Martin Cid's Blog: Martin Cid Magazine, page 60

Claire Oliver Gallery Presents Sharon Kerry-Harlan at Outsider Art Fair

Claire Oliver Gallery is set to make its debut at the Outsider Art Fair with a solo presentation by artist Sharon Kerry-Harlan. This marks not only the gallery’s first appearance at the fair but also their inaugural solo exhibition of Kerry-Harlan’s work. The presentation will showcase a diverse selection of Kerry-Harlan’s creations, ranging from textile and mixed media works to paintings and figurative objects.

Sharon Kerry-Harlan, an autodidact artist, has developed a unique artistic approach that blends traditional techniques with contemporary methods. Her work encompasses rust-dyed and monochromatic large-scale textile pieces, vibrant mixed-media collages, paintings, and figurative objects such as her series of Black Eyed Peas dolls. These creations are imbued with narratives shaped by historical and socio-political contexts.

Kerry-Harlan’s artistic journey is deeply rooted in her African diasporic heritage, drawing inspiration from the rhythm of modern metropolitan life and the interplay between historical narratives and contemporary events. She positions herself as a keeper of information and histories, repurposing found objects and materials passed down to her. Her work is characterized by a balance of geometric forms and figural curves, weaving captivating narratives that transcend temporal boundaries.

As a bold storyteller through textiles and mixed media, Kerry-Harlan transforms fabric into a dynamic canvas. Her rust-dyed textiles, hand-painted compositions, and intricate collages explore themes of memory, resilience, and cultural identity. Drawing from a lineage of designers and quilters, her work serves as a bridge between generations, offering visually compelling narratives that challenge and engage audiences.

The presentation of Kerry-Harlan’s work at the Outsider Art Fair underscores Claire Oliver Gallery’s commitment to championing artists who push boundaries and amplify underrepresented voices within contemporary art. Kerry-Harlan’s artistic vision aligns perfectly with the spirit of the Outsider Art Fair, which serves as a premier platform for Self-Taught Art, Art Brut, and Outsider Art.

The 33rd edition of the Outsider Art Fair will feature an impressive lineup of 66 exhibitors from 40 cities across 9 countries. This diverse representation continues the fair’s mission to showcase groundbreaking works that reshape art historical discourse.

The Outsider Art Fair, featuring Sharon Kerry-Harlan’s solo presentation by Claire Oliver Gallery, will take place at the Metropolitan Pavilion in New York City from February 27 to March 2, 2025.

The Devil Wears Prada Musical: A West End Sensation

The West End has a new darling, and it’s dressed in haute couture. “The Devil Wears Prada,” the musical adaptation of the beloved novel and film, has taken London by storm, breaking records and captivating audiences at the Dominion Theatre. This theatrical sensation, featuring music by Elton John and lyrics by Shaina Taub and Mark Sonnenblick, has proven to be a runaway success since its debut.

The production’s popularity is evident in its remarkable achievements. It has become the fastest-selling show in the Dominion Theatre’s history, boasting the largest advance sales. The first 100 performances played to full capacity, a testament to the show’s widespread appeal. This success has led to an extension of the run, with 200,000 new tickets released to meet the overwhelming demand.

Critical acclaim has accompanied the show’s commercial success. The musical has garnered four nominations for the WhatsOnStage Awards, including Best New Musical. The production’s star power is undeniable, with Vanessa Williams, known for her roles in “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives,” leading the cast as the formidable Miranda Priestly. Alongside Williams, the cast features Olivier Award winner Matt Henry, MBE, as Nigel, the creative fashion director.

The musical brings to life the story of Andy, an aspiring journalist who lands a job at the prestigious Runway magazine, working under the demanding Miranda Priestly. As Andy navigates the cutthroat world of high fashion, she finds herself torn between her ambitions and her values, creating a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

Behind the scenes, the production boasts an impressive creative team. Jerry Mitchell, known for hits like “Kinky Boots” and “Hairspray,” directs and choreographs the show. The set design by Tim Hatley and costume design by Gregg Barnes bring the glamorous world of fashion to life on stage, while Bruno Poet’s lighting and Gareth Owen’s sound design enhance the theatrical experience.

“The Devil Wears Prada” musical is not just a adaptation; it’s a reimagining of a beloved story for the stage. It retains the wit and style of its source material while adding the flair and excitement of live theater. The show’s ability to blend humor, drama, and spectacular visuals has made it a must-see event in London’s theater scene.

