherent fundamental conflicts within communication. 

Between Fata Morgana and Temple of Mind lies the Kinesics series, ink, gouache, enamel, and collage drawings that are an expansion upon recent works shown in Italy. Kinesics is the study of non-verbal communication such as body language, or a blush. Exhibited here in custom artist-designed resin “jellyfish” frames on a translucent scrim wall and created through automatism – using pen and ink, the brush, collage, and spilling – these pieces explore the phenomenon of translucency. Many images use echo, reversals, doubling, and within the process of their creation are regularly flipped. Also exhibited are two Icons (2024), Scorpion (2024), and The opening of the field (2024), paintings of meticulous engineering that reflect  larger themes of misdirection, alignment, and sensitivity to the nature of light.

“Inversion has been something that’s a continued interest, in terms of pairing differences: such as intimacy in a large size or monumentality in a small size,” said Nathlie Provosty. “What creates interest in painting? What makes you believe in a painting? And from there you get into these questions around what makes a belief at all?”

Where they reverse the sea with the sky is on view through March 30, 2024.

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Upgraded (2024): A romantic comedy on Prime Video

Upgraded is a romantic comedy directed by Carlson Young starring Camila Mendes and Archie Renaux.

Romantic comedies are a genre that effortlessly works for the screenwriters, the performers, and the audience. It is a genre that is often criticized for being similar to other films. And now, Prime Video presents “Upgraded”, a comedy that resembles a movie starring Audrey Hepburn, in which a girl meets a charming boy while traveling in London and they fall in love… and of course, he happens to be a millionaire. She is poor but charming and clever. If it weren’t for Marisa Tomei’s performance, the movie would not be memorable. And to be honest, it won’t be remembered much anyway.

Upgraded – Prime VideoPlot

An assistant at an art auction house in New York is sent to London, and a kind supervisor gives her a first-class ticket for the flight. There, she meets a charming, handsome, and wealthy boy (surprise) whom she falls in love with (surprise, surprise).

About the movie

It fulfills all the requirements of a good romantic comedy, leaving us wondering, what’s new? The only new thing (which isn’t much) is Marisa Tomei’s character, the director of the auction house, who shines because it is the only role that allows for some acting prowess. The rest: a predictable repetition of other very famous romantic comedies. A bit of confusion here, lots of money there, and in between, some dull dialogues that, though likeable, make this movie easy to watch and forget. It is simple and doesn’t want to deviate from the script at any moment. A product created for this special Valentine’s Day, which the networks take advantage of to release these movies that cause no harm except to film critics.

Our Opinion

Another Valentine’s Day approaches with these movies that pass through our lives without causing any harm, resembling each other so that for an hour and a half, we can believe in that thing called romantic love. (Sigh)

Where to Watch “Upgraded”

Prime Video

Upgraded – Prime Video

The post Upgraded (2024): A romantic comedy on Prime Video appeared first on Martin Cid Magazine.

Marisa Tomei

Marisa Tomei, an American actress, has captivated audiences around the world with her remarkable talent and versatility. From her breakout role in “My Cousin Vinny” to her recent performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Tomei has consistently delivered captivating performances that have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fan base.

Early Life and Education

Marisa Tomei was born on December 4, 1964, in Brooklyn, New York, to Adelaide “Addie” and Gary A. Tomei. Her parents, both of Italian descent, instilled in her a love for the arts from an early age. Tomei’s father was a trial lawyer, while her mother was an English teacher. She grew up in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, where she developed a passion for Broadway shows and acting.

Tomei attended Edward R. Murrow High School, where she graduated in 1982. During her high school years, she was actively involved in school productions and even played the role of Hedy LaRue in a production of “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying” at Andries Hudde Junior High School. After graduating, she briefly attended Boston University before pursuing her acting career full-time.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Tomei’s acting career began in the early 1980s when she landed a role in the soap opera “As the World Turns” from 1983 to 1985. She also appeared in the first season of the sitcom “A Different World” in 1987. These early appearances showcased her natural talent and paved the way for her future success.

In 1992, Tomei’s career reached new heights with her breakout role in the comedy film “My Cousin Vinny.” Her portrayal of Mona Lisa Vito, a fast-talking and street-smart character, earned her widespread acclaim and recognition. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance, solidifying her status as a talented and versatile actress.

Filmography and Notable Roles

Throughout her career, Tomei has delivered captivating performances in a wide range of films. Some of her notable roles include:

Chaplin (1992)

In “Chaplin,” Tomei portrayed silent film star Mabel Normand alongside her then-boyfriend Robert Downey Jr., who played Charlie Chaplin. Her performance showcased her ability to bring depth and charm to her characters.

The Wrestler (2008)

Tomei’s portrayal of Cassidy/Pam, a struggling stripper, in Darren Aronofsky’s “The Wrestler” garnered critical acclaim. Her raw and vulnerable performance earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.

Spider-Man: Homecoming (2017) and Spider-Man: Far From Home (2019)

Tomei joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as May Parker, the aunt of Peter Parker (Spider-Man). Her portrayal of May Parker added a new dimension to the beloved character and endeared her to audiences worldwide.

The King of Staten Island (2020)

In “The King of Staten Island,” Tomei played the role of Margie, a supportive and loving mother. Her nuanced performance added depth to the film and showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life.

Broadway and Theater Work

In addition to her successful film career, Tomei has also made a name for herself in the world of theater. She made her Broadway debut in 1998 in the play “Wait Until Dark.” Over the years, she has taken on various roles in off-Broadway productions, including “Daughters,” “Beirut,” and “What the Butler Saw.”

Tomei’s talent and dedication to her craft have been recognized with several prestigious awards and nominations. She received a Drama Desk Award nomination for Outstanding Featured Actress in a Play for her role in “Top Girls” and a special Drama Desk Award for “The Realistic Joneses.” In 2019, she returned to Broadway in the revival of “The Rose Tattoo.”

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Outside of her acting career, Tomei is known for her philanthropic work and activism. She has been involved with various charitable organizations, including Artists for Peace and Justice, which provides education and healthcare to the people of Haiti. Tomei has also been an advocate for women’s rights and has used her platform to raise awareness about important social issues.

In her personal life, Tomei has had a few high-profile relationships, including a partnership with Logan Marshall-Green from 2008 to 2012. Despite her fame, she has managed to keep her private life relatively private and focuses on her career and philanthropic endeavors.

Awards and Recognition

Marisa Tomei’s talent and contributions to the entertainment industry have been recognized with numerous awards and nominations. In addition to her Academy Award for “My Cousin Vinny,” she has received nominations for her performances in “In the Bedroom” and “The Wrestler.” Tomei has also been honored with awards such as the Drama Desk Award and the Gracie Allen Award for her work in theater and television.

Future Projects

As a highly sought-after actress, Marisa Tomei continues to take on challenging and diverse roles. Fans can look forward to seeing her reprise her role as May Parker in the highly anticipated film “Spider-Man: No Way Home” and in other exciting projects that showcase her exceptional talent and versatility.

Marisa Tomei’s career is a testament to her immense talent and dedication to her craft. From her early beginnings in soap operas to her acclaimed performances on the big screen and stage, Tomei has proven time and time again that she is a force to be reckoned with in the world of acting. Her ability to bring depth and authenticity to her characters has earned her the respect and admiration of audiences and critics alike. As she continues to take on new and exciting projects, there’s no doubt that Marisa Tomei will continue to captivate audiences with her remarkable performances for years to come.

Marisa Tomei talks ‘Upgraded,’ looks back at ‘A Different World’

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