As the musical continues to draw crowds and extend its run, it cements its place as a significant addition to the West End. With its combination of star power, creative talent, and universal themes, “The Devil Wears Prada” is poised to remain a hot ticket for the foreseeable future. Theater-goers have until January 3, 2026, to experience this fashionable phenomenon at the Dominion Theatre.

Bogotá: City of the Lost – A Gripping Tale of Ambition and Survival

“Bogotá: City of the Lost,” a Netflix original film directed by Kim Seong-je, offers viewers a thrilling journey into the heart of Colombia’s capital. This South Korean production, starring Song Joong-ki, has captured audiences with its intense narrative and exploration of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Plot Overview

Set against the backdrop of Bogotá’s bustling streets and shadowy underworld, the film follows a young Korean man who relocates to Colombia in search of a better life. As he navigates the complexities of his new environment, he finds himself ascending through the ranks of the Colombian black market. The protagonist’s journey is fraught with danger, as he risks everything for a shot at success in a foreign land.

Cast and Characters

The film features an ensemble cast led by Song Joong-ki as Kook-hee in the lead role. Supporting actors include Lee Hee-jun as Su-young, Kwon Hae-hyo as Sergeant Park, and Juana del Río. Each character brings depth to the story, contributing to the intricate web of relationships and conflicts that drive the narrative forward.

Production and Release

“Bogotá: City of the Lost” is a South Korean production that showcases the growing international appeal of Korean cinema. The film’s original title, “보고타: 마지막 기회의 땅,” translates to “Bogota: Land of Last Chances,” hinting at the themes of desperation and opportunity that permeate the story. Initially released in theaters, the film found its way to a global audience through Netflix.

Critical Reception

Critics and audiences have praised the film for its intense storytelling, Song Joong-ki’s compelling performance, atmospheric portrayal of Bogotá, and exploration of themes such as ambition, survival, and cultural displacement.

Themes and Style

“Bogotá: City of the Lost” blends elements of drama, crime, and mystery to create a multi-layered narrative. The film delves into the immigrant experience, the allure and dangers of quick success, cultural clashes and adaptation, and the moral ambiguity of survival in a foreign criminal underworld.

Box Office Performance and Netflix Release

Despite its critical acclaim, reports suggest that “Bogotá: City of the Lost” underperformed at the domestic box office in South Korea. This outcome reportedly led to an emotional response from lead actor Song Joong-ki, highlighting the personal investment of the cast and crew in the project. However, the film’s release on Netflix has opened it up to a worldwide audience, potentially giving it a second life beyond its theatrical run. This global distribution strategy aligns with Netflix’s commitment to bringing diverse international content to its subscribers.

“Bogotá: City of the Lost” is for fans of international thrillers that transcend borders and find audiences across the globe. With its gripping narrative, strong performances, and exploration of universal themes, the film offers viewers an intense and thought-provoking experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Enjoy.

Where to Watch “Bogotá: City of the Lost”

Netflix

The Cast[image error]Song Joong-ki[image error]Kwon Hae-hyo[image error]Lee Hee-jun[image error]Cho Hyun-chul

Park Ji-hwan
Kim Jong-soo
Juana del Río
Im Sung-jae
Kim Tae-baek

52nd Annual Saturn Awards: A Celebration of Genre Entertainment

The 52nd Annual Saturn Awards, hosted by the Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror, took place at the Hilton Universal City Hotel in Los Angeles, California. The event, which has been recognizing excellence in genre entertainment since 1972, was hosted by Joel McHale for the third consecutive year.

This year’s ceremony was particularly notable as it served dual purposes. While celebrating the best in science fiction, fantasy, and horror entertainment, the event also raised awareness and support for the Los Angeles wildfire relief efforts. Viewers and attendees were provided with information on how to contribute to the rebuilding efforts in the affected areas.

The awards show was broadcast live on The Roku Channel and ElectricNOW, allowing fans to participate in the celebration remotely. The ceremony featured a star-studded lineup of presenters and recipients, including industry legends and rising stars.

William Shatner, a pop culture icon known for his contributions to science fiction, received the Saturn’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented by his son-in-law, actor Joel Gretsch. Laurence Fishburne was honored with the second annual Lance Reddick Legacy Award, presented by LeVar Burton. Hiroyuki Sanada, star of the Disney series “Shōgun,” was awarded The Robert Forster Artist’s Award.

The event also celebrated significant milestones in genre entertainment. The cast and creators of “Back to the Future” were present to commemorate the film’s 40th anniversary and receive The George Pal Memorial Award. The Amazon series “Fallout” received The Spotlight Award, while the CW show “Superman & Lois” was honored with the Dan Curtis Legacy Award as it concluded its four-season run.

The awards ceremony recognized excellence across various categories in film and television. Notable winners included “Dune: Part Two” for Best Science Fiction Film, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” for Best Fantasy Film, and “Alien: Romulus” for Best Horror Film. In the television categories, “Fallout” won Best Science Fiction Television Series, while “House of the Dragon” took home the award for Best Fantasy Television Series.

Individual performances were also celebrated, with Nicolas Cage winning Best Actor in a Film for “Dream Scenario” and Demi Moore receiving Best Actress in a Film for “The Substance.” In the television categories, Colin Farrell and Rosario Dawson were recognized as Best Actor and Best Actress, respectively.

National Gallery’s Monet Masterpiece to Tour UK Museums

The National Gallery has announced plans for Claude Monet’s “The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil” to embark on a tour across the United Kingdom. This initiative, part of the National Gallery Masterpiece Tour, aims to bring significant artworks to audiences outside of London.

The painting, created in 1872, depicts a serene winter scene on the outskirts of Argenteuil, a small suburban town near Paris. Monet’s work captures a tranquil moment by the river, showcasing his characteristic style with orderly composition, varied brushstrokes, and reflections in water. Despite Argenteuil’s growing industrialization and popularity for leisure activities, Monet chose to focus on the natural beauty of the area, only hinting at urban development through scattered buildings behind trees.

This tour marks a significant event, as the painting has only left the National Gallery once in the past two decades. The Masterpiece Tour, which has been running for over a decade, has reached nearly 401,000 people across the UK since its inception in 2014. Including other travelling exhibitions, the National Gallery’s touring program has engaged with over 1.4 million people in the same period.

Four partner institutions have been selected for this tour: the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, South Shields Museum and Art Gallery, Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool, and Ferens Art Gallery in Hull. Each venue will create a unique exhibition around the Monet painting, tailoring the display to themes relevant to their local communities.

The Sainsbury Centre plans to incorporate the painting into their 2025 season, which explores the question “Can We Stop Killing Each Other?” They will create a reflective space for contemplation and use it to develop trauma-informed cafes as part of their Compassionate Museum program.

South Shields Museum and Art Gallery will focus on connecting Monet’s work with their local landscape and collection. They will also feature artworks created through an engagement program with families of pupils experiencing Emotion-Based School Avoidance.

Grundy Art Gallery in Blackpool will exhibit the Monet alongside a solo exhibition by contemporary Northwest-based artist Louise Giovanelli. They will also organize workshops and an exhibition featuring responses to Monet’s work by local schools and adults with learning disabilities.

Ferens Art Gallery plans to co-curate their exhibition with Flourish, their creative group for disabled and neurodivergent children and young people. The result will be a multi-sensory, immersive space that offers visitors a new and inclusive perspective on art.

National Gallery Director Sir Gabriele Finaldi emphasized the importance of bringing the collection to people across the country, stating that it supports the UK’s cultural ecosystem and allows for new interpretations through partnerships with local organizations and communities.

The tour is made possible through the support of Hiscox, the National Gallery’s first contemporary art partner. Robert Read, Hiscox Head of Art and Private Clients, expressed enthusiasm for the tour’s commitment to bringing important works of art to a wider audience.

The National Gallery Masterpiece Tour featuring Monet’s “The Petit Bras of the Seine at Argenteuil” is scheduled to take place from 2025 to 2027.

ReSetna: A Post-Human Sci-Fi Metroidvania Adventure

ReSetna, a highly anticipated post-apocalyptic Metroidvania game developed by Today’s Games, has officially launched on Steam. This lore-rich sci-fi adventure is set in a world where organic life has long since vanished, leaving only self-aware machines grappling with the passage of time and their own existence.

In ReSetna, players take on the role of an advanced automaton awakened in a crumbling world. The game blends precision-based combat, deep environmental storytelling, and challenging boss battles to deliver an epic non-linear journey spanning approximately 20 hours. ReSetna incorporates classic Metroidvania elements such as double jumps, air dashes, wall jumps, and teleportation between checkpoints.

The game world is divided into seven distinct regions, each with its own unique atmosphere and challenges. Players can shape their playstyle through a innovative Tetromino upgrade system and wield a variety of weapons, each affecting ReSetna’s attack speed and patterns.

A Collaboration Across Worlds

In an exciting development, Today’s Games has partnered with South Korean studio Newcore Games for a special collaboration between ReSetna and The Devil Within: Satgat. This partnership bridges two distinct universes – one dominated by machines, the other consumed by demons. As part of this collaboration, ReSetna players will have the opportunity to unlock a special The Devil Within-themed Steam achievement.

Release Information

ReSetna is currently available on Steam for $19.99, with regional pricing available worldwide. Console versions for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch are slated for release in Q1 2025. Additionally, a mobile version is planned for mid-2025.

The game has been well-received, with players praising its atmospheric art style, intense soundtrack blending synthetic and organic elements, and fast-paced combat. The development team at Today’s Games, composed of experienced veterans from the Croatian gaming industry, has spent over two years crafting this unique gaming experience.

As ReSetna embarks on its journey across multiple platforms, it stands as a testament to the creativity and innovation within the indie game development scene, offering players a fresh take on the beloved Metroidvania genre.

NASA’s Asteroid Bennu Sample Reveals Potential Building Blocks of Life

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission has provided groundbreaking insights into the early solar system and the potential origins of life. The analysis of rock and dust samples from asteroid Bennu, delivered to Earth in 2023, has revealed the presence of key molecules associated with life on our planet.

The samples contain a mixture of organic compounds, including amino acids and nucleobases, which are fundamental to life as we know it. Specifically, 14 of the 20 amino acids used by life on Earth to create proteins were detected, along with all five nucleobases used in DNA and RNA. These findings suggest that the conditions necessary for life’s emergence may have been widespread in the early solar system.

Researchers also identified high concentrations of ammonia in the Bennu samples. Ammonia is significant in biology due to its potential to react with formaldehyde, also detected in the samples, to form complex molecules such as amino acids under suitable conditions.

The pristine nature of the space-collected sample has allowed scientists to identify these building blocks of life with unprecedented clarity. This supports the hypothesis that objects formed far from the Sun could have been crucial sources of raw materials for life throughout the solar system.

In addition to organic compounds, scientists discovered evidence of an ancient aqueous environment within the Bennu samples. Traces of 11 minerals, including calcite, halite, and sylvite, were identified. These minerals form as water containing dissolved salts evaporates over extended periods. This finding suggests the presence of a saltwater “broth” that could have facilitated the interaction and combination of organic compounds.

The complete set of evaporite minerals preserved in the Bennu sample provides insight into an evaporation process that may have lasted thousands of years or more. Some minerals, such as trona, were discovered for the first time in extraterrestrial samples.

While these discoveries do not provide direct evidence of life, they indicate that the ingredients and conditions necessary for life were present in the early solar system. This increases the possibility that life could have formed on other planets and moons.

The Bennu sample analysis also raises new questions. For instance, the amino acids found in the sample exist in equal mixtures of left-handed and right-handed versions, unlike life on Earth which predominantly uses left-handed amino acids. The reason for this “left-handed” preference in terrestrial life remains unknown.

The OSIRIS-REx mission, managed by NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, involved collaboration with the University of Arizona, Lockheed Martin Space, and international partners including the Canadian Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. The mission’s findings contribute significantly to our understanding of the solar system’s potential for harboring life and the processes that may have led to life on Earth.

Frank Wimberley’s “Before More After Less” Exhibition Showcases Decades of Abstract Expressionism

Berry Campbell gallery presents its third solo exhibition featuring the works of Frank Wimberley, a 99-year-old African American artist renowned for his abstract expressionist style. The exhibition, titled “Frank Wimberley: Before More After Less,” offers a comprehensive look at Wimberley’s artistic journey spanning over five decades.

Frank Wimberley, based in Corona, Queens, and Sag Harbor, New York, has maintained a consistent and distinctive approach to abstract art throughout his career. His work is deeply rooted in the Abstract Expressionist tradition, drawing particular inspiration from Willem de Kooning. Wimberley’s artistic philosophy aligns closely with that of his friend and collector, the legendary jazz musician Miles Davis, emphasizing authenticity in personal expression.

The exhibition showcases a diverse range of Wimberley’s work, including paintings, sculptures, and collages created between 1969 and 2025. A significant portion of the display focuses on pieces from the 1990s, characterized by their heavily textured surfaces incorporating materials such as canvas and sand. These works, predominantly featuring blacks, whites, and earth tones, evoke a subtle, poetic quality. Many of these paintings have not been publicly exhibited since their original showings at venues like the Cinque Gallery, June Kelly Gallery, and Howard University.

In recent years, Wimberley’s art has garnered increasing recognition. He held a solo exhibition at the Arts Center at Duck Creek in East Hampton, New York, in 2021, and his work was included in the “Creating Community: Cinque Gallery Artists” exhibition at the Art Students League in New York. The Greenville County Museum of Art in South Carolina featured his art in their “Collection Highlights: African-American Art” exhibition in 2023. Currently, Wimberley’s work is part of the group exhibition “Acts of Art and Rebuttal in Greenwich Village” at the Bertha and Karl Leubsdorf Gallery at Hunter College, New York.

Wimberley’s recent induction into the Guild Hall Academy of Arts by Eric Fischl further cements his status in the art world. His works are part of prestigious collections, including those of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and the Smithsonian Institution of American Art, among others.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 68-page catalogue featuring a biography by Lisa N. Peters, PhD, and original text by Wimberley himself, discussing his work in collage. This text was originally written for a group exhibition at Guild Hall in East Hampton, New York, in 1979.

The exhibition “Frank Wimberley: Before More After Less” opens on Thursday, February 6, and runs through March 8, 2025, with an opening reception scheduled for Saturday, February 15, 2025, from 2 to 4 pm.

South African Crime Drama ‘Poachers Moon’ Starts Principal Photography, Reveals International Lead Cast

South African feature Poachers Moon, has now officially started principal photography in the Northern Cape’s Kimberely location.

Set against the South African landscape, Poachers Moon is a gripping crime drama that delves into the harrowing realities faced by two childhood friends, navigating trauma, poverty, and the grim world of rhino poaching. The story weaves a tale of intertwined fates, resilience, and hope through the lives of James Hollander (British actor Tom Datnow) and Michael ‘Moremi’ Zungu (South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo).

Currently filming, the above mentioned Datnow and Ngcobo are joined by a local and international cast that includes Muzi Mthabela, Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane, SAG award nominee Stelio Savante, Ntando Zondi, Thami Mngqolo, Kathryn Crosby, Andre Jacobs, Leroy Gopal, Martez Saporta-Rothuysen and Sabelo Radebe.

The project marks Datnow’s directorial debut from his own script, a tribute to his late friend that captures the innocence of youth lost.

Poacher’s Moon is produced by Datnow’s banner, ‘DODATNOWFILMS’ and Mqondisi ‘MQ’ Ngubane whose South African productions include Shaka iLembe, and as an executive producer for BET + ‘s A Wesley South African Christmas. The film is also being supported by several Northern Cape Government Departments including The Premiers Offices, Department Of Sports, Art & Culture, Economic Development and Tourism and NCEDA. Poachers Moon supports the empowerment of South African creatives, with 70% of the team sourced in the Northern Cape, the remaining crew hailing from Gauteng, U.S. and U.K., ensuring a diverse global perspective.

South African Crime Drama ‘Poachers Moon’ Starts Principal Photography, Reveals Lead Cast

South African feature Poachers Moon, has now officially started principal photography in the Northern Cape’s Kimberely location.

Set against the South African landscape, Poachers Moon is a gripping crime drama that delves into the harrowing realities faced by two childhood friends, navigating trauma, poverty, and the grim world of rhino poaching. The story weaves a tale of intertwined fates, resilience, and hope through the lives of James Hollander (British actor Tom Datnow) and Michael ‘Moremi’ Zungu (South African actor Kwenzo Ngcobo).

Currently filming, the above mentioned Datnow and Ngcobo are joined by a local and international cast that includes Muzi Mthabela, Ayanda Bandla-Ngubane, SAG award nominee Stelio Savante, Ntando Zondi, Thami Mngqolo, Kathryn Crosby, Andre Jacobs, Leroy Gopal, Martez Saporta-Rothuysen and Sabelo Radebe.

The project marks Datnow’s directorial debut from his own script, a tribute to his late friend that captures the innocence of youth lost.

Poacher’s Moon is produced by Datnow’s banner, ‘DODATNOWFILMS’ and Mqondisi ‘MQ’ Ngubane whose South African productions include Shaka iLembe, and as an executive producer for BET + ‘s A Wesley South African Christmas. The film is also being supported by several Northern Cape Government Departments including The Premiers Offices, Department Of Sports, Art & Culture, Economic Development and Tourism and NCEDA. Poachers Moon supports the empowerment of South African creatives, with 70% of the team sourced in the Northern Cape, the remaining crew hailing from Gauteng, U.S. and U.K., ensuring a diverse global perspective.